Boost for Australia’s Aerial Firefighting Capability

The Australian Government will boost the
country’s aerial firefighting capabilities by $11 million.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this
additional funding would see more specialised firefighting aircraft take to the
skies to keep Australians safe this summer.

“In response to the request from our national
fire chiefs we’re backing our firefighters and our water bombing fleet with an
extra $11 million boost. That’s on top of the $15 million we already deliver
each year for aerial firefighting to tackle what has already been a devastating
fire season,” the Prime Minister said.

“Each bushfire season we take the advice of
the states and experts about what we can do to keep Australians safe. As we continue
into this hot and dry bushfire season we want to ensure our fireys get the
aerial support they need and have asked for.

“We saw how useful our extra support was last
season which is why we’re boosting it again this year.

“As we’ve said all along, my government
stands ready to deliver whatever further assistance is asked of us by the
states as they battle these devastating fires.”

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency
Management David Littleproud said the additional funding announced today would
enable annual lease periods of firefighting aircraft to be extended and ensures
the right mix and type of aircraft are available to protect communities this
summer.

“We recognise the vital role that aerial
firefighting plays in protecting communities, essential infrastructure, and
environmental values, as well as supporting firefighters on the ground,”
Minister Littleproud said.

“Once again, we owe a debt of gratitude to
our career and volunteer emergency services who are out there protecting our
communities in the face of very difficult conditions.”

“It is clear we are facing longer and more
intense seasons, and as this summer has only just begun we have already seen
devastating fires tear through communities right across the country.

“Sadly, bushfires are part of the Australian
landscape and while we cannot always prevent them, we can prepare for them and
ensure that we are responding in the most effective way.”

The National Aerial Firefighting Centre has
more than 140 aircraft at its disposal to be directed to wherever they are
needed. These aircraft, contracted on behalf of state and territory
governments, are supplemented by additional state owned, and state contracted
aircraft and other aircraft hired to meet peak demand across Australia. In
total more than 500 aircraft, provided by over 150 operators, are available for
firefighting across Australia.