Originally Posted by
Sunfish
4. There is no way you can afford permanent paid rural firefighters to cover any state. Victoria has 35,000 volunteers. Smothering even a small grassfire (400 acres) may take twenty tankers that need to be on scene within minutes.
Respectfully disagree a bit.
Something like 12,000 permanent paid rural firefighters for a state such as NSW appropriately resourced with future proactive vision, would change the landscape of fires in Australia.
Currently we are reactive when it comes to rural fires, with the exception of some small fuel reduction burns.
The 12,000 figure is a rough calculation, but just match the location and numbers of policemen in the non city areas. Job opportunities in rural towns is a good thing allround for towns.
Then some forward thinking - perhaps building canals in various sizes in strategic locations, for water bombing aircraft to collect water (more jobs and).Think big plan over time to have paid firemen and a fire fighting aircraft and helicopter in every town.
Cost, yes there is a large setup cost to get the ball rolling, but that is the same for all community infrastructure projects. Some of the cost offset would be much reduced short contracts at high prices, the main benefit other than safety and productivity is permanent jobs and training of a new industry in Australia. Jobs create jobs.
Our towns deserve to have a paid Doctor, Policeman, Mailman and a Fireman.