COMMONWEALTH ASSISTANCE TO RESTORE BROKEN COMMUNICATIONS IN DERBY
Joint Media Release
Attorney-General
The Hon Robert McClelland MP
Minster for Defence
The Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP
2 February 2009
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today authorised the use of Defence Force resources to urgently fly replacement communications fibre optic cable into the northwest of Western Australia.
This follows the severing of a Telstra communications cable in the flooded Fitzroy River, which has left communities north of Derby, including Kununurra and Wyndham, without a telephone network. The swollen flood waters have made it difficult for repair crews to access where the cable has been broken.
“The WA Fire and Emergency Services Authority have requested Commonwealth assistance to transport two five tonne drums of cable, along with 85 kilograms of equipment and three Telstra technicians, to Derby, enabling communications in the area to be restored as soon as possible,” Mr McClelland said.
The Attorney-General has taken this step following the activation of the Commonwealth Disaster Assistance Plan (COMDISPLAN), authorising the use of Defence air transport to take the replacement cable, equipment and specialists to Derby.
“The Australian Defence Force will use a C130 to assist the people in Derby and the region re-establish vital communication links” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“The Australian people rightly expect Governments to work together when confronted with such difficult circumstances. We hope the speedy deployment of Defence resources, with the cooperation of WA Emergency Services personnel, will help the communities of Derby and surrounds, get back on their feet quickly,” said Mr McClelland.
“I am very pleased that the Australian Defence Force is able to provide a C130 to support the communities affected by this disaster. The men and women of our Defence Forces do an outstanding job in supporting Australians in their times of need. Assisting the Australian people with disaster relief efforts is an important part of the work of our Defence forces” said Mr Fitzgibbon.
Media Contacts:
Adam Sims (Mr McClelland’s office) 0419 480 224
Alastair Wilson (EMA Media Liaison) 0408 606 462
Christian Taubenschlag (Mr Fitzgibbon’s office) 0438 595 567
