The Australian Government has announced an annual $4 million dollar boost to the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) to base a Large Air Tanker in Australia.

Federal Member for Berowra, Julian Leeser MP, said the funding will secure a Large Air Tanker to be in Australia year-round reducing reliance on overseas firefighting aircraft.

“The use of aerial firefighting aircraft has grown in Australia over the past decade, and they are now a very visible feature of firefighting operations each fire season, particularly at rural-urban boundaries, such as my electorate, where they can provide rapid and effective fire suppression,” Mr Leeser said.

“With $4 million dollars available for year-round access to a Large Air Tanker, in addition to funding for existing aerial firefighting resources, the Australian Government’s annual investment in aerial firefighting to more than $30 million per annum.

“A sophisticated fleet of more than 150 specialised, highly mobile aircraft are pre-positioned around the country to respond to bushfires, protect communities and to support firefighters on the ground.

“By working together to pool our resources, all jurisdictions can get the maximum value for money and ensure that Australians are protected by the best aerial firefighting equipment possible,” Mr Leeser added.