The Department of Defence is to transfer two Black Hawk helicopters to the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) to boost the State’s ability to respond to critical emergencies.
The helicopters will be added to the RFS’s aerial squadron and will fly emergency service personnel to bushfires, floods and other disasters across the State once they are withdrawn from military service.
Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security who also has responsibility for emergency management, Angus Taylor said fast aerial emergency support could be the difference between life and death.
“These ex-military Black Hawks will be vital not only to metro areas, but also to people in rural and regional NSW,” Mr Taylor said.
He said the Defence Force’s fleet of 39 Black Hawk helicopters was expected to be gradually withdrawn from service from 2019.
NSW Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet said that once the helicopters were fully kitted out for their new use, firefighters and other emergency service personnel would be able to respond to fires, floods and other disasters much faster.
NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Troy Grant said the Black Hawks would give personnel around-the-clock access to remote locations.
Mr Taylor said the transfer of ownership from the Australian Defence Force to the NSW would be subject to endorsement by the country of origin and other necessary approvals.
