Lauren Moss

Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security

Media Release

Investing in our Future. Delivering for all Territorians - Aerial Firefighting Program

13 May 2023

Bushfires in the Territory can be unpredictable and turn into a real threat with little notice - that’s why the Territory Labor Government is ensuring we have the best resources available to combat them.

Budget 2023 is investing in the Northern Territory’s aerial firefighting program with a $2.5 million annual investment over 5 years under the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) Agreement.

An integral component of bushfire mitigation in recent years, aerial firefighting is an efficient and highly valued resource for tackling fires across the Territory.

Aircraft are a valuable asset in fighting bushfires and support:

o Firebombing – the dropping of water on or in front of the fire to reduce or halt the spread

o Rapid delivery of firefighters and equipment to remote areas

o Fire detection, investigation and mapping

o Command, communications and control; and

o Aerial ignition to ignite planned fuel reduction backburns.

Investing in the NAFC Agreement for aerial firefighting resources provides Bushfires NT with the capacity to support bushfire responses and assist communities when needed.

Bushfire prevention and protection will also be boosted as part of Budget 2023, with ongoing funding for the Gamba Army taking our total investment in the program to $2.1 million over 5 years, with a total investment of $1.025 million in gamba management.

A highly invasive weed that creates high fuel loads, reducing gamba grass infestations minimises the risk of wildfires.

For information about preparing for and managing bushfires in the NT go to [https://nt.gov.au/emergency/bushfire]

Quotes from Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security Lauren Moss:

“The use of aerial assets is a critical part of the Territory Labor Government’s wildfire response, providing greater protection for the Territory’s natural environment and improving safety for firefighters, volunteer firefighter brigades and our community.

“The Territory’s important aerial firefighting program assists in gathering intelligence, bushfire planning and public safety messaging, as well as reducing the intensity of bushfires with firebombing.

“Bushfires are a part of the Northern Territory landscape, and can become a threat with very little notice, so it’s important for all Territorians to be prepared, maintain firebreaks and stay informed.”

Media Contact – Anne Lobo - 0499 942 711

Northern Territory Government

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