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Gippsland Regional Fire Conference Held In Lakes Entrance

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) held its annual Regional Fire Conference in Lakes Entrance on Wednesday November 5.

By Dept of Sustainability & Environment - 6th November 2003 - Back to News

The conference was attended by the state's Chief Fire Officer, Gary Morgan, the Regional Manager for Parks Victoria, Ian Christie, DSE's Regional Fire Manager, David Tainsh and over 100 fire staff from across the region.

In his opening address, Chief Fire Officer Gary Morgan talked about this year's fire season and the huge impact it has had on firefighting staff and on regional communities.

"You've just gone through the biggest fire in 60 years, arguably the largest peacetime emergency exercise conducted in Australia," Mr Morgan said.

"The last fire season proved that we have an enormous amount of talent, experience and commitment in this region to manage fires effectively."

Mr Morgan said that Victorian firefighters are recognised as being among the best in the world and the responsibility is there to maintain that level of world-class expertise.

"We've come a long way in the last 20 years in working with other agencies, with the community and with the media in managing fire situations," he said.

"Particularly in Gippsland, we share some good working relationships with the CFA, Parks Victoria, the Department of Primary Industries and with our communities."

"We need to continue to improve those relationships and make the commitment to work better together in emergency management and response."

Mr Morgan said that fire management has increased in complexity over the last few years, with a huge increase in community expectations of the firefighting agencies.

"The community has never been served as well by any agency as they were in the 2003 fires, but we can still do better," he said.

"There is now a greater value of assets on the public/private land interface, as more people move from the city to the country. That means that the risks are greater and the work of the firefighting agencies is more intense than ever."

The conference went on to cover the outcomes of the Victorian Bushfire Inquiry, the outcomes of the many debriefs that have been held since the fires, weather predictions for the season, and recent research into fire behaviour.

Gary Morgan said that the Government had already begun implementing some of the recommendations of the Victorian Bushfire Inquiry, including increased emphasis on the use of local knowledge and more strategic fuel reduction burning.

"The appointment of Regional Fire Prevention Coordinators around the state will ensure that prescribed burning activities in the regions are thoroughly planned, effectively communicated and carried out to agreed standards," Mr Morgan said.

"The new Coordinators will work closely with the CFA and the community, listening to them and working with everyone involved towards improved fuel reduction management in the regions."

Summing up the day, Chief Fire Officer Gary Morgan said that the Gippsland region has excellent operational forest firefighters with a thorough understanding of fire behaviour and fire knowledge.

"This is the best place in the state to develop that understanding because of the large number of high intensity fuel reduction, regeneration and ecological burns we do here," he said.

He encouraged Gippsland staff to use their knowledge and experiences to help others to improve fire management across the state.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Omeo District Health's new modular worker accommodation is underway, providing housing for healthcare staff, supporting regional jobs, and helping the town attract and retain doctors, nurses, and essential workers.
• Darren Chester completes 19th Melbourne Marathon, joining 14,500 runners in iconic Gippsland sporting tradition
  Darren Chester completed his 19th Melbourne Marathon, joining 14,500 runners. The sold-out event celebrated fitness and community spirit, with Chester inspired by marathon legend John "Dobbo" Dobson's 47th consecutive run.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• Darren Chester commends Mac Waste Group for community commitment and support for Gippsland families
  Darren Chester praised Mac Waste Group for its community commitment, local job creation, youth training initiatives, and support for Gippsland families through its partnership with the Little Jem Foundation and fundraising efforts.
• David Littleproud says farmers won major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds
  Nationals Leader David Littleproud says farmers have won a major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds.
• Spring flows planned to support native fish migration and river health across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's Environmental Water team is planning Spring river flows to support native fish migration, enhance river health, and balance environmental care with community enjoyment of waterways.
• Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
• Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
  Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland.
• Darren Chester applauds Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, showcasing student enthusiasm and schools' vital role in regional life
  Darren Chester joined Tim Bull at Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, praising student enthusiasm, community spirit, and schools' vital role in fostering connections, participation, and regional community life through fun events
• Darren Chester praises Moogji Aboriginal Council for advancing health and sustainability in East Gippsland
  Darren Chester visited Moogji Aboriginal Council in Orbost, praising its vital health, youth, and environmental programs that support East Gippsland communities and promote Aboriginal culture, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.
• Darren Chester praises Orbost Community College student leaders for passion, ideas and commitment to East Gippsland's future
  Darren Chester praised Orbost Community College student leaders for their passion and ideas during discussions on education, health, economy, and community, highlighting the importance of listening to youth for regional Victoria's future.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• Bass Coast announces fee-free green waste period to help residents prepare for upcoming fire season
  Bass Coast residents can dispose of domestic green waste for free from 1 - 23 November 2025, helping the community prepare properties and reduce fire hazards ahead of the summer season.
• Farm fencing grants protect 300 hectares of biodiversity and boost waterway health across West Gippsland
  Over 300 hectares of farmland will be fenced through West Gippsland CMA's farm fencing grants, protecting waterways, biodiversity, and livestock while supporting sustainable farming and revegetation across the catchment.
• Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
  The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services.
• Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
  Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.