Australian Defence Force (ADF) helicopters will today deploy to NSW to support search and rescue activities for the flood emergency.
Additional ADF personnel and equipment will also deploy this week to assist with the clearance and recovery operation.
The Acting Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, said the ADF stands ready to support state emergency services with the immediate response to the floods.
“Defence is working with the NSW State Emergency Operations Centre to determine how it can further support and assist state emergency services with tasks such as assessing damage to properties, clearing roads and helping restore electricity and water,” Minister Payne said.
“Defence is well-equipped to provide further assistance if required, which was demonstrated last year when the ADF provided support during the Black Summer Bushfires, throughout COVID-19 and the recent bushfires in Western Australia.
“Once again, our ADF personnel are showing their professionalism and dedication in the face of very difficult conditions. All Australians can be proud of the way Defence has been assisting the emergency services across the country in these challenging circumstances.”
The Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, the Hon David Littleproud MP, said the New South Wales Government said the hard work of removing flood affected property contents will be both demanding and dangerous.
“Defence has quickly got the ball rolling to provide the appropriate equipment and personnel for the clean-up task,” Minister Littleproud said.
Member for Cowper, Pat Conaghan MP said the ADF has the expertise to help those in both urban and rural areas across the mid-north coast.
“Our region has been heavily impacted by the extreme weather, and it is so great that we have the ADF resources to assist the many locals who have already gone above and beyond in the clean-up effort,” said Mr Conaghan.
“The amount of debris that needs to be removed is enormous and having the ADF working across our region will be much appreciated by those trying to put their lives back together.”
Defence remains engaged with State and Federal agencies to ensure personnel and capabilities are deployed where they are most needed.