Upgrading Tasmania’s firefighting equipment for this bushfire season

Tasmania’s firefighting capabilities have been upgraded ahead of the upcoming fire season.

Minister for Parks, Nick Duigan, said the Tasmanian Government has invested $600,000 over two years to support Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service fire crews.

“We are delivering for Tasmania, with 34 redesigned next-generation mobile firefighting units have been constructed,” Minister Duigan said.

“The new replacement units have been delivered and installed around the State from Huonville to Arthur River to St Helens, including Flinders and Bruny Islands.

“We know having the most up to date equipment to protect our natural assets is critical for our Parks fire crews as they get on with over 40 planned burns this season.”

The mobile firefighting units include the tank and pump that sit on the tray of 4WDs, converting them to firefighting vehicles.

“These are a significant upgrade with electric hose reels, larger lockers to store and protect equipment and forklift compatibility,” Minister Duigan said.

“This will allow Parks to continue to carry out important fuel reduction work on reserved land and respond to bushfires.”

Minister Duigan said it was fantastic that Tasmanian company, Watson Engineering in George Town, was the primary supplier of the new units with other local companies fitting-out and supplying goods and services.

“I would also like to thank all our Parks staff involved in fire management, and all our emergency service personnel, the very best for the upcoming fire season,” Minister Duigan said