The devastation of the recent Christmas bushfires in NSW has demonstrated the untiring efforts and professionalism of volunteer firefighters and all involved in the efforts to save lives and homes.Given the unprecedented duration and ferocity of the bushfires, the Federal Government has paid around $700,000 to reimburse NSW for the transportation cost of two S-64 Air Crane Helitankers to augment existing firefighting resources.
The Helitankers nicknamed ‘Elvis’ (on loan from Victoria), “Incredible Hulk” and “Georgia Peach” (transported from Canada) proved effective in bolstering aerial firefighting capacity. In addition the Federal Government donated $1 million to the bushfire appeal, these funds will go directly to assist those who have lost their homes and livelihood.
While the responsibility for firefighting rests with States and Territories, the Commonwealth will reimburse NSW under Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements for eligible disaster relief and restoration expenditure.
The Department of Transport and Regional Services administers the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements which apply to bushfires, cyclones, earthquakes, floods, storms and landslides. The Secretary of the Department, Ken Matthews is chairing the High Level Group reviewing Australia’s natural disaster arrangements and is considering national issues arising from the Christmas 2001 NSW Bushfire Crisis. The Commonwealth has announced it is also willing to work cooperatively with States to coordinate the development of a national strategy on cost effective options for improving Australia’s aerial firefighting capability.
For further information, contact the Department of Transport and Regional Services, Natural Disaster Management GPO Box 594, Canberra ACT 2601.
