NATIONAL AERIAL FIREFIGHTING CENTRE
Fixed wing aircraft provide a range of support, including dropping retardant.
PHOTO: WAYNE RIGG, CFA, VICTORIA
“ The sophisticated way in which the fleet is moved around the country is a reflection of the collaborative approach and the goodwill shown by all. We have come a long way in a short time.”
– Richard Alder, General Manager NAFC
The current fleet of more than 120 aircraft includes large helicopters (such as the well-known air crane), fixed-wing firebombers and water scoopers. This year the fleet also included four large fixed-wing air tankers. It’s early days for large air tankers in Australia but they could prove to be a game-changer in aerial firefighting. The sophisticated large air tankers offer speed and flexibility, which allows them to deploy quickly across the country and operate within several jurisdictions during the one day. Not all aircraft are effective in every situation, and for this reason NAFC procures and maintains a mix of specialised aircraft to provide the flexibility agencies need to respond to a wide range of events. NAFC’s highly cooperative model has seen contracting of aircraft transition from a state-based responsibility to a centralised system, made possible with the support of the Australian Government. In 2015–2016 the Australian Government provided $15.38 M in essential funding towards the standing costs of the fleet, with state and territory governments meeting operating costs and the remaining fixed costs. “Without the support of all levels of government, both tangible and intangible, NAFC could not operate,” said Mr Alder. Mr Alder said the successful model 16
FIRE AUSTRALIA AUTUMN 2016
has been instrumental in supporting fire, emergency services and land management agencies and, most importantly, in saving lives and property throughout many bushfire seasons and emergency situations.”
Enter ARENA—a comprehensive support system for aerial resources
A major milestone for NAFC has been the creation and implementation of ARENA, a collaborative national information system to support the management of fire and emergency aviation. The first stage of ARENA, rolled out during 2015, provides users with a national registry of aircraft, operators and people. The ground-breaking and innovative system was developed in conjunction with NAFC’s members and delivers convenient access to a single source of consistent, quality-managed information. ARENA engages cloud-based architecture that allows users to access information from a range of devices and locations. Mr Alder said the system offers a unique opportunity for the industry. “In practice, the collaborative approach to ARENA will deliver a cohesive, integrated national information system that all our stakeholders can
use to help with effective and efficient application of aviation resources across the country.” Since its release, ARENA has clocked up more than 1,100 registered users and now records the details of more than 550 aircraft, 950 pilots and 180 aircraft operators. ARENA reduces administrative business processes and streamlines communication among all stakeholders. Providing one tool for all jurisdictions, the system maintains high-quality data on the movement of the fleet and the operators and pilots. Perhaps one of the most important features of ARENA is its ability to integrate data from a range of other systems including existing agency information management systems. Many additional functions for the system are currently being developed, such as daily service readiness, resource availability and fleet preparedness. NAFC is committed to the ongoing development of ARENA—as its functionality and user numbers grow its value to the sector will continue to drive efficiencies, collaboration and positive outcomes for Australian communities.
Find out more at www.nafc.org.au and https://arena.nafc.org.au.