28 October 2008
AERIAL FIREFIGHTING GETS $10 MILLION FOR THE BUSHFIRE SEASON
The Rudd Government will this year contribute $10.2 million to increase the capacity for aerial firefighting to assist the states and territories prepare for the bushfire season.
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today visited Emergency Management Australia’s Macedon headquarters to announce that the national support will help lease and position specialised aerial firefighting equipment across Australia.
“This is a sign of strong cooperation between the Commonwealth, the states and the territories. This funding will allow for a greater number of firefighting aircraft to be used this bushfire season than would otherwise be available,” Mr McClelland said.
“Bushfires are a reality of Australian summers. Everyone has a responsibility to take care to prevent fires. And the public is entitled to expect all levels of government to work closely together so that if bushfires do hit, the resources are there so they can be fought quickly and successfully.”
The 2008 national aerial firefighting fleet will be a mix of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters – including five high capacity ‘air-crane’ aircraft. The fleet will be initially based in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, but will be moved around the country on a needs basis.
“The Rudd Government’s support for aerial firefighting is just one way in which it is helping to protect Australian communities from severe bushfires,” Mr McClelland said.
Through the National Aerial Firefighting Arrangements, the Rudd Government has committed $41.2 million over four years to more effectively address the risk of bushfire across Australia. Funds are provided to the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC), which is responsible for the national coordination of resources and sharing of aerial firefighting equipment between states and territories.
Media contacts:
Adam Sims, Mr McClelland’s office, 0419 480 224
Alastair Wilson, EMA Media Liaison, 0408 606 462