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James Baldwin - Warner Man Checks Life-Improving Projects

Warner soldier Private James Baldwin, 23, moves back to his Bushmaster infantry vehicle to head back to the Australian base camp at Tallil in southern Iraq.  His patrol has just been inspecting the recently-completed Ash Shatrah water treatment plant, an Australian-funded project. Bad water is the cause of many deaths in developing countries, especially among young children.

As well as supporting Iraqi security forces, the Australian Battle Group is project managing many reconstruction projects in Dhi Qar and Al Muthana provinces. More than 20 Australian projects like this one have been completed, with more under way.  These include water and irrigation projects, rural projects to enhance crop and animal production, health clinics, and power supply initiatives.

The 516 soldiers of Battle Group are mostly drawn from units of the Brisbane-based 7th Brigade including 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry), and an Infantry company from the 6th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment.

Some 1400 members of the Australian Defence Forces are now on duty in the Middle East as part of Operation Catalyst, the Australian Government’s contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.