RUDD GOVERNMENT FLIES FOOD PACKS INTO REMOTE QUEENSLAND
Joint Media Release
Attorney-General
The Hon Robert McClelland MP
Minister for Defence
The Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP
8 February 2009
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has activated the Commonwealth Disaster plan, authorising the use of the Defence Force to supply and deliver thousands of food packs into the flooded Ingham area of North Queensland.
The Queensland Government has made a request for 4500 ration packs that will be distributed to a dozen small communities that have been isolated by the flood waters.
Whilst there is enough food to resupply the township of Ingham for the next few days, these isolated communities - some with as few as 50 residents - have very scarce supplies.
The communities of Halifax, Forrest Beach, Abergowie and Mount Fox are the most seriously affected, having urgently requested food resupply.
The Defence Force will transport and supply the ration packs from Townsville to Ingham within the next 48 hours.
Once the food is delivered to Ingham, it will be distributed by emergency services helicopters to the isolated communities.
The Rudd and Bligh Governments are working closely together to ensure that Queensland have all the support they require during this difficult time.
Media Contacts
Adam Sims (Mr McClelland’s office) 0419 480 224
Christian Taubenschlag (Mr Fitzgibbon’s office) 0438 595 567
