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Final construction underway for SA fire tower

The final steps towards the completion of the $2.346 million upgrade of the Green Triangle’s fire tower network are in progress, with construction underway on a new tower for Penola North. Source: Timberbiz

The new tower, being constructed in collaboration with the Green Triangle Fire Alliance and OneFortyOne Plantations, is part of the State Government’s election commitment to provide a landscape level fire detection program.

Local South East company Whitty Engineering has been engaged to construct the fire tower.

The new Penola North tower follows upgrade works and repairs at Comaum, Mount Burr, Mount Edward, Furner, and Mount Benson. Installation of the tower is expected to be finalised later this year.

As part of the upgrade program, a new AI powered bushfire detection and monitoring system has been installed in the Green Triangle with detection cameras at Comaum, Mount Benson, The Bluff, Furner, Mount Burr, Carpenter Rocks and Lucindale South.

The system came into operation in the Green Triangle during the 2023-24 fire danger season. It is Australia’s first fully integrated bushfire detection platform utilising satellite technology and ultra-HD 360-degree panoramic cameras, aimed at improving the early detection of fires.

The completion of the works program will enhance a landscape level fire detection system, ensuring ongoing protection of the Green Triangle’s forestry assets and communities.

The new fire tower at Penola North will be located at Tower Road and is set to be installed for the upcoming bushfire season this year in the Lower South East.