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Two Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crews delivered supplies to a group of school children and adults on Friday afternoon following major flooding in north Queensland.
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The Army’s support was requested after roads around the Echo Creek Adventure Camp in the Tully Valley were cut off, resulting in around 85 people being unable to leave the area.
Commanding Officer of the Australian Army’s Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Kim Gilfillan said multiple civilian attempts to reach the camp had been unsuccessful, leading to the Army being asked to respond.
"We were aware of the situation so we were prepared to launch when the request came through. The weather was terrible but there was a small window that allowed the crews to get through and deliver supplies, and then extract a child with health concerns," he said.
No one was injured during the Army’s supply delivery and the helicopter crews returned to Townsville safely on Friday night.
The stranded adults and children are believed to be doing well, according to LTCOL Gilfillan.
"We’re proud to be able to support our local community in which so many of our soldiers and their families are deeply part of," he said.
"The MRH-90 Taipan is an extremely capable helicopter and was the key to the success of this mission. We are always ready to provide support to the community whenever an emergency situation such as this arises."
Queensland Police and State Emergency Services will co-ordinate the next stages of support.
