Mark Shelton,Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management
The Tasmanian Government welcomes the Commonwealth’s $11 million boost to aerial support during the bushfire season. Investment in the national aerial firefighting fleet is a critical part of protecting the Tasmanian community during bushfire season.
Aerial firefighting plays an important role in protecting communities, property and lives during bushfires by supporting the hard work of the firefighters on the ground.
Aircraft were deployed to over 40 fires in Tasmania during last fire season, with the longest duration fires in Fingal, Swansea and the Southwest complex fires at Strathgordon being very resource intense.
The additional funding to the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Aerial Firefighting Centre will increase the length of existing lease arrangements and/or the number of contract opportunities available to aircraft owners/operators.
The Tasmanian Government is committed to keeping Tasmanians safe from the threat of bushfires, as seen through our nation leading Fuel Reduction Program, which has helped to reduce the state-wide bushfire risk to the lowest it has been in 15 years.
