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Labertouche CFA Station gets new water tank with funds from by Bendigo Bank, Longwarry CFA and Baw Baw Shire Council

Purchase and installation of a 100,000-litre static water tank at the Labertouche CFA Station.

By news@gippsland - 22nd December 2021 - Back to News

Baw Baw Shire Council, together with Bendigo Bank and the Longwarry and District CFA have collaborated to secure funding for the purchase and installation of a 100,000-litre static water tank at the Labertouche CFA Station ahead of the upcoming fire danger period.

From left to right, Bendigo Bank Community Business Manager Shannon Egan, CFA members Mark Needham, Jim Wilson, Noel Galley, Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Emma Conway, Chair of the Bunyip and District Community Bank Barry Crees, CFA member Ian Grace, Council Recovery officer Mike Shaw and Mayor Michael Leaney

Inspecting the new equipment

Members of the local CFA were keen to show off the new water tank on Friday, which was recently installed at the Labertouche CFA station. Mayor of Baw Baw Shire, Councillor Michael Leaney, along with:

• Shannon Egan
• Bendigo Bank Community Business Manager, Barry Crees
• Chair of the Bunyip
• District Community Bank
• Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Emma Conway

Council officers joined the local CFA team members to inspect the new equipment, and hear firsthand the benefits it will provide to the local community.

Access to water supply

When speaking on the benefits the static water tank would provide to the local CFA, Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Emma Conway said, "The fire services will have direct access to a bulk water supply, which means our turnaround on to the fire ground is much faster".

She added that the new equipment would provide "a sense of security for this part of the world. It can become isolated, and it's really important that we have some sort of supply so that if we do become isolated, we can deal with things locally".

Support through grant

The need for a static water supply in the Labertouche region was highlighted following the devastating 2019 bushfires that impacted the Bunyip State Park and surrounding townships. Many trucks responding to the remote areas of the Shire were faced with limited accessibility to constant and reliable water mains.

Through Bendigo Bank's Gippsland Bushfire Grants Program, the Longwarry and District Fire Brigade sought funding for the community-led project. Council worked closely to support both parties throughout the grant process, with permit assistance and acquittals to ensure the funding was received and coordinated seamlessly.

"Having that local connection between council, the CFA and organisations like the Bendigo Bank means that we can have the conversations about the opportunities that come up", Emma continued to say.

Providing consistent water supply

CFA Labertouche was successfully awarded $12,584 in grant funding from Bendigo Bank in 2020 to purchase and install the crucial community asset. The tank was installed in September and is currently operating at full capacity.

As part of the program, a partnering tank was also installed within Latrobe City for CFA access within the Jumbuk area. The 100,000lt tank has capacity to provide consistent water supply for not only the Longwarry and District Fire Brigade, but also surrounding districts leading into the fire danger period.

Ensuring project delivery

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "This is a fantastic example of community spirit coming together to deliver a project. We thank Bendigo Bank for the funding that enabled the Longwarry and District Fire Brigade to purchase and install the new tank.

"I also thank the CFA representatives involved in the coordination with the council to ensure the project was delivered smoothly. This is a brilliant new community asset at CFA Labertouche and I trust in the benefits it will provide for our more remote areas within the Shire." Cr Leaney said.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland Council is seeking $12 million in Victorian Election funding for infrastructure projects in Paynesville, Lakes Entrance and Lucknow, supporting thousands of new homes.
• Martin Cameron slams fresh Bank Street traffic light delays as environmental studies push project back again
  The Nationals have criticised the Victorian government after environmental studies and cultural heritage approvals were blamed for fresh delays to long-promised traffic lights at Traralgon Bank Street intersection, despite years of funding.
• Melina Bath calls on Labor to protect locally raised foreshore funds and community priorities across Eastern Victoria
  Nationals MP Melina Bath has urged Labor to guarantee $500,000 raised by San Remo residents remains dedicated to local foreshore projects following committee merger concerns.
• Wellington Shire dog attacks decline, but council urges owners to secure pets and practise responsible dog ownership
  Wellington Shire recorded 64 dog attack reports over the past year, down from 93. Council urges owners to secure dogs, supervise children and practise responsible pet ownership to prevent further incidents.
• Local operators Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory take over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, bringing new food offering and fresh investment
  Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory have taken over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, renaming its café The Nest, offering local produce, dining, takeaway and catering while supporting community connections.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges vigilance as Phillip Island penguins face H5N1 bird flu threat
  Bass Coast is urging vigilance after H5N1 avian influenza was detected on Phillip Island, advising people to avoid sick or dead wildlife. Little penguins will be vaccinated as agencies coordinate efforts to protect wildlife and monitor the outbreak.
• Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates major $45M redevelopment and new regional sporting facilities
  Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates a $45 million redevelopment, featuring five playing surfaces, 1,200 seats, upgraded facilities and new event spaces.
• Paynesville Council seeks $4M for intersection upgrades to unlock 1,400 new homes
  Paynesville's $4 million intersection upgrade proposal aims to improve road safety, ease congestion and unlock around 1,400 new homes in the town's growth area.
• Latrobe Council urges Premier Carroll to fast-track investment, industry growth and secure future jobs in Valley
  Latrobe City Council has urged newly appointed Premier Ben Carroll to meet urgently on economic diversification, investment and job creation as the region faces energy transition, manufacturing job losses and Yallourn 2028 closure.
• Macalister Irrigation District schedules submerged weed treatments for November and December to improve channel capacity and water delivery
  Macalister Irrigation District will treat submerged weeds in irrigation channels during November and December 2026, improving water delivery. Customers must avoid treated water for 72 hours after treatment.
• Walhalla Museum launches virtual reality experience bringing gold mining history to life for visitors through new Regional Tourism upgrade project
  Walhalla Museum has launched a $50,000-funded virtual reality experience showcasing its gold mining history, with multilingual and accessible visitor facilities supported through the Victorian government's Tiny Towns Fund.
• Gemma Rendell and Darren Chester urge Gippslanders to add vegetables daily through new healthy eating campaign
  The "Get the Edge. Eat More Veg" campaign launched in Sale, urging Gippslanders to add one extra vegetable served daily while supporting local growers, jobs and health.
• South Gippsland Council highlights Seniors Festival 2026, road safety projects, community initiatives and other updates across shire
  South Gippsland Shire Council highlights Seniors Festival events, $2.849 million in road safety funding, a new Nyora public toilet, resilience initiatives, community programs and feedback opportunities across the region.
• Surf Parade shared path moves forward as Bass Coast Shire Council investigates two-way road and carparking design in Inverloch
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon begin construction of the Surf Parade Shared Path in Inverloch, with completion expected by Christmas, while investigating costs and community support for two-way road and carparking.
• Flight test command centre opens, strengthening Latrobe's role in Australia's advanced aviation innovation sector and creating new opportunities
  Latrobe's new Flight Test Range Command Centre has opened at Latrobe Regional Airport, supporting advanced aviation research, drone technology, investment, manufacturing growth and skilled jobs across the region.