Emergency Bush-Fire Relief Efforts

Defence Maintains Emergency Bush-Fire Relief Efforts

Australian Defence Force (ADF) reserve soldiers remain busy delivering food parcels, improving fire-breaks and containment lines, and putting tents and facilities into place to help accommodate, feed and support some of the more than one thousand residents left homeless by the Victorian bush-fire disaster.

Commander of the ADF Joint Task Force, Brigadier Michael Arnold, said Defence and its reserve members responded quickly and continue to provide additional support to Victorian Government requests for help in response to the relief operation.

“Army engineers have completed fire containment lines near Wandong and are now shifting their efforts to Shiralee Road, while a clearance task is planned today for Strath Creek Road. An additional task we have is working to protect six aboriginal heritage sites that may be under threat from the Beechworth fire,” Brigadier Arnold said.

“Search teams are continuing their work alongside Victoria Police and volunteers from the Country Fire Authority and other agencies in the fire-ravaged communities. This is a critical task among communities that are grieving for their lost loved-ones.

“We are also ensuring there is counselling and medical support on hand to ensure the circumstances and magnitude of the disaster does not become overwhelming.”

Defence has provided tents, stretchers and bedding for over 270 people but is focused on doing more.

Construction of accommodation and food-hall facilities for 160 people operating a relief centre in Alexandra is also underway.

Brigadier Arnold said the Australian Government and Defence remained committed to supporting their fellow Australians in their time of need and was ready to do all that it could for as long as needed.

Approximately 360 personnel are currently engaged in providing specialist and emergency support to government agencies and a further 160 in Puckapunyal are available to provide additional support when required.

ENDS

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