Published Today at 10:30 AM

Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers
The Honourable Ann Leahy

Crisafulli Government delivers bolstered bushfire response capability

  • The Crisafulli Government is delivering stronger aerial firefighting capabilities ahead of bushfire season. 
  • The Large Air Tanker (LAT) has arrived at Bundaberg Airport, with QFD securing an extension of the contract to the end of the 2026-2027 bushfire period.
  • 14 contracted aircraft on standby to support ground crews with waterbombing and intelligence gathering, with an additional 200 aircraft ready to assist across Queensland. 

The Crisafulli Government has bolstered Queensland’s bushfire response capabilities by delivering a major investment in the Queensland’s Fire Department’s aerial firefighting assets.  

The $12.7 million investment has strengthened Queensland Fire Department’s aerial firefighting fleet for the next five years, ensuring the availability of four additional services until the conclusion of the 2028-29 bushfire risk period.  

The Crisafulli Government, in just 10 months, has delivered a record $134 million investment in the 2025-26 Budget for the Queensland Fire Department to modernise facilities, vehicles and equipment after 10 years of decline under Labor. 

This includes $23 million for the Rural Fire Service for new and replacement trucks and more than $13.2 million for stations across Queensland.  

Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy and Queensland Fire Department Commissioner Steve Smith today welcomed the arrival of a fleet of key aircraft as the state prepares for heightened bushfire activity.  

QFD’s 14 contracted aircraft consist of an array of waterbombing and observation planes and helicopters, strategically based at airfields across Queensland, while an additional 200 aircraft are also available on a call-when-needed basis.  

Aircraft crews are supported by Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) volunteers and staff as well as Queensland Fire & Rescue (QFR) personnel, who fill crucial roles such as Airbase Operators, Airbase Managers, Air Attack Supervisors and Air Observers.  

Minister for Fire Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government was backing Queensland’s firies with the investment in resources and equipment they needed to prepare for heightened bushfire activity. 

“After a decade of decline, the Crisafulli Government is delivering what Labor failed to with the capacity and resources our firies need on the frontline,” Minister Leahy said.  

“We can expect to see increased bushfire activity from now until the end of the year, which is we are delivering a stronger aerial firefighting fleet, supported by the already $134 million in the State Budget.  

“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.” 

Queensland Fire Department Commissioner Steve Smith said significant rain over the past year had increased fuel loads. 

“Our RFSQ volunteers have been working hard alongside partner agencies to conduct hazard reduction burns, but it’s vital that everyone does their bit to prepare,” Mr Smith said. 

“Fuel loads do not take long to dry out once spring is upon us, and we’ll 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. 

“The Large Air Tanker can drop fire suppressant strategically in order to steer a large fire away from key infrastructure and homes.” 

RFSQ Chief Officer Kaylene Jones said the pre-determined dispatch of aircraft to incidents would be an important strategy during this year’s response.  

“This means waterbombing aircraft will be automatically dispatched to bushfires that meet a certain threshold,” Ms 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.” 

ENDS  

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