Large Air Tanker returns to Queensland for higher risk bushfire period

• The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer with the Large Air Tanker (LAT) arriving at Bundaberg Airport to strengthen Queensland’s aerial firefighting capability.  
• The LAT will join the Queensland Fire Department’s 14 contracted aircraft and more than 200 additional aircraft, which are available through call-when-needed arrangements.
• LAT’s arrival coincides with the start of spring and an increased fire danger for some parts of the State. 

The Crisafulli Government has welcomed back the Large Air Tanker (LAT), an important addition to the Queensland Fire Department’s aerial firefighting fleet as bushfire risk increases across the State. 

After a decade of Labor’s broken promises, Queensland firefighters were left with an ageing fleet, stretched frontline resources and no certainty around the cynically expanded Workcover. 

The Crisafulli Government has secured the LAT for another bushfire season, ensuring Queensland’s firefighters have access to the equipment they need to tackle bushfires and protect our communities. 

With a retardant capacity of 10,000 litres, the LAT plays a key role in supporting firefighters on the ground by slowing the spread of fire, strengthening containment lines and improving firefighting access in difficult terrain. 

The LAT arrived at Bundaberg Airport on 31 August and joins QFD’s fleet of 14 contracted aircraft, with access to more than 200 additional aircraft when conditions intensify. 

Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the LAT had become a proven and valuable part of Queensland’s bushfire response. 

“Queenslanders can have confidence that our firefighters have the aircraft, equipment and resources they need to respond when bushfires threaten communities,” Minister Leahy said. 

“After a decade of Labor leaving our firefighters to make do with ageing resources and stretched frontline capability, we’re making sure Queensland is properly prepared for another bushfire season. 

“The LAT is a critical part of Queensland’s bushfire response, and the Crisafulli Government has secured this firefighting resource for another bushfire season.” 

Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the return of the LAT to Bundaberg was a boost for the region’s preparedness.  

“Having the Large Air Tanker back in Bundaberg is welcome news for our region as we head into the bushfire season, giving local communities greater confidence that help is close by when it is needed,” Mr Bennett said. 

“People across the Burnett know how quickly conditions can change, and being prepared before a fire starts is critical to keeping families, homes and communities safe.” 

QFD Commissioner Steve Smith AFSM said the department’s aviation capability remained a critical part of Queensland’s preparedness and response. 

“During the 2025-26 higher-risk bushfire period, QFD’s contracted aircraft completed 860 fire-related dispatches and clocked up more than 3,000 flying hours,” Commissioner Smith said.   

“We have already seen some bushfire activity across the State and spring is expected to be a challenging time for our firefighters, especially in the southern interior where it remains drier than average. 

“Residents should ensure their properties are prepared and that they have a bushfire survival plan in place to ensure a household knows what to do, should a bushfire break out.” 

ENDS 

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