At Australian Bluegum Plantations (ABP), we are committed to being at the forefront of regional fire protection efforts this summer. Alongside our partners in the Green Triangle Fire Alliance (GTFA), we have implemented strong measures to protect our communities against the heightened fire risks predicted for the season.
Enhanced Preparedness
$20 million has been invested into strengthening our fire management strategy, which includes:
- A dedicated water-bombing helicopter equipped with a 1250-litre bucket for rapid response.
- An AI-powered fire detection system with 24/7 surveillance across 15 locations to detect potential threats early.
- State-of-the-art firefighting tankers designed to efficiently tackle ground fires.
This investment supports ongoing training for 300 highly skilled forest firefighters and ensures our resources are deployed effectively when needed most.
Community Collaboration
Collaboration with local communities is a cornerstone of our approach. Recently, the GTFA partnered with key agencies like the CFA and Forest Fire Management to host events in Casterton and Dartmoor. These showcases focused on essential fire prevention strategies such as property preparation, fuel load reduction, and featured live demonstrations of our advanced fire defence technologies.
Testing and Refinement
Operational readiness was further tested in a comprehensive air-ground exercise led by the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) near Mount Gambier. This real-world simulation evaluated the effectiveness of both aerial and ground assets, ensuring a coordinated and efficient response to any fire threat.
A Year-Round Commitment
At ABP, fire management is a year-round commitment. From enhancing our AI detection network to supporting local communities, we remain focused on protecting plantation assets, local economies, and the safety of our communities.
We encourage everyone in the region to prioritise bushfire safety by developing a fire plan and reducing fuel loads around their properties. Together, we can minimise risks and safeguard our shared future.