Workshops role in operational success
From the Winter 2008 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
The staff in Forests NSW workshops might be quiet achievers, but their role is crucial.
“Without the dedication of skilled workshop staff it would be impossible to keep our fleet of vehicles and heavy equipment going, especially during high impact operations like a wildfire,” said Forests NSW Tumut-based safety and training coordinator, Kate Hoorweg.
Kate said workshops were located across the state, employing experienced technicians capable of working on all types of equipment from firefighting slip-on units to large dozers.
“Take Batlow Workshop for example, it maintains a vast array of heavy plant including three large bulldozers, four graders, four smaller bulldozers, and a raft of other equipment including road rollers, backhoes, and the trucks and four-wheel drives operated by the region’s staff,” she said.
Heavy plant fitter, Ian Smith, has worked at Batlow Workshop for the past 14 years and is one of the mechanics who arrives on-site to make running repairs to machinery in the field, while some of the bigger repair jobs are taken back to the workshop.
“It can be very demanding when someone wants a machine fixed quickly, especially at a fire or at planting time when everyone is under pressure. However, it can also be very satisfying when you get a dozer back on the job,” Ian said.
Ian works with 14 other mechanics and staff at the Batlow Workshop, which is managed by his brother Peter, who is area operations manager.
“We have a dedicated team of people working in the workshops who understand that their job is vital for the successful day-to-day running of the business,” Peter said.
Sarah Chester - Public Affairs & Media, Albury
