Malmsbury Fire Brigade members recently met with Coliban Water to better understand the region’s water supply in preparation for the upcoming fire season.
At the information session brigade members were taught about the different water sources to help fight fires.
Malmsbury brigade volunteer Philip Flanagan said they learnt about the supply systems and their functions across Taradale, Elphinstone, Malmsbury, and Kyneton.
“We were shown maps of the various water sources, including dams such as the Upper Coliban and Malmsbury, and the pipeline and aqueduct networks for all those areas,” Mr Flanagan said.
“We went through where the systems were boosted and the location of additional water holdings in tanks and towers.
“We identified areas that had particularly higher and lower pressures, and what we could expect in certain circumstances when required out on the fireground.”
Members were also able to ask key questions about the systems, drawing on their experiences from previous fire incidents.
“It was fantastic to understand how the Upper Coliban dam syphons to much of Kyneton, but also has a branch line down to Malmsbury,” he said.
“With the majority of the area siphoning off dams, we were also made aware of additional pumping facilities.
“Having this knowledge greatly increases our ability to source water supply to efficiently fight fires.”
Coliban Water network services manager Nathalie Lopez and water and sewer planning coordinator Paul Vickery presented the information to the members.
They detailed some of the planned future improvements for the systems, including to improve water pressure, particularly around Elphinstone.
Brigade members suggested the training be repeated every two years to refresh members’ knowledge, inform new members and ensure all are aware of system developments.
This information session follows the Malmsbury Fire Brigade receiving a $5000 grant from Coliban Water as part of its community rebate scheme.
The grant money will be used to buy lightweight, battery-operated chainsaws, a high intensity light and batteries, and eight e-flares for roadside incident visibility and safety.
Taradale Fire Brigade members also attended the information session.
