Watch beg ns for fi re season Upgrade a breath of fresh air atch begins fori
WEATHER conditions over the next few weeks will dictate whether the Hunter is in for trouble during the summer fi re season. West of the divide, the level of fi re-fuelling vegetation growth is at a 40-year high, but on the east coast, according to the Rural Fire Service (RFS), conditions are better. Lower Hunter RFS manager Superintendent Jason McKellar said moderate rainfall and a hazard reduction program had helped to reduce the risk.
“Although, the next few weeks leading into the warmer weather will tell us how things are likely to go,” he said. “We haven’t had a bad bushfi re season since 2007, but people should still be aware of the risks and plan beforehand.
“The RFS website is a good place to fi nd information about risk minimisation.” The fi re danger period began in the Maitland and Cessnock districts on September 1, but because there’s less risk in Dungog and Port Stephens, those areas won’t come under tighter provisions until October 1.
RSF state commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the NSW RFS had developed a targeted public awareness campaign to advise affected communities of the increased risk, and how to prepare for the potential impact of a grass fi re.
“The most important message contained in the Prepare. Act. Survive. grass fi re campaign
INFERNO: Grass fi res can quickly spread out of control.
is that these fi res can start and spread extremely quickly,” he said.
“History has shown us how rapidly a grass
fi re can take hold and lead to devastation. “Landholders need to start taking action
now. Ensuring that effective fi re-breaks are in place by mowing or ploughing grass can help prevent grass fi res from spreading. “Everyone should also know what they will do and where they will go in the event of a fi re, people should avoid leaving important decisions to the last minute.”
For more information on grass and other fi re prevention plans, visit
rfs.nsw.gov.au.
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Matthew Carney will be conducting a free information night on Thursday, 18 August from 6pm to 7.30pm, to explain to you “who gets what” property when you separate from your partner.
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On Tuesday, 13 September from 6pm to 7.30pm Maxine Johnson and Sarah Smith will present "Help for first home
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Matthew Carney Family Lawyer
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THE growing population of the Shortland, Birmingham Gardens and Maryland regions has prompted a $10 million upgrade to Shortland waste water treatment works. Announced by Hunter Water last week, the upgrade will allow the treatment works, which currently service a population of 20,000, to cater for a growing population that is expected to reach 40,000 people by 2013. Hunter Water’s general manager of infrastructure delivery Chris Turnbull said the upgrade was part of a $700 million capital works program of new projects, including pipes, mains, pumps, reservoirs, treatment plants, sewer and water recycling facilities. “The lower Hunter is one of the fastest- growing regions in NSW and this infrastructure program will play a key role in facilitating that growth by ensuring new residents enjoy the same safe and reliable water and wastewater
season Upgrade a breath of fresh air
FLUSH: Hunter Water’s Chris Turnbull at the Shortland waste water treatment works last week.
services Novocastrians are accustomed to,” he said.
“This project is a demonstration of our long-term planning and investment in water and waste water infrastructure for the lower Hunter. The upgrade is expected to be complete by mid-2012,” he said.
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view the digital edition online at
www.newcastlepost.com.au
THE NEWCASTLE POST Wednesday, September 7, 2011
3
KEEP YOUR MONEY IN THE HUNTER
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