FEDERAL FUNDING TO INCREASE AERIAL FIREFIGHTING SUPPORT

Australia’s aerial firefighting capability has received an $11 million boost to ensure additional aircraft are available for the 2020-21 and future bushfire seasons.

The $11 million boost to the national aerial firefighting fleet was announced in January by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and comes on top of the $15 million we already deliver each year for aerial firefighting.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP said the additional funding, brought the annual Federal Government investment to $26 million and would increase aerial firefighting capacity helping the States and Territories to prepare for summer.

“Aerial firefighting plays a vital role in protecting communities, and it’s the combination of this air support with the hard work of firefighters on the ground, and a well-prepared community, that makes the difference,” Mr Pasin said.

The additional funding to the National Aerial Firefighting Centre will increase the length of existing lease arrangements and/or the number of contract opportunities available to aircraft owners/operators.

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.

The Australian Government is committed to working with states and territories to reduce the impacts of bushfires, and ensure the availability of resources to combat natural disasters.