ADF support to north-Queensland flood response
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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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I think is a great public relations coup to help the public in the natural disasters. Army has always had units on stand down at Christmas but you could not be 50km from if called out for fires.
I saw someone commenting “Whereythe Army?” – just 2 days after the Gold Coast storms.
Not criticizing the work being done, but didn’t they just say as part of the Defence Force Review that ADF wouldn’t be doing this?
Hi Fizzie,
That was indeed a recommendation of the Defence Strategic Review.
Now they have to do studies and committees and impact statements etc etc etc
And then get whatever new organisation is selected or invented to take over the role ratified and funded by government.
So you can expect to see your hardworking ADF assisting the civil community for many more years to come.
If the government can save money, decisions and changes can be made in a heartbeat. If it’s going to cost them…. well, you know how it goes.
Merry Christmas,
Brian Hartigan, Editor