Protecting Tasmanian communities is the highest priority of the Rockliff Liberal Government and our agreement with the National Aerial Firefighting Centre ensures Tasmania has access to additional aerial firefighting resources during bushfire season.
NAFC is an excellent example of State and Territory governments and the Australian Government collaborating to achieve the best outcomes for the community and provide the best possible support to our firefighters.
Acting Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Michael Ferguson, said investing in the national aerial firefighting fleet is a critical part of keeping Tasmanians safe during bushfire season.
"This summer, Tasmania has received 15 additional aircraft to help our local response and build on over 20 private helicopters already here," Minister Ferguson said.
"The importance of having access to a sophisticated and flexible aerial firefighting capability to respond to bushfires, protect communities and support firefighters on the ground cannot be overstated.
"We are heading into a predicted hotter and drier summer period and our aircraft can respond rapidly to evolving fire situations and can significantly help firefighters on the ground.
"Our Government is committed to ensuring Tasmanians are safe from bushfire through strong investment in people, infrastructure and technology and we acknowledge the invaluable federal partnership with the NACF."
Liberal Member for Franklin, Dean Young, urged all Tasmanians, and especially those in rural and regional communities, to prepares a bushfire plan to keep yourself, those you love and your property safe.
"We know there is a challenging season ahead and we have already seen three emergency responses on the East Coast where aerial firefighting resources were needed," Mr Young said.
"Each of the NAFC helicopters is kitted out with the latest Tasmanian Government Radio Network (TasGRN) equipment, following the roll out of this nation-leading $763 million project by our Government this year.
"We have also announced a $10 million investment into our volunteer fire and emergency services facilities and tools in the next two years and we continue to invest in our $115 million fuel reduction program."
Mr Young urged Tasmanians to prepare a bushfire plan, if they haven't already done so – details can be found at www.fire.tas.gov.au
