Overhaul for nation's firefighting systems
Australia's fire agencies will be better equipped to tackle dangerous and unpredictable blazes following a $26 million funding boost.
The ageing national fire danger rating and community alert system will be overhauled after Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled the plan on Wednesday.
The announcement comes as parts of Queensland recover from nearly a fortnight of bushfires as scorching temperatures made conditions difficult for firefighters.
Extra funding will go to deploying fixed-wing air tankers to bushfire emergencies across the country.
Mr Morrison wants to ensure the public is ready as it can be for emergencies.
"Whether it's keeping Australians safe from bushfires, safe from terrorism or organised crime, that is our objective and that is our mission as a government," he told reporters on Wednesday.
"We cannot always prevent natural hazards, but we can prepare for them and ensure that we are able to respond in the most effective way."
The package includes $11 million to deliver more large, fast, fixed-wing air tankers to natural disasters and $2 million to boost the national emergency alert SMS system.
It also gives almost $6 million to roll out a new national fire danger rating system, and $5 million to help states and territories build resilience and respond to emergencies.
Money will also go towards testing telephone-based emergency warning systems and expanding a public safety mobile broadband trial.
Assistant Home Affair Minister Linda Reynolds said the initiatives would only help an already impressive group of firefighters.
"What we saw on the weekend in Queensland is the absolute best in all Australians," she told reporters.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
Most viewed in Australia
Family-run IGA calls out Woolworths after workers scope out their grocer
Footage reveals moment person of interest in Jessica Zrinski’s death found living inside a cave
Ally Langdon breaks down as she opens up about death of best friend Gavin Larkin
Investigation under way after body found at Coober Pedy mine