ADF’s flood assistance to South Australia
The ADF commenced assistance to flood-affected regions of South Australia on December 14.
CAPTION: Australian Army soldiers help out at Condobolin during the NSW flood crisis. The ADF is now offering assistance in South Australia. Photo by Corporal Lachlan Hickey.
This support is an extension of Operation Flood Assist 22-2, which was established on October 17 as part of the Australian Government’s response to flooding in NSW and Victoria.
Personnel have supported emergency authorities in assisting affected communities. Support has broadly comprised flood-preparation activities such as sand bagging, welfare checks, evacuation support, transport, logistics resupply, access assistance and initial recovery (including clean-up) support.
Support to South Australia
As at December 15, the ADF has provided four high-clearance vehicles to support South Australian SES-led rescue and recovery operations in the Blanchetown, Renmark and Murray Bridge region.
Tasks include delivering critical supplies, transporting evacuated civilians and assisting with access, particularly for SES swift-water crews and rescue boats.
An ADF liaison officer has been assisting the SES Incident Management Team (IMT) in Loxton since December 14.
Previous support to NSW and Victoria
The ADF agreed with emergency authorities to conclude support to NSW on December 1 and to Victoria on November 12.
Up to 250 personnel assisted clean-up and recovery efforts in the central west and Northern Rivers regions of NSW from October 18. Also, Defence liaison staff were embedded in the SES headquarters in Wollongong and State Emergency Operations Centre in Homebush.
Helicopters, Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles, trucks, plant equipment and engineers were also part of the response.
In Victoria, up to 450 personnel supported emergency services in the relief and recovery efforts in areas such as Echuca, Wangaratta, Shepparton, Swan Hill and Bendigo, from October 17.
Defence liaison staff were embedded in the State Control Centre in East Melbourne, while four helicopters assisted with evacuation, lifting and resupply. Up to 25 other vehicles, including 10 Bushmasters, also assisted.
Ongoing support
The ADF continues to work closely with National Emergency Management Australia in monitoring potential floods across the community.
The ADF remains postured to provide additional support to State Emergency Services should a request be received via National Emergency Management Australia.
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