9 March 2025
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is working closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), emergency authorities in Queensland and New South Wales, and the Queensland and NSW governments to support the planning and response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
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Latest updates
Update 5
Sunday, 9 March 2025 - 18:04 PM
Defence continues to support a number of requests in response to Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred. As at 9 March the ADF has:
- Conducted reconnaissance and supported route clearances in Lismore in northern New South Wales and the Scenic Rim and Gold Coast areas in Queensland.
- Posted ADF Liaison Officers to State Disaster Coordination Centres.
- Supported welfare checks in Lismore, Scenic Rim and the Gold Coast.
- Deployed logistics elements, including fuel, repair and recovery capabilities to Coffs Harbour in northern New South Wales.
- Three CH-47F Chinook medium-lift helicopters departed Townsville and are staged in Rockhampton in transit to Oakey.
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Update 4
Sunday, 9 March 2025 - 08:38 AM
On 8 March 2025, two Australian Army Rheinmetall MAN 40M trucks were involved in a motor vehicle accident, just south of Lismore, NSW.
Emergency services and Australian Defence Force personnel swiftly treated casualties at the scene.
Of the 32 soldiers travelling in the two trucks, 13 were injured.
Those injured are receiving medical care at Ballina District Hospital, Byron Central Hospital, Lismore Base Hospital, and Tweed Valley Hospital.
The soldiers are from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment and the 7th Combat Service Support Battalion, of the 7th Brigade, based at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane.
Defence can confirm the families of all injured personnel have been notified, and Defence is focussed on supporting those involved, including their families.
Defence extends its gratitude to all emergency first responders, including from the NSW Ambulance, NSW Police Force, NSW State Emergency Service, and NSW Rural Fire Service.
The 1800 DEFENCE (1800 333 362) and Defence Member and Family Support Helpline (1800 624 608) are available for Defence members and their families seeking support, information or connection with other services.
The cause of accident is in under investigation.
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Update 3
Sunday, 9 March 2025 - 00:30 AM
On the evening of 8 March 2025, 7th Brigade soldiers, as part of Joint Task Force 629, were involved in a vehicle accident. These soldiers were providing community support to Lismore following Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
13 soldiers were assessed on-scene as having injuries. Those with injuries are being cared for and are all stable. Their families have now all been notified.
We are hugely grateful to emergency services and healthcare workers for the first aid and ongoing care.
The welfare of ADF members and their families is a priority and Defence’s focus is on supporting those involved.
For families of Defence members, if you need support please contact the unit of your Defence member or Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.
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Update 2
Saturday, 8 March 2025 - 19:45 PM
JOINT STATEMENT FROM PRIME MINISTER AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER:
A short time ago there was a serious vehicle incident involving two Australian Defence Force vehicles near Lismore.A number of ADF personnel have been injured, some seriously.
Medical assistance is on hand. We stress this is an ongoing incident.
Right now our focus is on the welfare of those involved and their families.
Our ADF heroes were on their way to help Australians in need.
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Update 1
Saturday, 8 March 2025 - 19:00 PM
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is working closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), emergency authorities in Queensland and New South Wales, and the Queensland and NSW governments to support the planning and response to Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Defence is supporting a number of requests, including:
- Over 600 support personnel, 90 high-clearance vehicles as well as a number of logistics support and engineering vehicles were positioned within Lismore and the Northern Rivers area in support of NSW state police and State Emergency Services. These personnel are drawn from both Brisbane based permanent ADF members and locally based reserve ADF members.
- In Queensland, more than 550 personnel are postured to support the response to Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred. This includes ADF engineers, general duties and aviation support personnel.
- Over 300,000 sandbags were provided to assist communities prepare.
Joint Task Groups 629.1 and 629.3, led by Australian Army reservists, have been established in NSW and Queensland on 8 March, 2025 following Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred with over 1,500 personnel, 90 high-clearance vehicles, and rotary wing assets assigned for emergency response. In addition over 450 additional personnel are on standby.
Defence people and their families may be directly affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Support is available through 1800 DEFENCE(1800 333 362) and the Defence Member and Family Support Helpline (1800 624 608).
