Frequently Asked Questions

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Why was the site chosen?

It is easily accessible for people who were previously serviced by Fiskville, particularly those in the West and North West as well as those travelling to and through Melbourne. CFA worked closely with the Moorabool Shire to select a site that would minimise the economic impact the closure of Fiskville had on the surrounding community.

How many groups can undertake training?

The site can host up to three separate groups on the three Practical Areas for Drill (PADs) for exercises, one group on the off-road driving area, and four groups for theory at any one time.

What features does the Central Highlands facility have?

Realistic, potential response scenarios condition trainees for real-life emergency conditions
State of the art training props that using the latest technology
Flexible layout including modular theory classrooms which can be opened up and expanded into larger spaces
Layout designed to reduce the chance of contamination from training materials, dirt and grime being brought in from outdoors
Gender neutral shower and changing facilities with individual, enclosed and secure cubicles.
Disability access
State of the art water management system ensuring water used on the site meets all compliance and quality requirements
Water efficiency system
Meets OH&S standards
Meets all the provisions and quality standards

Why are you using liquid petroleum gas (LPG) at Central Highlands?

The use of LPG has numerous benefits:

It reduces environmental impact in comparison to flammable liquids.
Allows for real life fire conditions that can be controlled and adjusted to the skill level of the trainees.
Allows PAD staff to control the fire and immediately extinguish it if required.
There is no residue from the burning of LPG.
LPG is cost-effective and readily available fuel

How large is the water storage and treatment facility and how does it work?

All appliances attending the campus will discharge the water in their tanks at the discharge and fill PAD and then fill with treated water while training onsite. Upon completion of training the appliances will be emptied and then filled with potable water (mains). This process ensures all water used in training is sourced at the campus and treated to the agreed standard.

2 million litres of untreated water can be collected from the PADs and stored and treated via the WMS (water management system) for reuse.
Capacity 1 million litres of treated water, treated to potable water standard.
Capacity for an extra 1 million litres of mains water for contingency.

What about the safety of the neighbouring environment?

The site is designed for full compliance with current standards for environmental impact, emission control and water management. It is environmentally safe and will have water treatment and management systems on-site with regular testing monitoring and testing programs in place.

Process water (used in drills) is collected, treated, stored and reused on site for subsequent drills.