Just prior to Xmas we had one large fixed wing firebomber. At the time I heard a few delusional LNP emergency services Ministers (State and Federal) say something to the effect that no more were available, and even if they were, we didn't have the trained crews to fly them (like these panes don't come with trained crews). They also said that the airspace above the fires was too cluttered with other aircraft for them to fly safely.
Being a former professional, remote area specialist firefighter I knew this was complete and utter BS of the highest order. Was it just political deflection to save face, stupidity, pure ignorance or poor advice? - who knows?
In any case, according to media reports, we now have 10 large fixed wing firebombers here, with another two on the way (due to arrive this week). It is also of note that the taxpayer is being charged a considerable premium to lease these aircraft on top of the standard rate because our government failed to secure them prior to the fire season.
In reality, there is no shortage of large, fixed wing firebombers available for lease throughout the world, and they come with trained crews. They are also easily coordinated over the fire-grounds in tandem with other aircraft - its called 'air traffic control.' .
Since mid 2019 it became abundantly obvious to everyone in the forest, wildfire industry that we had to prepare for the worse, and hope for the best. For the most part State governments did what they could with the assets and manpower available, with the exception of the NSW State government who towed the LNP party line of minimalism.
And while it is true that its the States that are responsible for wildfire control, it is also true that our PM failed to lead with offers to bolster State budgets, so additional firefighting assets could be obtained. In truth, he was so obsessed with maintaining his budget surplus that he chose to ignore every warning from every expert - and did jack sheet at every stage of the fire emergency; right up until the end when even the World was pointing their finger at our absentee leadership did he take action.
Frankly, I don't give a rats freckle if out leader is right wing or left. But if he can't lead, then clearly he is not a leader.
(like these panes don't come with trained crews). They also said that the airspace above the fires was too cluttered with other aircraft for them to fly safely.
