Tanks ensure water's always on tap for firefighters

The installation of a series of bores and tanks at strategic locations across the Scenic Rim will ensure water is always on tap for fighting bushfires. 

Funded through the Bushfire Recovery Exceptional Assistance Program, the bores at Boyland, Kerry, Christmas Creek, Frazerview, and Rathdowney will each feed four 20,000-litre water tanks that will automatically be topped up, ensuring a ready supply of water to meet firefighters' needs.

The new assets have been welcomed by Rural Fire Service Area Director Corey Bock, who has experienced firsthand the difficulties of accessing water to fight bushfires in the Scenic Rim during the 2018 and 2019, which he said were the two worst fire seasons in 50 years.

"For us, it's absolutely brilliant as it helps us to help the community and protect lives and property," he said.

"Often we've just about put a fire out and then had to drive off to get more water and by the time we've come back the fire has taken hold again, adding hours and hours to trying to suppress it.

"A ready water supply means we can keep a small fire small, particularly on those days when the wind is up, and the humidity is down."

Scenic Rim Mayor and Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group  Greg Christensen said the 2019 bushfires had highlighted the need for water storage at strategic locations across the region.

"The bores and water tanks represent a significant investment in the resilience of our region and our ability to respond to the threat of bushfires," he said.

"A secondary benefit is that Council now has water available at various points for road repair and construction, which reduces the cost of trucking in water from a depot."

Assistance has been provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

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