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NexGen firefighting upgrades in Queensland and Victoria, including Cairns, Rockhampton and Mackay, as well as remediation of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) “forever chemicals” in Rockhampton, have both been recommended in the committee’s latest report.
The Striker Volterra 6x6 vehicles, ordered in 2023 by Airservices Australia, will operate out of a purpose-built Aviation Rescue Firefighting station – currently under construction – which Airservices says will allow firefighters to respond to any emergency at WSI in under three minutes.
Under the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) National Coordinating Body, the Williamtown Working Group (WWG) aims to collectivise community and government representatives to support measures that will mitigate the environmental and economic effects of PFAS contamination.
From October 2025, the H225 will be operated by ARC Helicopters from Victoria to perform essential missions including firefighting and utility operations across the region.
Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil will oversee the new body alongside NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe, with an initial focus on affected sites in NSW.
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.
