DPR 137/97 Friday October 17, 1997
RAAF TO PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE TO PNG DROUGHT RELIEF
A Royal Australian Air Force Caribou short range transport aircraft will fly to Port Moresby on Monday October 20. 1997 to provide further assistance with drought relief.
The Caribou will leave RAAF Base Townsville on Monday at approximately 9.30am and will arrive in Port Moresby around 2pm local time.
It will remain in country for a period of two weeks, and will transport food and other relief supplies to various sites around the country as directed by AUSAID.
The provision of the aircraft was approved by the Minister for Defence, Mr Ian McLachlan, following a request from AUSAID.
The Australian Defence Force is expected to provide further assistance to AUSAID once it completes its initial assessment of the magnitude of the relief operation.
Further information:
Colonel Andrew Reynolds (06) 265 2929 (b/h)