LNP Government should compensate private helicopters for fire-fighting

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader and Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter, is calling for urgent reform to Queensland’s disaster management policy to formally recognise and financially support the vital role of piston-engine helicopters—particularly during major fire and flood emergencies in rural and remote communities.

“Time and again, these aircraft have been the first—and often only—means of reaching people in crisis. They’re not luxuries; they’re lifelines,” Mr Katter said.

During the recent south-west Queensland floods, the Premier himself echoed a long-held KAP view. When questioned about the reliance on private piston-engine helicopters, he replied, “people out here aren’t going to leave their mates stranded—it’s the way of the west.”

“That’s true, but it’s also a damning admission that the Government relies on these operators without offering any real support,” the Member for Traeger said.

This was most clearly seen during the 2024 Pentland–Torrens Creek Fire, which burned 1.1 million acres and impacted 23 cattle stations. The community largely contained the fire before Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) arrived. Local, family-owned helicopter businesses provided piston-engine helicopters, pilots, and fuel at their own expense – collectively estimated at $92,000.

“These helicopters were crucial in fire suppression, aerial surveillance, and coordinating ground crews through rough country. They stepped in where QFES couldn’t – using unmatched local knowledge and communication to direct machinery, guide the QFES, and keep crews safe. Without them, the damage would have been far worse,” Mr Katter said.

Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers, Ann Leahy said her department was investigating what support it could give to those helping rural brigades.

“The Government acknowledges the vital contribution of more than 27,000 Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) volunteers Queensland,” Minister Leahy said.

“In times of need, this contribution often extends to members of the community who provide support and assistance to their local brigade.

“We will continue to examine all options and work to ensure our rural communities are appropriately supported during emergencies.”

Despite persistent lobbying by Mr Katter, these operators have still not been compensated.

“It is unacceptable that they continue to shoulder the cost of disaster response – especially given the high operational costs and short airframe lifespans of piston-engine helicopters,” he said.

Torrens Creek grazier Tamara McClymont, whose property was damaged in the October 2024 fires, said the system ignores those who get the job done.

“It would be good if those in charge of Rural Fire could understand and value our local helicopter pilots. Their knowledge of the country, how the fire behaves, how fast it can travel, in the country they know, is crucial.  Their information is instant and up to date to crews on the ground, and crucial in saving as much grass, infrastructure, and stock as possible.  Our business is grass and that’s what pays the bills,” Ms McClymont said.

“While we appreciate the support from QFES in supplying helicopters, their size and hours of operation do not align with high value firefighting times, add this to the time taken to relay information to the fire fighters on the ground – a fire 12km away at 8am is actually only 3km away by the time we receive the information at noon – makes their value to the on-the-ground fire fighter hard to perceive. We need the best and most accurate information to save our land, stock and most importantly keep those fighting our fires safe.”

Mr Katter has formally written to the Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers, calling for recognition of piston-engine helicopters as emergency response assets, a fair reimbursement model, and formal integration into Queensland’s disaster planning framework.

“There’s no excuse. These small, family-run businesses risk everything and deserve fair treatment. Out here, we fight bushfires with what we’ve got—and what we’ve got are piston-engine helicopters,” he said.