The Australian Government will provide further Defence assistance to aid in providing immediate support to the devastated communities in Aceh.

Defence Minister Robert Hill today announced further assets and personnel to work with Indonesian authorities with rescue, recovery and repair activities in Aceh.

"Three UH-1H Iroquois helicopters will be transported from Amberley to Indonesia transported on a chartered Antonov AN-124 aircraft. They will help with distribution of aid to less accessible areas," Senator Hill said.

"A Beech 350 King Air light aircraft is also in transit bound for Indonesia to assist with search, observation and carriage of humanitarian assistance into less developed airstrips.

"The ADF continues to transport further medical and engineering personnel and equipment into affected areas.

"Our four C-130 Hercules, and a New Zealand Hercules are operating between Medan and Banda Aceh carrying supplies and where possible ferrying victims out of the area.

"Additional air crews are being sent to Sumatra by commercial carriers to ensure full utilisation of the RAAF transport aircraft.

"The B707 aircraft yesterday ferried medical teams into Medan. It has stayed in Indonesia at the request of the Indonesian Government to assist in moving people, equipment and supplies around affected areas.

"A mobile water purification plant was dispatched yesterday and will arrive in Medan today.

"Locations for these assets are still being determined as rescue authorities assess the situation on the ground and determine the best place for those Australian-provided equipment.

"The training and skills of the ADF personnel deployed to Aceh will be tested over the coming period and I am very confident that our people will work tirelessly to offer assistance and support to those in need."