Minutes August Group Meeting 2011

VFVB – M Jones

·       Guest speaker Hans van Hammond spoke about the deeds. Motions were put before the Board and passed re lack of confidence relating to consultation/ representation of volunteers. Meeting to be held with Government representatives to discuss.

·       A digital recording device with software used at meetings was described

·       Fire service levy – referred to documentation

·       22^nd Sept meeting in Benalla re the Jones Inquiry. Bookings to M Jones

·       OH&S – mod on seatbelt arrangement for tankers was described

·       Issue re fill points on water tanks was detailed

Group Officer - R Neely

·       OH&S – other people who have helped on the fire ground in the past need training. Types of possible training eg DSE short course for wildlife rescue etc were discussed. The organization has to give as much protection as possible.

·       Structure fire at Merrijig – the tanker must roll first

·       Radio support – the Group command vehicle aims to reach the fire as quickly as possible to assist in dissemination of information.

·        CFA Board meeting in Wangaratta on Monday – A Edwards and R Neely to attend.

·       Exercises – Alexandra with Mansfield not to be on the Long Weekend this year. Benalla also interested in joining in Group exercise.

Coms Officer – R Gardiner

·       Hand pieces on the radios are not waterproof

·       Radio channels are not corresponding to Mansfield’s

 

Ops Officer – P Horton

·       See attached

·       Grass fires – look out for areas that are drying out. These can be mapped in Wangaratta.

·       Sect 29s have been of a good standard. Most problems result from forgetfulness

·       VESEP – Brigades can pool the grant money within the group which could give a better result, if desired.

·       IMFP landscape maps divided Mansfield Municipality into 5 areas. Brigade Captains in each area are to meet under the chair of a DGO to flesh out details listed in the attached report. The aim is to have this complete by next meeting and to be in operation for the 11/ 12 fire season.

Broadband Service – R Coates

·       R Coates read a letter to the Group in which he outlined the short comings of the current Broadband service in the Mansfield area and some of the consequences of this in terms of protection of the community in times of fire or other emergencies.

·       Discussion was held re the operations with which the CFA was connected that were affected by the situation and possible recipients of a letter of concern in addition to those outlined in the letter, including .the MFPC.

·       Motion was put to the meeting that: “The Mansfield Fire Brigades Group expresses its concern at the unsatisfactory broadband services and requests an urgent review of the situation.”   Proposed R Coates    Seconded: S Wadsworth.   Carried