Seventy Australian Defence Force personnel are set to be deployed to the NSW mid-north coast to aid in the cleanup efforts following the catastrophic floods. These troops, commencing their deployment from Tuesday, will work alongside Disaster Relief Australia, a veterans-led organization. Their tasks will include clearing debris, opening closed roads, and conducting welfare checks on residents affected by the floods.
The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, announced the deployments as the massive cleanup operation commenced across the affected regions. At a press conference held inside the national situation room in Canberra, Albanese noted the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. He underscored the impact on communities, including five fatalities, significant environmental damage, and substantial economic loss.
Following the use of defence helicopters for search and rescue operations during the peak of the flood emergency, a team of 70 ADF personnel was assembled to provide on-ground support, particularly focusing on clearing transportation routes. The deployment of the ADF in such scenarios has been a point of discussion, with the Defence Strategic Review advising that the military should be the “force of last resort” to prevent over-stretching their resources.
Defence Minister, Richard Marles, stated that coordination between different government levels and first-responders, such as the SES, is crucial in alleviating the burden on the ADF. He emphasized the military’s readiness to assist during crises.
Albanese also highlighted the importance of ADF personnel in boosting the morale of communities affected by the disaster.
Furthermore, the ADF’s efforts will be complemented by a contingent from Disaster Relief Australia, expected to increase from 25 to 100 by the end of the week, along with emergency services personnel from various states and New Zealand.
Despite the receding floodwaters, authorities are concerned about the impact of a severe cold front on stranded livestock. Albanese discussed emergency financial support for affected residents, small businesses, and councils with NSW Premier Chris Minns. The Commonwealth’s disaster recovery allowance will provide eligible residents with up to 13 weeks of income support, while a $1m fund for council cleanup costs and a support package for primary producers, including concessional loans and freight subsidies, is expected to be approved at a federal cabinet meeting.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/26/nsw-floods-2025-cleanup-australian-army-mid-north-coast-hunter-region
