23 February 2009
PIPELINE BUSHFIRE RECOVERY CONTINUES
Alliance contractors on the Sugarloaf Pipeline are today starting a phased return-to-work, as they continue to provide assistance with fire control and recovery efforts.
Work on the pipeline had been stood down after Friday, 6 February in advance of historically high fire danger.
Project Director, Rod Clifford, said the project had sustained minimal bushfire damage but that safety and environmental work had been undertaken to ensure sites were secure before a gradual return to large-scale construction by the end of the week.
"While the fire has gone through areas where pipeline was laid, we faired fairly well there thanks to the efforts of pipeline and emergency services staff," he said.
"Some heavy construction equipment owned by one of our contractors was damaged, silt fencing was destroyed and about three pipes above ground were affected."
About 10 kilometres of pipes have already been laid but many of those in the fire devastation area were protected from the extreme heat because they lay almost one metre underground.
Mr Clifford said that like many other people in the area, pipeline staff had chipped in to help save property and fight fires.
"There are a lot of organisations that have given their all in the past few weeks and we’re pleased to be one of them," said Mr Clifford.
"Our view is that good people do the right thing in circumstances like this, and we’re fortunate to have a lot of good people working for us."
Alliance employees worked through the Saturday night with CFA crews to dig firebreaks using graders and dozers to protect the Alliance’s Glenburn compound and other private properties. They provided equipment including bulldozers, graders and water tankers to the CFA for use to control fires in Toolangi and then the Glenburn area.
Up to 120 alliance employees provided 24-hour assistance during the week to help control fires under the direction of the CFA and DSE. This has now been scaled back to 10 to 15 employees who continue to work with the CFA.
Mr Clifford said that almost half of the 700 workers lived in the region so the fires had in some way impacted on many of them, too.
"That further strengthens our resolve to continue to assist local communities where we can in the coming weeks and months," said Mr Clifford.
The Pipeline Alliance continues to supply equipment including water carts, loaders, graders, dozers, trucks, generators and some staff to assist with fire fighting efforts.
Mr Clifford said activity by Alliance contractors this week includes removing firedamaged trees, installing fencing and concrete works near Sugarloaf Reservoir.
The Sugarloaf Pipeline remains on schedule for delivery in 2010.
Media Contact: Denise Hurley +613 9727 8405 +61 (0)437 359 400