51FNQ’s quick response

By Capt Roger Phillips
Volume 11, No. 40, April 6, 2006

Smashed: A 51FNQR soldier inspects a wrecked shed.

AS CYCLONE Larry smashed its way through the most populated towns in 51FNQR’s area of responsibility, plans were made to deploy patrols to the devastated region.

The next day patrols were launched from A Coy, 51FNQR, to the Babinda area, just south of Cairns, where many homes were damaged and most crops were destroyed.

During the next five days, 20 patrols were conducted in the devastated town, its surrounding area and the Atherton Tablelands.

51FNQR CO Lt-Col Paddy Evans said the on-ground efforts focused on providing access to key infrastructure.
“Our role was to reconnoitre and assess the situation then assist the SES in the provision of emergency relief. Specifically our emphasis was on assessments, route clearance, emergency relief and assistance in the functioning of key community infrastructure,” he said.

“The OC, Maj Michael Doyle, was given very strict guidance and tasked the patrols accordingly. He was able to quickly establish effective liaison within the town of Babinda and ensure that our patrol capabilities were maximised.”

After the initial deployment, 51FNQR was reinforced by elements of 3 Bde and HMAS Cairns. Coordination with 3 Bde HQ ensured duplication of effort did not occur.

Lt-Col Evans praised the spirit of 51FNQR members who deployed despite damage to their own properties.
“The reserve and ARA soldiers did a terrific job under very difficult circumstances. They willingly volunteered their time and worked incredible hours with little or no relief,” he said.

“Some lost their farms – completely trashed – and other members suffered damage to their own homes, but they turned out and did an outstanding job. They put their own loss behind them and focused their efforts on to the community; it doesn’t get any more Australian than this.”

In one instance, 51FNQR members located and then hand cut their way through some 100m of entangled rainforest to locate three isolated families on the Babinda hillslopes.

Patrols from 51FNQR Training Coy also went into the Atherton Tablelands to assess the damage and report back, paving the way for much-needed assistance.