Forestry Corporation of NSW staff from Batemans Bay, Bombala and Eden returned home last week after battling large bushfires for two weeks in the Yarra Valley, Victoria.

The group were part of a larger NSW deployment, joining National Parks and Wildlife Service to support the Camberville bushfire response.

Forestry Corporation’s Fire Manager, Tim McGuffog, said the joint NSW Taskforce had a diverse mix of skills and were a valuable part of the larger bushfire response.

“The taskforce carried out back burning, trail construction, control lines, hazardous tree assessment and tree falling,” Mr McGuffog said.

“A lot of the work was carried out on foot using hand tools and small portable pumps.

“Forestry Corporation staff experienced in hazardous tree assessment also played a critical role in ensuring crews remained safe when undertaking work.

“All operation areas had to be assessed and treated for hazardous trees before any crews could undertake works, to ensure safety of crews”.

The joint taskforce of National Parks and Forestry Corporation blended well, with skill sets complementing each other.

“Working with National Parks and Wildlife Service and other fire agencies from Victoria was a great experience for our firefighters.

Forestry Corporation is responsible for preventing and managing fires in two million hectares of State forests across New South Wales. It also works with other land management agencies and the Rural Fire Service to assist with fire threats affecting communities in NSW.

Media contact: Rod Campbell 0428 058 549