General News
15 February, 2024
Vehicles to reduce bushfire risk
Forest Fire Management Victoria’s (FFMVic) Murray Goldfields District has two new Compact Track Loaders (CTLs), increasing its capacity to reduce bushfire risk and protect communities. FFMVic conducts year-round fuel management that involves...
Forest Fire Management Victoria’s (FFMVic) Murray Goldfields District has two new Compact Track Loaders (CTLs), increasing its capacity to reduce bushfire risk and protect communities.
FFMVic conducts year-round fuel management that involves planned burning and mechanical fuel treatments such as mulching, mowing, slashing and spraying, as well as constructing strategic fuel breaks and managing storm debris.
“These new CTLs will enhance our capacity to do mechanical fuel treatment and other tasks to minimise fire risk in environmentally sensitive areas,” FFMVic’s Simon Brown said.
“CTLs are versatile and capable of delivering several types of fuel reduction treatments, including slashing and mulching, and creating mineral earth breaks around contained bushfires.”
During 2022-23 in the Loddon Mallee region 5257 hectares were treated by planned burning and 3858 hectares were treated by non-burn fuel treatments, including 1267 hectares by mulching and 1852 hectares by slashing or mowing, helping to maintain the region’s fuel-driven bushfire risk target below 75 percent of maximum levels.
These loaders can also be used to install pipes and culverts, and to clear and maintain tracks. The CTL’s rubber tracks can cross bitumen roads without causing damage, which can happen with steel track loaders. They can also work in sandy, muddy, snowy, and wet conditions.
“Safety is a high priority and these new units include customised safety and operating designs such as 19 mm polycarbonated windscreens, guarding, fire protection systems and radios,” Mr Brown said.
The CTLs are part of a package of 33 new plant items being delivered to sites across Victoria in 2024.
For more information about bushfire risk management visit, www.ffm.vic.gov.au/bushfire-management-facts