Western Australia will get a second rescue helicopter and greater protection for firefighters under a $27.6million funding commitment.
The new helicopter will be based in the South-West and will provide faster response times across the tourist region, as well as the Great Southern.
Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis said the State Government had committed $15.3million for the helicopter rescue service under the State Budget.
Mr Francis said the Budget also included $12.3million to provide extra protective equipment in 667 firefighting vehicles that operate in high risk bushfire areas.
The Minister said the funding extended the Liberal National Government's commitment to invest in fire and emergency services.
"The second rescue helicopter will provide a vital emergency serviced for West Australians who visit this busy tourist region, as well as the people who live in the South-West and Great Southern," he said.
"It means people who are the victim of a serious accident or illness can expect medical help to arrive much faster.
"This funding recognises that demand for this emergency service has continued to increase, with the RAC Rescue Helicopter completing an unprecedented 416 missions last year.
The new helicopter rescue service, which is currently undergoing the tender process to find an organisation to provide the aircraft and required service, is due to start in 2015-16.
The undertaking by the Liberal National Government to increase life-saving protection for firefighters in the event of them becoming trapped by fire also fulfils a State election commitment.
The protection package for tanker appliances will include:
in-cab breathing systems providing fresh air during such incidents where air can become toxic
under body and external water spray protection systems to wet the surrounding areas and vehicle
advanced Global Positioning System tracking devices which send a distress signal and allow the vehicle to be tracked live on a web-based mapping system
critical component heat lagging and shielding to protect the appliance.
"These new crew protection systems are proven to save lives and we simply must provide the best protection possible for the volunteers and career firefighters who fight dangerous bushfires across WA," Mr Francis said.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said Royalties for Regions continued to play a vital role in delivering services for regional communities.
"The investment in the new emergency rescue helicopter service and greater protection for regional firefighters will provide a safer workplace for our volunteer and emergency service personnel," Mr Grylls said.
The fire crew protection and second rescue helicopter commitments build on record investment by the Liberal National Government in WA's fire and emergency services, delivering the largest ever aerial fleet, the most fire stations in Western Australia's history and more firefighters than ever before.
Under the Liberal National Government new or upgraded fire and emergency services facilities have been or are being built across Western Australia, including at Cockburn, Ellenbrook, Katanning, Albany, Kiara, Esperance, Bunbury, Kambalda and Geraldton.
A further $6.5million has been provided for 33 regional Volunteer Marine Rescue Service groups.
Fact File
Emergency Services Minister's office - 6552 6500
