Two Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crews safely delivered supplies to a group of school children and adults following major flooding in North Queensland.
The Army’s support was requested after roads around the Echo Creek Adventure Camp in the Tully Valley were cut off, resulting in around 85 people being unable to leave the area.
Commanding Officer of the Australian Army’s Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Kim Gilfillan said multiple civilian attempts to reach the camp had been unsuccessful, leading to the Army being asked to respond.
“We were aware of the situation so we were prepared to launch when the request came through. The weather was terrible but there was a small window that allowed the crews to get through and deliver supplies, and then extract a child with health concerns,” he said.
The helicopter crews returned to Townsville safely.
Lieutenant Colonel Gilfillan said he was happy to get the confirmation that the stranded adults and children are all doing well.
“We’re proud to be able to support our local community in which so many of our soldiers and their families are deeply part of,” he said.
“The MRH-90 Taipan is an extremely capable helicopter and was the key to the success of this mission. We are always ready to provide support to the community whenever an emergency situation such as this arises.”
Queensland Police and State Emergency Services will coordinate the next stages of support.
Source: Australian Government
