MEMBERS of the Edenhope community banded together ahead of the upcoming fire season by launching the Edenhope Airbase.
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West Wimmera Shire Council chief executive David Leahy officially opened the airbase, alongside Country Fire Authority volunteers and staff.
Volunteer Rob Tunks donated the use of his new hangar for the CFA to use as a resource during fire season.
There are two tanks situated on site, allowing for fixed-wing bombers to be re-filled there during fire season.
A third tank will soon be added. The CFA volunteers will work with DELWP staff to refill bombers with water, foam and other retardants.
District support co-ordinator John Robinson said it would mean 300 to 400 per cent more water or retardant could be applied to the fire.
“In setting up here, we were able to recruit two new CFA volunteers who live only two minutes from the airbase,” he said.
“They will replace two retiring volunteers, and improve our response time further. The community is firmly behind what we are doing, and in the process, we are reaching out to new members to join the CFA.
“District 17 now operates five low-cost air bases that are activated on an as needs basis, all supported by volunteers and all using existing infrastructure where possible.”