TWO fire trucks have been formally handed over to the PNG Fire Service in Lae on 8 August, strengthening local emergency response capability and enhancing community safety across Papua New Guinea.
The delivery was made possible through cooperation between the Queensland Government, the Australian High Commission, and the Australian Defence Force through the Royal Australian Navy’s Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant, which transported the fire trucks to Papua New Guinea.
Two trucks have been provided. One will service Lae city, and the second will travel to Tari in Hela Province to support a new permanent firefighting capability.
Australian Consul-General in Lae, Mr Brenton Kanowski, said the handover demonstrated Australia’s commitment to working alongside Papua New Guinea to strengthen essential services and build regional resilience.
“These fire trucks represent a practical investment in community safety and emergency response for the people of Lae and Tari.”
“This partnership brings together the Queensland Government through the Queensland Fire Department, the Australian High Commission, the Australian Defence Force and local partners to deliver enhanced community services. This will help our emergency responders protect lives and property”, Mr Kanowski added.
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Lae, Hon John Rosso DPS MP, welcomed the donation, noting the Queensland Government had responded to his request for assistance to strengthen emergency response capability in Lae.
“I am grateful to the Queensland Government for responding positively to my request for support for our fire services,” Deputy Prime Minister Rosso said.
“I also particularly want to thank the Hon Jonathan Krause MP, Deputy Speaker of Queensland, who visited Lae earlier this year and delivered this welcome news on behalf of Queensland Government minister the Hon Ann Leahy MP.”
PNG Fire Service Chief Fire Officer Bill Roo thanked the Australian Government for facilitating the shipment on behalf of the Queensland Fire Department.
“These vehicles will strengthen our operational capability and improve our ability to respond to emergencies when communities need us most,” Chief Fire Officer Roo said.
“We are grateful to the Queensland Government and the Australian Government for their support and commitment to enhancing fire and rescue services in Papua New Guinea.”
Lae Fire Station Commander Superintendent Luke Magunas said the new trucks would make an immediate difference on the ground.
“Our firefighters work tirelessly to serve the community, with limited resources. These trucks will improve our capacity to respond effectively and safely to incidents across Lae and complement our existing one, also provided by Queensland in the late-1990s,” he said.
“This donation is a welcome boost for our station and for the communities we serve.”
ADV Reliant is the Australian Government’s maritime humanitarian assistance and disaster response vessel. Operated by the Royal Australian Navy, the ship is designed to transport heavy vehicles, equipment and humanitarian supplies throughout the region, supporting disaster response, regional engagement and capacity-building activities. It last visited Lae in July 2025.
The delivery of the fire trucks highlights the enduring partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea and demonstrates how governments and emergency services can work together to strengthen preparedness, resilience and public safety.