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Fire Access Bridges In Gippsland To Be Repaired And Replaced

Gippsland Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) has received almost $1million from the Public Land Fire Initiative funding for 2005/06.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 11th August 2005 - Back to News

This funding has been distributed to fire priority areas and Water Catchment Areas in the region.

As a result, DSE will be replacing seven bridges in targeted areas in west Gippsland during the 2005/06 season (five in Erica forest district and two in Noojee forest district).

Additional funding has enabled DSE in east Gippsland to replace a further three bridges in strategic fire and recreation areas (one in each of the Orbost, Cann River and Bairnsdale forest districts), resulting in a total Bridge Replacement Program of 10 bridges throughout Gippsland.

DSE Gippsland Forest Manager, Ross Pridgeon said that the works were part of the Government’s three-year $10 million funding program to improve access on public land in high fire risk areas of the state.

"As well as the clear benefits to the community, the funding also provides a significant boost to DSE’s annual road maintenance program and has enabled the replacement of bridges and other capital works which would not otherwise have been possible," Mr Pridgeon said.

Public Land Fire Initiative funding indications for 2006/07 have enabled Gippsland to program the replacement of a further eight to 10 bridges in strategic Fire and Water Catchment areas over the next two years.

"In addition to the bridge replacement program, DSE will also focus on several important road upgrades which will provide benefits for fire suppression activities and asset protection."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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