Media Room: Media Releases

PREPARATIONS FOR HMAS KANIMBLA’S ARRIVAL

Preparation is now complete for the arrival and unloading of HMAS Kanimbla in Pariaman, north of the earthquake affected city of Padang.   Kanimbla is expected to arrive in Pariaman later today with personnel, stores and equipment being delivered to a beach landing site this evening.  

Senior officers from the Indonesian Military (TNI) have been briefed by the Australian Defence Force’s Joint Task Force in Padang on the ADF’s continuing contribution to the reconstruction phase of the earthquake relief operation.

The brief was presented by Lieutenant Colonel Gavin Keating, the Joint Task Force Operations Officer, and covered the planned arrival of HMAS Kanimbla, the subsequent beach landing of personnel, stores and equipment, and planned projects for the engineers embarked on the ship.

Using detailed diagrams and an area map, Lieutenant Colonel Keating briefed Brigadier Norman Zamili on planed tasks for the Australian Defence Force personnel already operating in West Sumatra and those arriving on Kanimbla.

Lieutenant Colonel Keating said the TNI has agreed to the Australian concept of support and agreed on how TNI activities will be coordinated and integrated with the Australians.

Working closely with and supporting the efforts of the TNI was a major theme of the meeting between the TNI and ADF.

“We see that close collaboration with the TNI throughout all phases is essential and we are looking forward to working closely with TNI,” Lieutenant Colonel Keating said.

“There are four major projects. The first is the construction of a temporary medical clinic and the other three projects consist of clearing a landslide on one of the major roads; clearing two schools which have been damaged by the earthquake; and then finally repairing a bridge in the local area.”

Colonel Mark Brewer, Commander of the Australian Joint Task Force, said both parties were pleased with the outcomes of the meeting.

“We’ve had close liaison for several days in the lead up to what was a formal brief this morning for the TNI General in Padang. That went very well and we’re now confirming the details on the ground,” Colonel Brewer said.

“We’ll be working with TNI, local police, and local Indonesian authorities to complete the projects identified by AusAID and the Indonesian Government.”

The engineers and their equipment embarked on Kanimbla will move ashore in small water craft tonight and Saturday and commence work at their project sites in the coming days.

Media note:

Stills imagery of the final preparations for the amphibious landing is available on the Defence website at:

http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/oppadang/images/gallery/2009/1016a/index.htm

Stills imagery of HMAS Kanimbla en route to Padang is available on the Defence website at:

http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/oppadang/images/gallery/2009/1016/index.htm

Vision of HMAS Kanimbla sailing to Padang and the meeting between the ADF and TNI for the preparation of the amphibious landing will be fed to the Parliament House Press Galleries this afternoon. 

Vision of HMAS Kanimbla’s arrival and unloading will be sent on Saturday morning.

An ADF spokesperson in Padang is available to discuss the upcoming beach landing today.  Please contact Defence Media Liaison to arrange interviews.

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664