Tasmanian firefighting aircraft ready for action

Tasmania’s firefighting agencies will have strong air power to draw on in the coming 2014/15 bushfire season.

With assistance from the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC), Tasmania has secured five firefighting helicopters and one fixed wing aircraft for this summer’s bushfire season.

Minister for Justice Michael Keenan said the Commonwealth’s $14.8 million investment in aerial firefighting over 2014/15 aircraft provides a major boost to the emergency response efforts of the states and territories.

“The National Aerial Firefighting arrangements are an excellent example of the cooperative approach taken between the Commonwealth and the states and territories in addressing and responding to Australia’s bushfire risk,” Mr Keenan said.

“By working together with the states and territories we are able to share specialised resources and ensure Australians are protected by the best aerial firefighting equipment possible,” Mr Keenan said.

Tasmanian Police and Emergency Management Minister Rene Hidding, said this season’s aerial fleet would play a number of important roles.

“The five NAFC contracted aircraft offer excellent flexibility. They will be used for water bombing, mapping, transporting crews and equipment as well as providing firefighting agencies information from the air on what a fire is doing.

“I’m pleased that we’ve maintained the same number of helicopters as the 2013/14 fleet, which was a considerable boost from previous years and now also have a fixed-wing aircraft.

“Through this shared funding model with the Commonwealth, Tasmania achieves the best outcome for the community and provides the best possible support for firefighters,” Mr Hidding said.

Federal Lyons MP Eric Hutchinson attended the launch of the fleet at the Tasmania Police Academy at Rokeby on behalf of Minister Keenan.

“All governments in Australia recognise the importance of having access to a sophisticated aerial firefighting capability to respond to bushfires, protect communities and support firefighters on the ground,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“As we head into another challenging bushfire season, it’s important to remember that aircraft can be successful in a fire suppression role but only in conjunction with crews on the ground, working in a coordinated approach.”

This year’s national aerial firefighting fleet consists of nearly 100 aircraft sourced by the NAFC, strategically based around the country.
The Hon Michael Keenan MP Minister for Justice The Hon Rene Hidding Minister for Infrastructure Minister for Police and Emergency Management