New Water Tank Boosts Firefighting Capabilities in Wingello

Published on 04 October 2024

Picture of Council team in front of the new water tank

Wingecarribee Shire Council has completed the construction of a new 100,000L water tank in Wingello to boost the regions firefighting capabilities. Funded by a Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant from the Commonwealth of Australia, the tank was constructed to address the critical need for increased water availability during major bushfires in rural areas.

During the 2019-2020 bushfires, the lack of mains water supply in rural areas posed a significant challenge for firefighters. To address this issue, grants were secured for the construction of water tanks across our region providing brigades with a vital resource to help protect our outer villages.

The new tank was designed and built to meet the specific requirements of the Wingello Fire Brigade, incorporating features such as a reinforced concrete structure, a permanent perimeter fence, and secure pedestrian and vehicle access. It will enable the brigade to simultaneously fill multiple trucks, significantly enhancing their emergency response capabilities and protecting the local community.

Kevin Fitzgerald, Captain Wingello Rural Fire Service, said, “We would like to thank the team at Wingecarribee Shire Council for all their work on getting this done and for Council’s support of our Brigade.  This new tank will significantly improve our ability to respond to bushfires and protect our community”.

The tank joins a network of other recently installed water tanks in the region, including Balmoral, Penrose, and High Range.

The team at Wingecarribee Shire Council played a crucial role in securing funding for this additional water tank, demonstrating its commitment to the safety and well-being of its residents.

The new water tank represents a significant investment in the region's fire protection infrastructure and will be instrumental in protecting the community from future bushfire threats.

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