A new automated Large Air Tanker loading facility at the Edinburgh RAAF Base in South Australia, part of a $20 million investment of Australian Government Black Summer funding to the National Aerial Firefighting Service, is now operational.
Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the facility will be a crucial line of support for Australia's national aerial firefighting capability.
"We all know how devastating bushfires can be, sadly claiming lives, destroying businesses and property and leaving communities decimated, which is why we have focused on securing national Large Air Tankers," Minister McKenzie said.
"Over the past decade, the use of aerial firefighting has grown significantly in Australia, to the point where we now have more than 150 specialised, highly mobile aircraft positioned around the country to protect our communities against bushfires.
"The funding for the nation-wide upgrade of airbases comes from an additional $20 million of Australian Government funding to the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) to support enhanced air operations across Australia. It is in addition to the $30 million the Government already provides annually.
"This additional funding has also allowed the acquisition of Australia's first permanent national Large Air Tanker, which has already been heavily involved in protecting lives and property during Western Australia's current bushfires.
"The Retardant and Suppressant Computerised Automated Loading facility will support firefighting operations into the future, allowing varying types of aircraft to be efficiently and safely loaded with fire retardant and water-enhancing gel products.
"The advances will slash the time it takes to refill the Large Air Tanker from between 15 - 20 minutes down to 5 minutes. Meaning less time on the ground and more time in the air protecting our communities.
The major upgrades in South Australia are part of a nationwide review and upgrade of firefighting airbase facilities across the country, which will see work done in every state and territory and allow Australia's air fleet, especially the Large Air Tanker, improved access and greater ability to fight fires wherever and whenever they are needed.
"All Australians, especially those in high-risk areas, can help out by ensuring they are fire-ready and have contingency fire plans in place well ahead of time," Minister McKenzie said.
