Assistant Minister for Defence - Defence support to South Australian bushfire

The Acting Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert, today provided an update on the support Defence has been providing to the South Australian Government to battle the fires that are currently threatening both life and property, particularly in the Adelaide Hills.

The Federal Government was approached by the South Australian Government on 3 January to provide Defence assistance to the civil community.

“I can advise that as of 4 January RAAF Base Edinburgh was opened to support a number of South Australia's Country Fire Service's contracted fire fighting aircraft, which are now operating from RAAF Base Edinburgh," Mr Robert said.

“In addition to logistic support including the provision of fuel and water for aircraft, a South Australian Country Fire Service fire-retardant mixer has been established on the base. This equipment mixes fire-retardant to increase the effectiveness of water when dropped from aircraft.

“Defence stands ready to provide any other support the South Australian Government may require and my thoughts are with those who have lost property or whose property is threatened by these devastating fires."

Media note:

Imagery will be available through the Defence Image Library: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20150002

Media contacts:

Richard Briedis (Minister Robert's Office)        (02) 6277 7730 or  0477 391 174

Defence Media Operations                                (02) 6127 1999