ADF support to north-Queensland flood response

The ADF is providing support to the Queensland Police Service via the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in response to floods affecting north-Queensland communities in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

CAPTION: Australian Army soldiers from 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, and 5th Aviation Regiment evacuate a resident from Wujal Wujal. Photo by Carolyn Barnett.

From December 17, personnel from HMAS Cairns and 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, have been providing assistance to Cairns residents affected by flooding, in support of emergency services.

Following requests from emergency services via NEMA, Defence also deployed two Army CH-47F Chinooks and two AW-139 helicopters from Townsville to Cairns.

The helicopters assisted transporting about 150 emergency-service personnel and equipment to Cairns, and evacuated isolated residents.

Commanding Officer HMAS Cairns Commander Alfonso Santos described the effort of the ADF personnel on the ground.

“We have been able to evacuate 120 people yesterday [December 19], which included Wujal Wujal residents, and expect we will do the same tomorrow until the job is done,” Commander Santos said.

“Defence will remain responsive to changing requirements and continue to adjust to meet the needs of affected communities as identified by the Queensland government and the Local Disaster Management Group – Cairns Region.”

Commander Joint Task Group 629.3 Brigadier Richard Peace said he was proud of the efforts of his group in supporting north-Queensland communities.

“Our soldiers are mucking in by supporting local- and state-emergency-services personnel and, together, under very challenging environmental circumstances, doing whatever they can to support the people of Cairns and surrounding communities,” Brigadier Peace said.

 

 

 

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