Cyclone Larry: Defence Support To Queensland

Defence Support To Queensland Government - Post Cyclone Larry

Defence has reacted swiftly to requests for support from the Queensland Government as part of the Commonwealth Disaster Plan in the aftermath of Cyclone Larry.

The ADF has mounted Operation Larry Assist, which is commanded by
Brigadier Michael Slater, the Commander of 3 Brigade based in Townsville, to coordinate ADF assistance.

The ADF has provided the following support after receiving requests from Emergency Management Australia (EMA):

* Brigadier Slater completed a low-level aerial reconnaissance of the affected area in a Navy Seahawk helicopter on Monday afternoon.

* Late Monday evening Brigadier Slater deployed a Combat Service
Support Team via road to the Innisfail Show Grounds. The team consists of the following:

o A Field Kitchen with fresh rations to sustain 200 people for 24 hours.

o 10 Unimog trucks with 9000 litres of water and ration packs.

o 60 tarpaulins for emergency shelter.

o 5 person Primary Healthcare Team.

o Water Storage Capability.

o Environmental Health Officers.

* Early this morning Brigadier Slater deployed an Engineer Group with a water purification unit capable of producing 7500 litres per hour, and an Infantry Company of around 100 personnel to provide general assistance.

* An Air Force C-130 Hercules will transport tarpaulins and other stores provided by the NSW State Emergency Service and private sources from RAAF Base Richmond to Innisfail later today.

* A Sea King and one Seahawk helicopter will deploy to Townsville from the Nowra Naval Air Station later today.

* Further support, under consideration by EMA, that may be requested from the ADF includes:

o Provision of food and water.

o Provision of shower facilities at the three evacuation sites.

o Provision of bedding for up to 500 people within the shire.

The ADF has a Navy Seahawk helicopter and Army Blackhawk helicopter standing by in the local area to continue to provide support. Additional Air Force Hercules and Caribou aircraft and Navy landing craft are also available for tasking on request.

The ADF has considerable experience and expertise in providing humanitarian assistance to post disaster recovery support both in Australia and abroad.

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