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Image: The Mt Ikes WatchTower is another step in strengthening bushfire detection across southern NSW.
Mt Ikes has officially joined the WatchTowers network, with a brand new WatchTowers Sentinel Station adding fresh eyes to the southern edge of the Snowy Valleys.
From its vantage point near Tooma, the station watches over a stretch of country that has seen its share of bushfire threats. For local fire crews, forestry workers and farming families, it's another layer of support when every minute counts.
The project was funded by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Softwoods Working Group, with support from the NSW Rural Fire Service. It’s part of a wider program of fire protection across the Murray region, helping communities prepare for bushfire seasons ahead.
Mt Ikes helps fill a gap in fire detection by linking with other WatchTowers already operating across Kosciuszko National Park and the Snowy Valleys Council area. With better coverage near Tooma, fire crews can spot problems earlier, even in remote or rugged parts of the landscape.
Local help mattered too. While funding got things moving, we also relied on support from the NSW Telco Authority and local emergency services to bring the site online, who helped secure the tower and ensure stable connectivity.
Smarter tools for faster responses
The station at Mt Ikes works much like the one recently installed at Mt Flakney, under the same funding arrangement. It uses smart tools and live camera feeds to spot smoke early and give clear, reliable information to the people making decisions. That means faster responses and fewer surprises during emergencies.
The impact is already visible. Softwood plantations have an extra layer of protection, helping protect years of investment from fire damage. Local farmers know their land and animals are better covered. Even local towns like Tumut, a key centre for the forestry industry, benefit from the peace-of-mind created by greater visibility.
As well as the Mt Flakney site, Mt Ikes also complements our installation at Galore Hill, which plays a critical role in monitoring activity near key aerial firefighting resources and forest operations. These sites work together to give first responders faster, clearer information.
And like all our stations, Mt Ikes feeds directly into WatchTowers CentralWatch - a platform that puts real-time fire updates directly into the hands of the community. Whether you're running a farm or looking out for your local area, it's a simple way to stay across what’s happening nearby.
Watch the short video below to see the Mt Ikes build come together - from tower prep to final camera calibration.
Building a stronger fire detection network for southern NSW
Mt Ikes is one site doing an important job: giving local crews more visibility and linking Tooma into a broader network that now stretches from Yass to the Snowy Monaro. As more of these detection points come online, the region becomes better prepared to face emergencies with confidence.
As we head into another fire season, having early, reliable information can make all the difference. Mt Ikes shows what’s possible when local knowledge, smart tech and community priorities come together.
Want to stay ahead of fire risks in your area? Join thousands of others already using CentralWatch for real-time alerts and live camera feeds. It’s free, easy to use, and built to help you protect what matters most.
Sign up for CentralWatch alerts today
