NSW to lend Queensland a helping hand

Summary

A contingent of NSW emergency services personnel will be deployed into Queensland to assist in the recovery operations following Tropical Cyclone Debbie, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant announced today.

Tropical Cyclone Debbie made landfall yesterday as a Category Four cyclone with winds over 200km/h, more than 100mm of rain, and with an impact area believed to be more than 300km wide.

Ms Berejiklian said interstate agreements exist to facilitate the rapid deployment of emergency services to assist our neighbours in times of need.

“The NSW Government is working closely with the Queensland authorities to provide them with the assistance they require,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Rapid Damage Assessment teams will be deployed to Queensland today at 10am at the request of the Queensland Government.”

Mr Grant said the work of the Rapid Damage Assessment teams is essential in the transition from response to recovery.

“These teams will provide information on the structural integrity of homes and infrastructure, as well as advice on any potential safety risks,” Mr Grant said.

“NSW is well placed to support such assessments, and I would like to extend the Government’s most heartfelt gratitude to the personnel heading to Townsville today, and to NSW Fire & Rescue, the NSW Rural Fire Service, and the State Emergency Service for their willingness and preparedness to assist Queensland in the wake of this disaster.”

Personnel from NSW Fire & Rescue (42), the RFS (4) and ACT Fire & Rescue (4) will fly to Townsville this morning, as well as a team leader from NSW Fire & Rescue. The NSW SES will deploy four additional personnel to assist in recovery efforts this Saturday.

Contact Name: Elizabeth Bold

Contact Phone: 0418 453 324