Lord Howe Island Rural Fire Brigade welcomes new $400,000 fire tanker to support airport activity

The 23 member brigade took delivery of the tanker at the beginning of September to replace a previous appliance on the island, about 568kms east of Port Macquarie.

The new tanker is equipped with two 60 metre electric auto lay live reels and a bull bar mounted remote control monitor to assist in fire coverage to airport incidents.

Rural Fire Service Mid Coast District Officer Stuart Robb said the appliance cost over $400,000 with fire fighting equipment.

"This unit is replacing the current tanker on the island and can support the airport with a front mounted monitor," he said.

"The tanker will respond to a number of incidences not just bush and grass fires, but also ensuring the protection of a large number of residences and commercial properties."

READ MORE: Eastern Air Services have been approved to fly a passenger service from Port Macquarie Airport to the island earlier this year.

A previous category one tanker was delivered to the island in May, 2017 by being lifted onto a barge with a 8.2 tonne crane.

The island is also scheduled to become the 45th Marine Rescue NSW unit with a base and former water police vessel by the summer of 2020.

Lord Howe Island has a population of about 400 people.

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