Rural Fire Service helicopters deployed to Dubbo, Coffs, Tumut

Life-saving heilcopters have been deployed to a number of communities in regional NSW to step up the fight against natural disasters and respond to emergency threats.

Dubbo, Coffs Harbour and Tumut have been announced as new sites set to house three multipurpose Rural Fire Service helicopters to help boost emergency service response capacity in regional NSW.

The state government announced the aircraft would be moved from Sydney to the regions on Monday during a media event to mark the arrival of a chopper in Dubbo.

Emergency Services Minister David Elliot, Deputy Premier Paul Toole, Premier Dominic Perrottet and Dubbo Nationals MP Dugald Saunders on board RFS aircraft which was relocated to Dubbo.

“The relocation of one of these helicopters to Dubbo, but also to Coffs Harbour and Tumut, will ensure going forward that regional NSW has the equipment and the protection to keep people safe,” NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said.

“Whatever we can do to arm the men and women who are on the frontline keeping us safe, we will do.”

Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the RFS aircraft benefited communities not only in the fight against fires, but also a range of other emergencies.

“Whether it’s search and rescue, whether it’s vehicle accidents or fires, it’s important that we have these resources in regional NSW,” he said.

Dubbo state Nationals MP Dugald Saunders, Premier Dominic Perrottet, Deputy Premier Paul Toole, NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers and Emergency Services David Elliot announce the relocation of RFS aircraft. Picture: Ryan Young

RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said the aircraft came equipped with the latest technology, including video capability, which was particularly important in search and rescue missions.

“This is about putting the ‘rural’ back in the Rural Fire Service,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“These aircraft will provide additional reassurance for regional NSW communities.”

NSW was now home to the biggest firefighting aviation fleet in Australia, Emergency Services Minister David Elliot said.

While in Dubbo to mark the arrival of the one of the aircraft from Sydney, the Premier and his colleagues also participated in a sod turning to mark the start of construction on a $5.6 million extension to the RFS Aviation Centre of Excellence.