A Large Air Tanker (LAT), one of the best methods for fighting bushfires, will soon arrive in Queensland in time for the next fire season.
The LAT will remain in Australia for the next four years as part of partnership struck with the Victorian Government.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said the LAT was an important weapon in the State’s firefighting arsenal.
“Right around the world, we’re seeing our climate changing,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The threat of bushfires is increasing,” she said.
“This deal will ensure our firefighters have access to this cutting-edge technology when they need it.”
Ms Palaszczuk said the LAT would be based in Bundaberg for the duration of each of Queensland’s next four bushfire seasons.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan said the move was part of the Government’s commitment to supporting Queensland Fire and Emergency Services’ (QFES) bushfire response operations.
“The co-sharing arrangement with Victoria will ensure the LAT is at Queensland’s disposal for at least the next four bushfire seasons,” Mr Ryan said.
“This will deliver certainty and efficiencies because QFES will no longer need to contract a LAT on a season-by-season arrangement.”
Mr Ryan said the LAT would complement the substantial aerial firefighting fleet, which included a combination of planes and helicopters employed on an on-call basis.
“It’s important to note that the LAT will be complemented by all of the aircraft that form Australia’s national aerial firefighting fleet and that includes another LAT located in NSW,” he said.
“Queensland asks a lot of our firefighters and emergency service volunteers when disasters strike, so it is only right they have the resources to respond effectively,” Mr Ryan said.
