crossorigin="anonymous"> crossorigin="anonymous">
top of page

120 Australian Army personnel roll into Orange ahead of flood mission

November 17, 2022


ADF personnel arrive at Orange Regional Airport in New South Wales during Operation Flood Assist 2022-2. Supplied.

By Peter Holmes


On Thursday afternoon the first of about 120 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel began loading into the army barracks and the showground in Orange ahead of deployment to flood-ravaged towns in the Central West.


According to the ADF, as of today some 180 ADF personnel and high clearance vehicles are providing support to emergency authorities in areas including Eugowra, Parkes, Condobolin, Forbes and Molong.
ADF personnel unload equipment from a Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan at Orange Regional Airport in New South Wales during Operation Flood Assist 2022-2. Supplied.


ADF personnel arrive in Orange. Supplied.

ADF personnel deployed in Victoria during the recent floods. ADF.

This weekend another 20 personnel with heavy vehicles and plant equipment will join the mission.


Army soldiers observe a NSW State Emergency Service vehicle as it drives through the flood waters in Forbes. Photo: Corporal David Cotton.

Federal MP Andrew Gee earlier this week called on the ADF to join the recovery effort.

"I was working with the RFS in Eugowra yesterday. One of the strongest messages I got yesterday was that we need Australian Defence Force personnel on the ground to help with the cleanup.

"Sounds like the bushfires doesn’t it? There is just too much work."


On Friday night Gee told The Orange News Examiner that ADF personnel in Eugowra are currently assisting with traffic control at the showground and with missing persons searches.


"The more the better," he said.


The nearby Colour City Caravan Park will not be hosting any personnel, however its toilets will be used along with conveniences at the barracks and the showground.






Commentaires

bottom of page