Removing training barriers for cross-border forest firefighters

Training for forest firefighters will be a step closer to being standardised across the Green Triangle through one of two new projects funded as part of the South Australian Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Master Plan.

The South Australian Government has allocated $370,000 to two new projects through the Master Plan, which was established to help guide strategic actions that strengthen the state’s forest and timber industries.

Currently there are differences in the training requirements for firefighters depending on which side of the South Australian Victorian border they are on, causing unnecessary barriers in the Green Triangle.

Through a $227,000 investment, the project will progress work to streamline training so that there is a mutually recognised and standardised set of requirements for forest firefighters in the Green Triangle. The project also aims to increase training opportunities for forest workers and firefighters.

The project will be delivered by well-established forest industry skills provider ForestWorks, working in association with the South Australian Country Fire Service, Victorian Country Fire Authority, the Green Triangle Fire Alliance and respective Cross Border Commissioners.

This project builds on the State Government’s $2.35 million upgrade of the region’s fire tower network, further bolstering fire prevention and response efforts.

The second project aims to address the inevitable changes that will impact the forest industry into future through megatrends such as digitisation, automation and artificial intelligence.

Through a $145,000 investment, this project will assist industry to not only take advantage of the opportunities on offer, but also to ensure the workforce is well equipped with skills suited to the region.

Launched in February 2024, the South Australian Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Master Plan, was developed by the Forest Industries Advisory Council of South Australia (FIAC-SA) as part of the government’s 2022 election commitment to provide a vision to further grow and develop South Australia’s almost $1.56 billion forest industry.

Learn more about the South Australian Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Master Plan.