Defence at the ready to tackle bushfires

DEFENCE COMES TO BUSHFIRE AID:

* Local base commanders have the authority to use Defence resources to respond to any local contingencies.

* Senior ADF officers can provide emergency assistance to save human life, prevent extensive loss of animal life, or widespread damage to property.

* RAAF aircraft have transported firefighter strike teams from Canberra, Adelaide and Hobart to Port Macquarie.

* Singleton Army Barracks in NSW is on stand-by to provide accommodation and catering support to firefighters from the Victorian Country Fire Authority.

* Queensland Fire and Emergency Service are using Kokoda Barracks in Canungra to refuel aircraft.

* Defence has embedded planners into Queensland State Disaster Coordination Centres and New South Wales Rural Fire Service headquarters.