Air Force delivers supplies to flood-affected Lightning Ridge

A Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules has departed RAAF Base Richmond, assisting the New South Wales State Emergency Service by carrying essential supplies to the flood-affected community of Lightning Ridge in the state’s north.

The Hercules took off from Richmond at 9:45am today, 17 February, loaded with groceries, provisions and drinking water. The aircraft is scheduled to make two trips to Lightning Ridge, delivering over 19 tonnes of supplies to the town.

In preparation, a Hercules previously flew to Lightning Ridge on Thursday, delivering a forklift and a four-person mobile air load team to quickly unload and distribute the supplies as they arrive today.

Commander of Air Lift Group, Air Commodore Gary Martin, said the men and women of the Air Force are trained and equipped to respond to a broad range of contingencies, including helping those impacted by natural disasters.

“Delivering aid to those in need is something that we are well-practised in,” Air Commodore Martin said.

“On this occasion we have assisted the State Emergency Service to get urgent supplies to the people of Lightning Ridge, ensuring their wellbeing until normal transport routes reopen,” Air Commodore Martin said.

The relief flight is in response to a request for assistance by the NSW Government, and follows on from recent Air Force airlifts to Southern Queensland communities affected by the recent floods.

Imagery of the operation is available at: http://images.airforce.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5000&search=(11122135%20OR%200049_2012)/

Media contacts:

Raveena Carroll-Kenney Communications and Media – NSW 0405 310 176

Ben Wickham Communications and Media – NSW 0411 203 579