Assistance to Queensland flood recovery
Published Date: 15 Jan 2011
Summary
Fifty NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) volunteers will head to Queensland today, to assist with the state's flood recovery effort.
NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said ten large bush fire tankers will also be sent, to assist with hosing out damaged properties.
"We have all been deeply moved by the scale of the devastation across Queensland in recent days and weeks," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
"Once again, the NSW RFS stands ready to assist our neighbours to the north in their time of need.
"This afternoon, 50 NSW RFS volunteers from across Northern NSW will be deployed to Queensland.
"We'll also be providing ten bush fire tankers, which can be used to hose out affected homes and businesses," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
Commissioner Fitzsimmons said the volunteers will be deployed to areas across South-East Queensland, depending on requests for assistance allocated by Queensland authorities.
"Over the past week, a number of NSW RFS contracted aircraft have been working in Queensland, rescuing people from flooded properties and ferrying vital supplies such as generators and water pumps.
"This comes at a time when the NSW RFS is also offering assistance to the State Emergency Service with flooding across northern NSW.
"It demonstrates the versatility of our volunteers and their willingness to help during times of need".
Attached files:
Contact Name: State Duty Media Officer
Contact Phone: 02 9898 1855