Australian Defence Force completes assistance to South West Queensland floods

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has finalised its response to the floods in South West Queensland and personnel have returned to their home units.

The ADF provided aerial reconnaissance in the Roma area on 3 February 2012 at the request of the Queensland Government, through Emergency Management Australia. Since then the ADF commitment increased to include fixed wing aircraft, earth moving equipment and personnel.

Commander Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Ash Power, said Army Kiowa and Black Hawk helicopters and Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft made up the initial response. The ADF commitment was then bolstered with approximately 120 personnel from 7 Brigade in Brisbane and the Navy’s Fleet Support Unit in Sydney.

“The personnel completed various tasks ranging from clean up operations to providing support to local authorities in clearing bridges and roads for residential access, and conducting helicopter supply transfers and aero-medical evacuations,” said Lieutenant General Power.

“The relationship between the ADF and Federal and State emergency organisations is well established, and it has enabled our people and equipment to best serve the towns in Queensland that have endured another summer of flooding.”

Lieutenant General Power said he was proud of the effort of the personnel.

“The soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen are always prepared to get their hands dirty and help those Australians having a rough time. What makes me most proud though is that they always do their jobs with a smile on their faces,” he said.

While the ADF commitment to support for Queensland flooding has concluded, the ADF remains prepared to provide specialist support to Queensland flood areas as per Defence Assistance to the Civil Community arrangements.

Media contact: Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999