Three new aircraft will join our aerial firefighting fleet this summer to ensure Australia is better prepared for disasters.
As part of the Albanese Government's record investment into national aerial firefighting two Blackhawks and a Sikorsky S-61N will join the National Large Air Tanker and Bird Dog, building a multi-hazard capability which can be deployed to keep Australians safe in the face of increasingly severe and frequent natural disasters.
While the national aerial capability had previously been limited to firefighting aircraft, the Albanese Government also broadened the fleet's capacity to support more Australians across more hazards.
These aircraft will also be able to help with heavy drops and under certain circumstances evacuations in events such as floods and cyclones. Today's announcement brings the total funding in aerial firefighting to approximately $48 million annually.
Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister said the additional aircrafts are another way the Government is preparing Australians for the High-Risk Weather Season ahead.
"Three additional helicopters are joining the national fleet, it means we can preposition more aircraft to support and keep more Australians safe.
The aircraft will supplement current state and territory arrangements and ensure we are the best position to deploy aircraft even if there are multiple disasters.
"Scientists tell us that Australians can expect to experience more severe and frequent hazards, which is why the Albanese Government is investing to better prepare and protect communities."
