FURTHER ASSISTANCE IN RESPONSE TO NSW BUSHFIRES
24 November 2009
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland today approved further assistance to the New South Wales Government under the Australian Government Disaster Response Plan which is managed by Emergency Management Australia.
The additional assistance will support New South Wales aerial fire fighting operations by providing access to the Marrangaroo Army Deport. The Depot has been requested by New South Wales as it will provide the best accommodation and operating facilities within the immediate area of the fires in the remote Lithgow and Mid Western areas.
"The Government stands ready to provide any further assistance that the NSW Government requires in response to these bushfires," Mr McClelland said.
New South Wales is currently experiencing significant bushfire activity across the State, with 79 bushfires burning and a number of bushfire emergencies declared by the Commissioner for the Rural Fire Service.
These bushfires are expected to burn for a number of weeks until satisfactory containment is achieved.
The Rural Fire Service currently has 45 aircraft active across the State with an additional 22 aircraft on standby.
Aviation operations are expected to continue for up to fourteen days pending containment of the fires.
The Australian Government provided the New South Wales Rural Fire Service with access to Richmond Royal Australian Air Force Base to assist the fire fighting effort on 20 November.
Media Contact: Daniel Gleeson 0409 562 425
