Minister for Defence - Troops and heavy equipment arrive in Rockhampton

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The Hon Kevin Andrews MP

Minister for Defence

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24 February 2015

Defence has bolstered its presence in the Rockhampton region following Cyclone Marcia with the arrival of the 127-strong 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment (3 CER) from the Townsville-based 3rd Brigade.

The Combat Engineers deployed with a fleet of 46 vehicles which includes heavy plant equipment such as excavators and a crane.

Four specialists from the 6th Engineer Support Regiment, including a plumber and electrician, will join the 3 CER troops today in the recovery efforts.

The engineers will be operating in the Yeppoon, Rockhampton and Mt Morgan areas, with a priority being the clearance of the 16 schools in the region. Engineers have already cleared the Berserker, Crescent, Rockhampton State High and Farnborough State schools.

Meanwhile, approximately 30 soldiers from the Army Reserve 31/42 Battalion, The Royal Queensland Regiment, continue to work under local disaster arrangements with civil agencies to clear debris.

Defence remains ready to respond to further requests for post-recovery support for both the Northern Territory and Queensland following the recent devastation brought by Cyclones Lam and Marcia.

Media note:

Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20150396

Media contacts:

Brad Rowswell (Minister Andrews’ Office) 0417 917 796

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

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