A new Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) District Depot and Incident Control Centre (ICC) is to be constructed at Mt Rowan.

Grampians Regional Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Tony English has announced plans for the development project located at 19 Old Midland Highway.

“DELWP is now working through the planning process with the City of Ballarat and the local community to facilitate the development of the site,” Mr English said.

“Once completed, the ability of Forest Fire Management Victoria (DELWP, Parks Victoria, Vic Forests and Melbourne Water) and emergency partners to respond to fires and other emergency incidents across the District will be greatly improved, as is expected by the communities we serve.

“Completion of the Mount Rowan project in late 2020 will see DELWP’s Sebastopol staff and resources relocated into a fit-for-purpose site that will streamline operations and improve services to surrounding communities.

“The construction plans include new depot sheds and infrastructure as well as a modern office facility and ICC that will have the capacity to accommodate up to 130 emergency management personnel during peak periods.

“The design is moving ahead in consultation with DELWP’s emergency partners.

“It will incorporate environmentally sustainable development practices such as a selection of ecologically sound materials, energy-efficient appliances and lighting, solar panels, rainwater harvesting tanks, shading and high-performance glazing.”

For more information, contact the DELWP Customer Service Centre 136 186.