Bearii tank left high and dry

By Owen Sinclair

Feb 10, 2025

A gust of dry wind rolls over the fields and kicks up a smattering of gum leaves, sending them racing across Bearii’s Williams St.

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Thirty yards away from a field of yellowed grass stands a water tank that could mean the difference between adequate preparation and destruction.

But not a single drop of water has fallen from the tank’s tap for the past six months, residents say — and this dry season it’s causing concern.

“We’ve got a lot of grassland here. On a windy day like today, that grass will go up really quick,” resident and CFA volunteer Jason Thomas said.

Mr Thomas is concerned about the consequences should a fire break out anywhere in Bearii.

He and his fellow volunteers keep the satellite brigade’s truck full of water. But to fill up all 2000 litres of the truck’s tank again, the crew is forced to look elsewhere.

“To fill up again, we need to go 10km somewhere else to get water,” Mr Thomas said.

CFA volunteer Jason Thomas. Photo by Owen Sinclair

“We’ve got the infrastructure, but not the capacity to use it.”

Mr Thomas and other residents would like to see the Bearii standpipe operational.

The foundations of the tank stand appear rusted through, leading Mr Thomas to believe the water supply had been cut off to prevent the entire structure collapsing.

Moira Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Matthew Morgan said the council understands concern about the firefighting risks in Bearii, given the limited options to access water.

"Council staff visited the site last week to assess short and long-term options, based on responsibilities for service provision, site size, and risks,“ Mr Morgan said.

“Following that, Council will place a temporary, ground level tank on site this month, until discussions with the CFA about future options are complete. Access to water for firefighting will also continue to be part of Council’s emergency planning discussions."