The new Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP) work centre in Swifts Creek was officially opened by Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria.

The $10 million redevelopment is part of the State Government’s stronger regional focus and commitment to boost service delivery in regional areas.

The new Level 3 Incident Control Centre has been designed to provide a safe work environment, that enables day-to-day fire and forest management activities and provides facilities for storage and maintenance of vehicles, plant and equipment.

Swifts Creek has historically played a major role in emergency management operations – including the 2003 Alpine fires, the 2005 locust plague, the 2006/07 Great Divide fires and the Harrietville Alpine fire in 2013.

Quotes attributable to Harriet Shing MLC, Member for Eastern Victoria

“Swifts Creek is a crucial Level 3 Incident Control Centre, meaning it is able to handle a full-scale, multi-agency emergency incident as well as playing a key role in supporting planned burning operations.”

“The office redevelopment provides purpose built facilities for DELWP, DEDJTR and VicForests staff whilst bringing emergency management functions under one roof, to better meet community and stakeholder needs.”

“We are delighted that the redevelopment has been completed for the 2015-16 fire season.”

Quotes attributable to Brad Fisher, Tambo District Manager, DELWP

“The new layout ensures improved integration and communications between emergency management staff in the office and the field. It will significantly strengthen our ability to effectively manage emergency situations and planned burning operations in this remote district.”

Key facts

• The Swifts Creek work centre $10 million redevelopment was funded by the Victorian government.

• This new facility brings DELWP, DEDJTR, VicForests staff and emergency management functions and facilities together under one roof.

• The new office facility provides a purpose designed Level 3 Incident Control Centre capable of managing large Incident Management Teams, giving greater capacity to respond to major all hazard emergencies and improved delivery of prescribed burning program.

• The new depot provides increased safety and efficiency through purpose designed buildings, fittings, tools and equipment , hazardous substances and dangerous goods, layout and traffic flow.

• It assists in providing improved service delivery and more efficient management of public and private land, waterways and partnerships with the community and stakeholders

• The new facility provides a community focal point for DELWP, DEDJTR & VicForests, for improved community and stakeholder engagement and partnership development.