Tasmania’s firefighting capability has been given a significant boost this summer with today’s launch of its aerial firefighting fleet.
The fleet was launched by President of the Senate and Senator for Tasmania Stephen Parry representing the Minister for Justice Michael Keenan, and Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure Rene Hidding at Hobart’s Domain Oval.
It includes seven aircraft contracted through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre, which facilitates the sharing of aerial firefighting resources between States and Territories during the fire season.
Mr Keenan said the NAFC represents a cooperative national approach to disasters, providing access to specialised aircraft that might otherwise be out of reach for individual jurisdictions.
“The Australian Government invests $14.8 million each year in the NAFC arrangements to support states and territories and ensure Australians are protected by the best aerial firefighting equipment possible,” Mr Keenan said.
“By pooling our resources, governments in all jurisdictions receive the best value for money and have access to the most effective tools for responding to bushfire risk.”
Mr Hidding said the fleet, which includes two Bell 214B helicopters, three Eurocopters and two AT802 Air Tractors, would offer the flexibility the Government needs to play a number of key firefighting roles this summer.
“The fleet will be deployed for water bombing, mapping, transporting crews and equipment, as well as providing vital information to firefighters and the community on fire behaviour as required,” Mr Hidding said.
“The two AT802 Air Tractors, which Tasmania is trialling this year, will also enhance our firebombing capability for rapid initial assaults on fires.
“Through this vital shared funding model, Tasmania is able to achieve the best outcome for the community and the best possible support for firefighters.”
Senator Parry said this year’s national fleet consists of more than 120 aircraft being strategically deployed across Australia.
“It’s an impressive national fleet, and aircraft deployed in other states and territories can potentially be used in Tasmania if the need arises, such as when Large Air Tankers were deployed from Victoria late last fire season,” Senator Parry said.
“All governments in Australia recognise the importance of having access to a sophisticated aerial firefighting capability to respond to bushfires. A national, coordinated and cooperative effort is the key to enhancing Australia’s disaster resilience.”
Rene Hidding, Minister for Police and Emergency Management Michael Keenan, Federal Minister for Justice
