PLEA Network

4 January 2020, ABC News: Bushfire response to be boosted by deployment of 3,000 ADF reservists, Prime Minister announces. Three thousand Australian Defence Force reservists will be deployed to help with the bushfire recovery, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced. The Prime Minister also announced Chinook helicopters from Townsville and other military aircraft would assist, as well as the opening of defence force bases from Adelaide to Brisbane for emergency short-term accommodation. The Navy’s largest amphibious ship, HMAS Adelaide, will sail from Sydney this afternoon to sit off the coast should it be required to help with evacuations. “They will sail this afternoon, they will be located offshore from the fire-affected areas from tomorrow afternoon,” Mr Morrison said. “The Adelaide is fully equipped for disaster relief and humanitarian aid, is able to operate helicopters, 400 crew including medical staff, as well as 300 tonnes [of emergency relief supplies] which have been loaded up in recent days.” Read more here