AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FOR NEW SOUTH WALES FIRES
Joint Media Release
Attorney-General
The Hon Robert McClelland MP
Minister for Defence
The Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP
11 February 2009
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has activated the Commonwealth Disaster Plan for New South Wales, authorising the use of Defence Force assets to support New South Wales fight fires at Singleton, in the Hunter Valley.
The New South Wales Government has requested that accommodation for fire fighters be made available at the Singleton Army Base.
“I am pleased that the Australian Defence Force is able to accommodate New South Wales Fire Fighters at a time when bushfires are threatening right across the state,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
It is anticipated that between 30 and 50 fire fighters will be accommodated at the Base for up to ten days.
New South Wales has 25 fires burning throughout the State.
The fire at Singleton is currently uncontained. It began last Saturday and has burnt through 1600 hectares.
This fire has the potential to enlarge significantly, therefore a decision has been taken by the Incident Controller to increase the fire fighting effort.
“Accommodation for the additional fire fighting personnel that are needed in the area is proving difficult to obtain, so the Commonwealth is happy to assist,” said Mr McClelland.
“The Commonwealth stands ready to provide further support to New South Wales if it is necessary.”
The Commonwealth Disaster Plan is now currently active across the east coast of Australia, with ADF personnel and assets being deployed in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales.
Media Contacts:
Adam Sims (Mr McClelland’s office) 0419 480 224
Christian Taubenschlag (Mr Fitzgibbon’s office) 0438, 595 567
Emergency Management Australia Media Liaison, 0408 606 462.
