MIN 32/97 Wednesday, February 5, 1997

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE ASSISTS WITH MORE FLOOD RELIEF

The Australian Defence Force will provide additional flood relief today as the south-west Queensland floods extend to Quilpie.

The Minister for Defence, Mr McLachlan, has approved another airlift as food supplies in the town start running low.

Two RAAF C130 Hercules transport aircraft which flew emergency equipment into Charleville yesterday will deliver about 23,000 kilograms of food to Quilpie later this afternoon.

Mr McLachlan said the ADF was able to respond to the Queensland Emergency Services' latest request for aid with minimal expense and no additional resources as the aircraft were already in position at the RAAF's Amberley base near Ipswich.

He said both aircraft would be used to share the load, minimising possible damage to the Quilpie airstrip.

"Quilpie is isolated by rising floodwaters from the Bulloo River and expected to remain so for another few days so the RAAF aircrews are conscious of the need to keep the airstrip operational if possible," he said.

Mr McLachlan said this afternoon's airlift would probably be the last and the aircraft were expected to return to their home base at Richmond this evening.

Further information:
Brian Alsop 047-397337 (B/H)
015 418049 (MOB)