More relief supplies for Rockhampton airlifted

THE HON. JASON CLARE MP
ACTING MINISTER FOR DEFENCE

More relief supplies for Rockhampton airlifted to Mackay today

Acting Defence Minister Jason Clare was at Amberley RAAF base today to thank the Defence team for the work they are doing to get supplies to people who need them in flood-ravaged Rockhampton.

Mr Clare met with the pilots who fly the C130- J Hercules filled with groceries to Mackay.

He also met and thanked the Air Force personnel who have been working up to12 hours a day loading pallets on to the aircraft.

“Thousands of Queenslanders are doing it tough at the moment,” Mr Clare said.

“The men and women of the Defence Force are doing a great job to get them what they need and help keep them safe.”

Mr Clare said two re-supply flights will occur today following the three flights yesterday and initial airlift of supplies on Monday.

“So far they’ve delivered more than 50 tonnes of groceries including long-life milk, Weet Bix, batteries, pasta, rice, baked beans, coke, toilet paper, nappies and baby formula to Mackay and trucked into Rockhampton,” Mr Clare said.

Mr Clare was in Brisbane for briefings from the Commander of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) Joint Task Force 637, Colonel Luke Foster, and to thank the ADF and Emergency Services personnel who have been supporting the relief effort.

Colonel Foster said further flights this week would be decided in consultation with Emergency Management Queensland on a day to day basis.

“The three Army Black Hawk helicopters which had been providing relief support for Emerald relocated to Rockhampton yesterday for relief work as the Fitzroy River nears its flood peak,” Colonel Foster said.

“While the Black Hawks are now located at Rockhampton they remain available for relief assistance in Emerald, and other parts of Central Queensland, where and when needed.”

Images and vision of the ADF support to the flood relief effort can be found at: http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opqldflood/index.htm

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