Palaszczuk takes aim at federal government as state launches key weapon for bushfire season

With the arrival of another bushfire season, the Queensland government has called out the federal government’s inaction while launching a key weapon in combating dangerous fire conditions.

Bushfire season is upon us and the Palaszczuk government today launched its key weapon in combating Queensland’s dangerous conditions while taking aim at the federal government.
The Large Air tanker (LAT) is a crucial part of the bushfire-fighting arsenal and will be based in Bundaberg for the next three months during the state’s peak season to service regional areas.
The LAT, a Bombardier Dash-8 Q400AT, has assisted during previous Australian bushfire seasons exclusively in Queensland before being deployed overseas.
Under a new co-sharing arrangement with Victoria, announced earlier this year, the LAT will stay in Queensland for three months before being sent to Victoria during its peak season – ensuring it remains in Australia year-round.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the deal between the two states was initiated because the federal government had not acted.

Our newest aerial firefighting resource is the Large Air Tanker (LAT).

“And remember, we’ve acted because the federal government refused to act,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“We have this LAT here, and we’ve got an increased fire danger over the next couple of days because of dry and windy conditions so everyone please be on alert,” she said.
At a Covid press conference held in Bundaberg this morning, Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan said the LAT would assist in servicing Queensland Fire and Emergency Services’ firefighting capabilities for the state.
“The LAT is back, and it’s back to back-in the QFES,” Mr Ryan said.
“But in true Aussie spirit, it’s also available for other states who may require this amazing fire aerial fighting capability,” he said.
Mr Ryan said there was an incredible connection of aerial assets right across the nation and would assist all Australians during times of natural disaster and bushfires.
The fleet can be deployed anywhere in Australia to assist in firefighting needs.
The LAT will be stationed in Bundaberg for the next three months before being sent to Victoria.
It will remain in Victoria between seasons.
The new deal will keep the air tanker in Australia until 2024.