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Major exercise at Barry Beach

Toora members use a fine-spray to control the HAZMAT chemical spill simulation Toora members use a fine-spray to control the HAZMAT chemical spill simulation

 

Brigades from across South Gippsland have participated in a range of training scenarios at Barry Beach Marine Terminal - the main supply depot for Esso Australia's Bass Strait oil and gas operations.

 

The exercises included a complex search and rescue in a smoke-filled building, communication exercises using new CFA radios, and a HAZMAT situation involving a chemical spill. 

This training allowed members to practice their skills in a realistic environment and improve their response capabilities, with the exercises designed to enhance their preparedness for potential emergencies within the marine terminal and surrounding areas.

“We chose to engage with Qube Energy as the Barry Beach Martine Terminal is a major piece of infrastructure in the region,” Deputy Group Officer Training Ray Argento said.

“We’re also expecting the number of people onsite at Barry Beach to grow significantly over the coming years with the proposed offshore rig decommissioning activities and the development of the Gippsland offshore wind zone.”

The key was for members to practice their skills, and the site at Barry Beach was chosen to provide a foundation for collaboration.

Members from Welshpool, Toora, Foster, Meeniyan-Stony Creek, Inverloch, Tarwin Lower & District, Fish Creek & District, Pound Creek and Dumbalk brigades participated in the training.

Ambulance Victoria members were also on scene during the exercise to provide support and expertise in patient lift and extraction techniques.

“I think the exercises challenged brigades and members,” Mr Argento continued. “They were able to call on the experiences of others and their training to consider the best way to deal with each of the scenarios they were presented with.

“We sincerely thank Qube Energy for the opportunity to use their site, their willingness to be so involved in the process - and particularly for supporting volunteers to learn vital skills.”

 

 

  • Foster member Robert Powell uses a Thermal Imaging Camera to navigate through the smoke.Foster member Robert Powell uses a Thermal Imaging Camera to navigate through the smoke.
  • Ambulance Victoria members participated at the South Gippsland Group of Fire Brigade’s special training exercise at Barry Beach Terminal, sharing equipment techniques, safe lift of patients and key information they require when attending an incident Ambulance Victoria members participated at the South Gippsland Group of Fire Brigade’s special training exercise at Barry Beach Terminal, sharing equipment techniques, safe lift of patients and key information they require when attending an incident
  • Meeniyan-Stony Creek Captain Paddy Eldred and Toora member Meghan Scoglio put a ‘patient’ into a recovery position before Ambulance Victoria paramedics arrive ‘on scene’. Meeniyan-Stony Creek Captain Paddy Eldred and Toora member Meghan Scoglio put a ‘patient’ into a recovery position before Ambulance Victoria paramedics arrive ‘on scene’.
  • Dumbalk Secretary Chris Oliver and Pound Creek member Allan Archbold acted as the radio control centre during the Group Exercise. Dumbalk Secretary Chris Oliver and Pound Creek member Allan Archbold acted as the radio control centre during the Group Exercise.
Submitted by Danika Dent