MID West Ports Authority was allocated $9.9 million in the recent state budget announcements to complete the installation of a port-wide firefighting system.
This system will provide improved first responders capability in case of a significant fire at the port.
Acting CEO Damian Tully said the $13.5-million project will improve the port authority’s ability to attend to a major fire event at the port, allowing the improved safety of port personnel and increased protection of critical assets.
“MWPA worked with both local and state Department of Fire & Emergency to determine the best solution for first responders, reducing the likelihood of a large-scale fire event at the port and providing a substantial benefit to all port users and the mid west region”, Mr Tully said.
The new firefighting system will cover three categories involving both wet and dry application systems; fire detection and alarm, fire suppression, and ventilation and exit points.
MWPA said the new system will
- increase hydrant flow throughout the port;
- provide a more responsive alarm system;
- reduce smoke exposure to personnel during evacuation; and
- improve fuel berth firefighting.
Mr Tully said the system is a major capital expenditure project that requires considerable design, staged upgrades and infrastructure upgrades throughout the entire port.
“The project will be completed in sections and those sections will become operational as they are finalised,” Mr Tully said.
The port-wide firefighting system project has already commenced with detailed designs underway and installation to occur over the next three years.
