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The Australian Defence Force (ADF) deployed Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles (PMVs) on Operation Flood Assist 22-2.
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Four Bushmaster versatile vehicles (PMVs) were used to conduct reconnaissance missions, as part of the Victorian Government’s request for assistance to support evacuations and movements.
With a high clearance enabling the vehicles to traverse flood-affected roads up to 1.2 metres deep, they supported communities heavily affected, such as Shepparton, Echuca, Kerang and Swan Hill.
According to Bushmaster PMV driver Corporal Kaelym O’Flaherty, of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, it had been a rewarding experience to see the impact he and his team made in the community.
“We’ve seen some hardship suffered within the local communities and it’s great to see my team and vehicles making a real difference,” Corporal O’Flaherty said.
“The best thing about the Bushmaster PMVs on flood operations is the high clearance, allowing them to get to locations that the State Emergency Services and civilian vehicles can’t.”
“During this operation, a reconnaissance task can quickly turn into an evacuation of community members, and a PMV can quickly adjust from one to the other,” Corporal O’Flaherty added.
As at 7 November, about 60 ADF personnel and high-clearance vehicles are directly assisting emergency authorities in flood-affected areas across regional Victoria, including Mildura and Swan Hill.
Tasks include filling and distribution of sandbags, building levee walls, transport and logistics support, community engagement, access assistance, evacuation assistance, general duties support, clean-up activities and other relief activities.
Personnel also delivered essential medical supplies, including chemotherapy medication to emergency services, and assisted with rescues and evacuations.
In NSW, the ADF is providing up to 50 personnel to support NSW’s flood response in the central west region.
The ADF remains postured to provide additional support to State Emergency Services should a request be received via National Emergency Management Australia.
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