The Courier revealed last week that the 7500 litre Erickson Air-Crane would not be returning to Ballarat, instead being stationed at Moorabbin. 

Emergency Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley said having an automatic air fire response and the placement of a 212 helicopter, with a smaller capacity, would bring the region’s fire response in line with areas like Bendigo. 

Operational firefighters, including Stawell group officer Kevin Erwin have condemned the decision to move the aircrane. Mr Erwin said the Erickson Air-Crane was a significant tool in the region’s firefighting toolkit. 

“We fought for years to get this aircrane – now it looks like we are going the other way,” Mr Erwin said.

But Mr Lapsley said the state’s firefighting tool-kit had changed significantly since Ballarat first received the aircrane.  

He quelled fears Ballarat was out of the running for the hub,  maintaining Ballarat remained a fundamental part of the state’s fire control.

He said Emergency Management Victoria was working with the City of Ballarat and aviation engineering specialists to develop and evaluate a range of options for the establishment of the hub at Ballarat Airport. 

“A detailed investigation into the potential for development of an emergency services hub is nearing completion,” Mr Lapsley said.

He confirmed the project steering committee would meet in coming weeks to make a final decision on the project and determine the viability of the hub in relation to cost, identify potential funding sources and outline a way forward. 

“The provision of emergency services is a top priority right across the state and Ballarat has and will continue to play a key role in our ability to prepare for and respond to bushfires across central and western Victoria,” Mr Lapsley said.