Joint media release with the Hon Dan Cregan MP
A new Blackhawk heavy-lift helicopter is now on standby at Parafield Airport to support South Australian, Western Victorian and Western Australian communities ahead of the Fire Danger Season.
The Pickering UH-60L Blackhawk will provide additional capability to existing state resources as they respond to bushfires and other natural disasters.
The Blackhawk can be deployed across South Australia, into Western Victoria and Western Australia, providing extra support that will be coordinated by the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC).
With a second Blackhawk placed in Queensland, the pair will join the national fleet as new additions alongside Sikorski S-61N, and a Hercules C-130.
The new additions to the National Aerial Firefighting Fleet come as a result of the Australian Government's record $48m annual investment over the next two financial years.
The National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) will coordinate the use of the Fleet across Australia and determine where the different aircraft will be based and how they might be relocated throughout the Higher-Risk Weather Season - depending on operational needs, and in collaboration with states and territories.
South Australia now has more than 30 aircraft in place - including five Blackhawks with a 4,500L capacity for water and foam - ahead of the Fire Danger Season.
It follows a record $26.7 million investment by the State Government last season to deliver the State's largest ever aerial firefighting fleet, with five new aircraft added.
Vision of the Blackhawk is available. Please attribute footage to Aerotech.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister
"We know that in South Australia, weather can move quickly from risky fire days to severe storm and floods, and we want to help ensure our emergency services have the capabilities they need to protect communities.
"This Blackhawk is just one of the three new heavy lift helicopters joining the National Aerial Firefighting Fleet which will provide much-needed assistance in disasters beyond bushfires.
"Combined with the investments we are making in our National Emergency Management Stockpile and national coordination capability, the Albanese Government is strengthening our ability to work with states and territories to protect our communities."
Quotes attributable to South Australian Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Dan Cregan
"The stationing of a new Blackhawk in South Australia significantly boosts the state's firefighting capabilities for the coming months.
"Having this aircraft on standby within the state provides an extra layer of reassurance to communities and is a welcome additional resource to our current fleet."
Quotes attributable to South Australian Country Fire Service Manager - State Aviation Operations, Nik Stanley
"The basing of this federally funded Blackhawk helicopter in South Australia provides the CFS with additional firefighting capabilities that can be called upon as needed throughout the Fire Danger Season.
"Bushfires can have widespread impact on homes and communities so we are grateful to have such a highly capable aircraft readily available, unless needed elsewhere in the country, to assist with firefighting operations."
