According to Emergency Services Commissioner, the Avalon based Hercules tanker "[can go] over to Mallacoota or across into the far south-west in around 30 minutes, so their flying time is quite significant."
Bushfire threat eases in Victoria's West Wodonga - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Mallacoota is 251 NMEA direct from Avalon so it is a bit of a worry if he actually believes this.
Kaz