Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan said a range of Country Fire Authority volunteers highlighted the importance of the structure for the upcoming fire season.

"We heard from the volunteers who fund-raised for the fire tower in 1977 and that the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983 that ripper through The Otways were first spotted from the tower," Mr Riordan said.

"Volunteers said the funding for repairs or a short-term solution need to be organised immediately."

READ MORE: MP raises fire fears over fire tower closure ahead of summer season.

Mr Riordan said CFA volunteers suggested stacking storage containers at the site would be a quick short-term solution.

"These volunteers rely on the immediate intel of tower for their plans," he said. "It can gauge the first puff of smoke and people up there can keep an eye on the fires as they are racing.

"Before the tower was constructed, farmers would sit in their Utes on the various mountains to look for fires. If the Mt Gellibrand tower is not repaired, that is what the government is asking them to do again."

Petitions for the Lower House of Victorian Parliament must be signed in person. Some south-west CFA crews are distributing the petitions, or you can contact Mr Riordan's office for a copy.

The petition closes on December 4 and will be tabled in the last week of Parliament.

Mr Riordan was also joined at the rally by Member for Western Victoria Bev Macarthur and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Nick Wakeling, Colac-Otway councillors and Surf Coast councillors.

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