From early reports the season will be the same as the last.
My opinion is different because so far it appears the el nino wont pay us a visit. I think this summer will be cooler with more rain.
Going off statistics a good fire season (for operators) is generally 1 in 4-5 years. Back to backs are really rare, infact apart from last year I cant think of two strong ones like that.
The operations this year will aparently different, 206s, and older 500s will be out for bucketing, but will be used for fire co-ordination.
This year there is also a federal aerial fire fighting administation which will have contracted aircraft for different regions of Aus.
To get a med contract your ship has to lift 2500kg of payload, and able to carry 10.
The heavys have to lift 5000kg min. (cant remember the pax No.s)
Cant recall the atittude towards the 350s, but I think they'll still be bucketing with their better payload. As far as Im aware anything that can lift 1000kg will still be considered eligable for bucket work.
Hope this helps a little, its only what I ve heard, not spoken to any RFS people about it.
Sure some one will disagree.