Standing Watch: Upgrading the Penola North Fire Tower for Better Preparedness

From our 2025 Annual Review: In the Green Triangle, where forestry and community safety go hand in hand, vigilance is everything.

That’s why OneFortyOne proudly partnered with the South Australian Government, the South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA), Green Triangle Fire Alliance (GTFA) and local firm Whitty Engineering to upgrade the Penola fire tower – an essential part of the region’s bushfire detection network.

The upgraded tower marks a fresh chapter in f ire preparedness. Rising 35 metres above the landscape, it features safer stair access in place of the original metal ladders, and a new walk-around deck that gives operators clearer, wider views of the surrounding forest.

For Dane Handreck, Acting Fire Manager, Green Triangle Forests, the tower is more than infrastructure – it’s a lifeline that strengthens our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to bushfire threats.

‘Early detection is critical,’ he says. ‘Our towers give us the eyes we need when every second counts.’ Fully operational from November 2024, ahead of the 2024-25 bushfire season, the tower immediately proved its worth.

‘Our visibility over the Penola forest was significantly improved,’ Dane recalls.

‘It was a really busy season too, so it was a timely introduction and contributed to our response capability straight away.’ New Zealand Forests 118 576 14 14 1 0.65 $63,590 $371,085 The staffed Penola tower complements the AIpowered bushfire detection and monitoring cameras operating 24/7 throughout the Green Triangle.

Both projects were delivered through the South Australian Government’s $2.35 million fire detection network upgrade. From traditional lookout towers to AI-powered detection systems, we’re embracing a layered approach to bushfire management, combining proven methods with cutting-edge technology. Importantly, we’re not doing it alone.

We work alongside partners including the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS), the Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA), government, and other forestry organisations to constantly improve fire detection across the entire region. Together, we’re building a safer future for our forests and the communities that depend on them.