Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall inspected the tanker on Monday in Warialda with RFS Namoi-Gwydir Zone Superintendent Michael Brooks and local brigade members, and all were impressed by the sophistication of the $440,000 unit. 

“Using a joystick in the vehicle cab, an operator can direct a high-pressure stream of water at rates of up to 450 litres per minute at a target 60-70 metres away,” Mr Marshall said.

“Alternatively, the front-mounted cannon can cover a wide swathe directly in front of the truck.

“An infrared camera can detect firefighters in low-visibility conditions projects onto a screen inside the cabin, so the operator doesn’t inadvertently blast a colleague.

“The truck itself uses a powershift automatic, freeing the driver from changing gears so they can attend to other tasks.”

Mr Marshall said the state-of-the-art tanker added to the increasingly formidable fire-fighting capability in the Northern Tablelands.

“Tankers like this will be a huge boost for our RFS volunteers come this year’s fire season and I know they’ll be put to good use. 

Mr Marshall said that of the only 10 CAT 6 tankers were currently in service across NSW, with six based in the Warialda, Narrabri and the Moree areas.