Aerial Firefighting Units

The Hon. B.R. HOOD (15:06): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services regarding aerial firefighting units, and add my congratulations to her elevation to minister.

Leave granted.

The Hon. B.R. HOOD: It has recently come to the attention of the opposition that in March 2024 an aerial firefighting unit stationed in Mount Gambier was sent to Adelaide for what was initially described as minor pump repairs. However, upon arrival it was determined that the unit required a mid-life rebuild. Nearly a year later, the rebuild has not occurred. Reports indicate that parts from this unit have been removed and used on other units. We are now informed that it won't be returning to service into Mount Gambier until March 2025.

Aerial units allow the Metropolitan Fire Service in Mount Gambier to conduct below-ground rescues and cliff rescues. It can also effectively fight fires that require water to be applied at height, such as those at timber mills or CBD buildings, where such intervention is crucial in slowing the spread of fire. Given that Mount Gambier has been without an aerial firefighting unit for nearly a year now, my questions to the Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services are:

1. Why wasn't a replacement unit redirected from a metropolitan area?

2. What actions can the minister immediately take to ensure Mount Gambier is supplied with an aerial appliance?

3. What steps will the minister take to ensure regional areas are properly equipped with vital emergency service appliances?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:08): I thank the member for his question. You have highlighted the importance of aerial support, and I am happy to look into this further. Obviously, this is a very particular case that you are referring to. I have had the great pleasure of reaching out to many in our community both in the MFS and the CFS, and I am always keen to hear from both sides of the story, so I will do just that in this instance as well.