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The Queensland government has invested $12.7 million into aerial firefighting capabilities ahead of the upcoming bushfire season.
Queensland Fire Department has secured an extension to the contract of its Large Air Tanker aircraft until the end of the 2026–27 fire season, with four additional services also made available until the end of the 2028–29 bushfire risk period.
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“We can expect to see increased bushfire activity from now until the end of the year, which is why we are delivering a stronger aerial firefighting fleet, supported by the already $134 million in the State Budget,” said Queensland Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy.
“This investment is a game-changer ahead of what’s shaping up to be a tough season and this support will help our crews respond faster and more effectively to bushfires.”
The QFD currently has 14 aircraft under contract, which assist ground crews with aerial surveillance and waterbombing, as well as 200 aircraft around the state available on a “call-when-needed” basis.
Commissioner Steve Smith said the QFD will be “keeping a very close eye on conditions as we head into the latter part of the year”.
“Our aerial assets are critical in mapping out fires, guiding crews on the ground, and assisting in firefighting efforts with their aerial waterbombing capabilities,” he said.
“The Large Air Tanker can drop fire suppressant strategically in order to steer a large fire away from key infrastructure and homes.”
QFD’s aircraft crews are also supported by volunteers and staff from the Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ), as well as Queensland Fire & Rescue (QFR) personnel, who perform support roles such as airbase operation and management, air attack supervision, and air observation.
According to RFSQ chief officer Kaylene Jones, pre-determining the dispatch of aircraft to bushfire incidents will be “an important strategy” this year.
“This means waterbombing aircraft will be automatically dispatched to bushfires that meet a certain threshold,” Jones said.
“The addition of the line scanning aircraft will further support ground crews, with its ability to use thermal imaging and infra-red between 15,000 and 28,000 feet above the fireground providing comprehensive insight to our personnel.
“It’s another way we can more efficiently fight bushfires while keeping the public and our own volunteers as safe as possible.”
