Five fire trucks are on the way to Papua New Guinea (PNG) on board HMAS Choules after being donated by the Queensland Fire and Emergency
Service (QFES).
The trucks will be delivered to the PNG Fire Service to assist with their local
firefighting efforts.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said Australia
welcomed this opportunity to acknowledge and thank PNG for their support 12
months ago during the Black Summer Bushfires.
“A year ago Australia was thanking the 100 members of the PNG Defence Force who
came to our aid during the Black Summer Bushfires, assisting with reconnecting
isolated communities in the Gippsland region by clearing roads and debris, as
well as boosting local morale by sharing songs and culture,” Minister Reynolds
said.
“It is fitting that we are delivering this capability to our PNG wantoks one
year later, in the spirit of ongoing support, gratitude and cooperation.
“Australia and PNG share a deep friendship based on shared values of security,
peace and prosperity for all nations in the Pacific. Through shared
capabilities we are better equipped to work together and respond to challenges
in times of need.”
The refurbished Type 2 urban fire trucks carry 1800 litres of firefighting
water and a full complement of Road Crash Rescue equipment, along with a
comprehensive inventory of firefighting equipment.
The fire trucks have also been fitted out with updated breathing apparatus
funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which ensures they are
compliant with existing systems in PNG.
QFES Commissioner Greg Leach said quality firefighting equipment played a
crucial role in quick and effective emergency responses.
“It is a pleasure for QFES to gift these five trucks to the Papua New Guinea
Fire Service, to assist it to build capability and capacity in their mission to
protect the community and save lives,” Commissioner Leach said.
“This project would not have been possible without the support of the Australian Defence Force to transport the trucks to Port Moresby.”