National Aerial Firefighting
The Australian Government is providing $41.2 million over four years to June 2011 (including $10.22 million in 2008-2009) to assist States and Territories lease aerial firefighting equipment. This investment continues the funding contribution the Australian Government has been making in recent years.
Aerial firefighting equipment, such as the 'Elvis' helicopters we have seen in our skies in recent years, are key weapons in the fight against major bushfires. This funding, which is almost double the previous amount of $5.5 million a year, will allow for a more comprehensive mix of aircraft, and allow bushfire agencies to assess new aircraft and techniques.
The Australian Government's $41.2 million contribution will strengthen the national approach to aerial firefighting through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre. The Australian Government's four-year funding commitment will enable State and Territory firefighting agencies to retain the services of a greater range of aircraft on a guaranteed availability basis for their fire seasons.
The National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) was formed by the States and Territories in July 2003 to assist the process of a national approach to sharing aerial firefighting resources.
Australian Government funding assistance acknowledges the importance of mitigation measures, although it also highlights the need for the development of scientifically based decision-making processes. The Australasian Fire Authorities Council is working with the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre in this regard and an assessment of the effectiveness of aerial firefighting is one of its top research priorities.
The national arrangements allow resources to be redeployed to areas experiencing high fire risk and are considered an example of Australia's firefighting and land management agencies working cooperatively to provide greater community fire protection.