The Australian Defence Force tasked an aircraft to move humanitarian supplies to Moree last night at the request of the New South Wales Government and Emergency Management Australia.
The Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft flew humanitarian supplies including bedding to the flood affected area.
Acting Director General of Joint Operations, Group Captain Craig Meighan said the aircraft and its crew were released from a planned training mission to undertake the humanitarian assistance flight.
“The aircraft and crew were able to quickly respond to this task which will provide the people of Moree affected by the flooding with some bedding should they be evacuated from their homes,” Group Captain Meighan said.
Royal Australian Air Force aircraft played a crucial role in supporting humanitarian relief operations in Queensland in early 2011 - providing aero medical evacuation and air lift before and after Tropical Cyclone Yasi.
Defence remains postured to support State and Federal agencies should specialist assistance or equipment be required.
The C-130 aircraft and crew who deployed on this mission are normally based at Royal Australian Air Force base Richmond.
Media contact: Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
