Shire of Collie Bush fire Control Officers committee announced

The Bush Fire Control Officers announced have included Tristan Gulvin as Bush Fire Planning Coordinator, Kevin Bazeley for the Collie-Preston Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, Neil (Drifty) Haywood (Collieburn/Cardiff BFB), Brett King (Harris River BFB), Shane Hickson (Allanson BFB), Colin Tonkin (Williams Road BFB), Graeme Pilatti (Buckingham BFB), Graeme Genev (Worsley BFB) and Leigh O’Connor and Kohdy Flynn as Community Rangers. Terry Hunter was also appointed Shire of Collie Weather Officer. 

Shire of Collie Development Services Director Andrew Dover said the candidates had considerable knowledge and experience in combating bush fires. 

“The appointed Bush Fire Control Officers bring substantial knowledge; many years of experience in fighting bushfires; and in a leadership positions as Captains, Lieutenants and Section Commanders to the role,” he said.

The council adopted the recommendations of the Bush Fires Advisory Committee meeting on November 16.

The council also approved the motion to submit an application to South32 for a donated emergency services vehicle as a district Fire Control Vehicle. 

The council also approved the motion to make provisions in the 2017/18 Collie Shire Council Budget for vehicle maintenance, insurance and costs.

The motion also called for the council to approach the Water Corporation to focus on the risk to power and water supplies from Harris River Pumping station. 

“The Shire is working with the Water Corporation to mitigate the threat of bushfire to the power lines leading to Harris River Pumping Station,” Mr Dover said.

“The Shire is using its relationship with the Water Corp to ensure that they mitigate this threat as the loss of these power lines will remove the water supply to the townsite necessary for drinking water and to fight fires and may create blackouts of power which also will impact upon the Shire’s ability to fight fires.”