Bundaberg Airport is playing an important role in Queensland’s bushfire preparedness this season, with a fleet of firefighting aircraft now based locally for the coming months.
As part of the Queensland Fire Department’s strategic deployment, the airport will host a Large Air Tanker, two Black Hawk helicopters, a Eurocopter and more.
These resources boost the region’s ability to respond quickly to bushfire threats across both coastal and inland areas.
The presence of these aircraft highlights Bundaberg’s significance as a hub for rapid deployment, with the council-owned airport providing the facilities and location needed to support state and national firefighting operations.
Bundaberg Regional Council is proud to support this important work, ensuring the community and surrounding regions benefit from enhanced protection and preparedness throughout the fire season.
Bundaberg-based air assets:
Large Air Tanker (LAT)
Type: Bombardier Q400MR
Capacity: Up to 10,000 litres of fire suppressant
Role: Strategic fire suppression, especially useful for protecting infrastructure and residential areas.
LAT Lead plane TBM 700
Role: Guides the Large Air Tanker Bombardier Q400MR
Two Black Hawk Helicopters
Origin: Former US military aircraft, now retrofitted for civilian firefighting
Capacity: Nearly 5,500 litres each
Operators: One contracted by QFES, one Commonwealth asset operated by Aerotech
Role: Waterbombing and rapid deployment across jurisdictions.
Eurocopter Helicopter
Role: Air Attack/Observation platform
Stationed alongside the LAT and Black Hawks.
Line scanning aircraft PC12
Role: Captures thermal imagery of fires.
