Troops embedded in Ipswich’s flood-impacted suburbs
18 March 2022
The number of troops on the ground in Ipswich’s flood-impacted suburbs has risen to 451 as the Australian Defence Force (ADF) supports Ipswich City Council and assists Ipswich residents.
Over the weekend the ADF will continue assisting Ipswich City Council with flood relief at Colleges Crossing Recreational Reserve, which was hit particularly hard by recent flooding.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said Ipswich City Council is working closely with the ADF on disaster relief after the flood.
“Seeing the ADF on the ground is such a boost to so many people who have the mammoth task of clean up and rebuilding ahead of them,” Mayor Harding said.
“The ADF has continued to arrive each day and spread out into the priority areas that best assists the community.
“To date, the ADF has assisted with the clearing of 107 homes, 26 community facilities and a number of roads within Ipswich.
“327 truckloads of water damaged items and flood debris have been removed from across Ipswich.
“The ADF formed two task units to support Ipswich City Council, Task Unit Eagle and Task Unit Heeler.
“The Task Units carried out critical flood relief activities in the Ipswich Local Government Area with just under half of those 451 personnel being from our own RAAF Base Amberley.
“For them, the work they are doing holds personal significance given Ipswich is their home.
“While predominantly made up of Royal Australian Air Force personnel, the units also comprise of members from the Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy making it a truly joint contribution with some members travelling from ADF units in Victoria and South Australia to assist with the clean-up.
“Council and the Ipswich community appreciate the ADF’s help in assisting our community in the wake of this devastating flood.”
The Ipswich Flood Recovery information webpage can be accessed at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/floodrecovery