RAAF flies food to Lightning Ridge

17 Feb 2012, 4:42 pm   -   Source: AAP
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A RAAF C-130 Hercules transport aircraft is delivering food and water to the flood-affected community of Lightning Ridge.

A RAAF C-130 Hercules transport aircraft will deliver essential supplies of food and water to the flood-affected community of Lightning Ridge in northern NSW.

The Department of Defence said on Friday the aircraft left RAAF Base Richmond in the morning loaded with groceries, provisions and drinking water and would make two trips to deliver more than 19 tonnes of supplies to the town.

In preparation for this mission, another Hercules flew to Lightning Ridge on Thursday to deliver a forklift and four-member team to unload and distribute supplies as they arrived.

RAAF Air Lift Group commander Air Commodore Gary Martin said RAAF personnel were trained and equipped to respond to a broad range of contingencies, including helping those affected by natural disasters.

"Delivering aid to those in need is something that we are well-practised in," he said in a statement.

"On this occasion we have assisted the State Emergency Service to get urgent supplies to the people of Lightning Ridge, ensuring their wellbeing until normal transport routes reopen."

The relief mission was launched in response to a request from the NSW government and follows other other assistance to Queensland communities affected by the recent floods.

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