Victoria and Queensland have agreed to share a large air tanker to bolster aerial firefighting capacity, extracting optimum value and ensuring the aircraft is available where it is needed most.

The Bombardier Dash-8 Q400AT aircraft will operate in Queensland from September to December to cover the north-eastern bushfire season, moving south to Victoria for December to February.

The collaboration comes after the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements recommended cost sharing for aviation resources.

“We’re ensuring this important aircraft gets maximum use during our bushfire seasons to keep communities safe,” Victorian Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services Danny Pearson said.

The Bombardier, which will remain in Victoria between bushfire seasons, has a 10,000-litre tank for water or fire retardant and replaces a larger C130 previously used by Victoria. It is 50 knots faster, uses half the fuel, has improved low speed handling for dropping retardant and a faster turnaround time.

The new model also requires less room for take-off and landing. This potentially opens several regional airports for firefighting operations that have not been able to be used previously.

The 2021/22 Victorian Budget included record funding to expand Victoria’s firefighting capacity, strengthen communication systems during emergencies and deliver other recommended reforms.

The latest agreement covers the 2021 to 2024 bushfire seasons.