VICTORY FOR LOCAL CHOPPER PILOTS AS KATTER PUSHES FOR DISASTER POLICY REFORM

8 August 2025

After a year-long fight for fairness, the small, family-owned piston-engine helicopter businesses that risked it all during the 2024 Pentland-Torrens Creek fire have been reimbursed by the Queensland Government.

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader and Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter, confirmed that approximately $92,000 has now been paid to the local operators, who provided crucial firefighting support during the disaster.

“We are grateful the Government finally got this sorted,” Mr Katter said.

“These piston-engine helicopters were lifelines, not luxuries.

“They were the first to respond, carrying out aerial surveillance, and guiding ground crews through rough country, keeping machinery and lives safe.

“Without them, the damage would have been far worse,” he said.

The 2024 Pentland-Torrens Creek fire burned over 1 million acres, impacted 23 cattle stations, and was largely contained by the community before Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) arrived. Local operators didn’t hesitate, they just got to work, no paperwork, no promises, and no safety net for their costs.

“The Premier himself said during the recent south-west Queensland floods that, ‘people out here aren’t going to leave their mates stranded—it’s the way of the west.’

Mr. Katter is now calling for the State Government to develop a streamlined policy to formally recognise and reimburse piston-engine operators during disaster events, ensuring these operators are not left out of pocket for stepping up when Queensland needs them most.

“This is about more than paying bills, it’s about saving lives and protecting communities,” Mr. Katter said.

“Our regional pilots and family-run aviation businesses are frontline responders. They deserve certainty, fair treatment, and a seat at the table in Queensland’s disaster planning.”

 

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