Eva Lawler, NT Minister for Environment, Media Release, 2 September 2021

The Territory Labor Government is making sure our rural residents are prepared this fire season.

Following some threatening fire seasons, the Territory Government allocated $2 million towards updating firefighting infrastructure to keep lives and properties safe. 

Recently, two new 350,000 litre water tanks were installed at both Batchelor and Hughes Airstrips, costing $150,000.

The new tanks have the ability to hold enough water for around 100 to 110 plane loads, depending on the overall flying time of the day. So far this year, we have utilised the airstrip for a total of 428 drops and had up to four fixed wing aircraft and two helicopters utilising the airstrip at a time responding to fires in the area.

Bushfires NT contract specialist aircraft to undertake fire suppression activities from Hughes and Batchelor Airfields. The highest focus of Bushfires NT’s aerial fire suppression activities is directed in the areas from Darwin to south of Adelaide River Township and anywhere from Marrakai to Dundee.

The planes are Air Tractor AT802-F, the largest single engine air tanker currently produced; it takes approximately 90 seconds to fill the AT802-F with around 3000 litres of water/foam concentrate.

The Territory Government has also resealed the Hughes Airstrip this year to ensure operations continue to run smoothly.

As part of the $2 million investment package, $840,000 has gone towards six new trucks that have been custom made to meet the needs of Bushfires NT staff and volunteers fighting fires on the frontline. Each volunteer brigade will have a chance to use these new vehicle prior to an entire fleet of trucks being purchased.

Quotes from the Minister for Environment, Eva Lawler:

“The Top End fire season is here and the Territory Government has been making sure our rural and remote landholders are prepared by lending a hand to those that need it most, and working with other landholders to make sure fire loads are reduced to limit the risk to the community.

“Following recent fire seasons, the Territory Government allocated $2 million towards updating firefighting infrastructure to keep lives and properties safe. As part of this investment we have established new 350,000 litre water tanks and six new fire trucks.

“We are protecting properties and lives all over the rural area, from Dundee to Litchfield, we will identify fires and make sure we respond.”