Australian Defence Force Arrives at Mackay Airport with Relief for Flood Victims

This Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed C-130J Hercules (A97-447) was photographed below at Mackay Airport on Monday 3 January unloading relief supplies destined for flood-ravaged Rockhampton.



It was packed with everything from Cornflakes to toilet paper when it touched down in Mackay to transfer the supplies to trucks bound for Rockhampton. Five huge pallets loaded with essentials including bottled water, non-perishable food, nappies and medical supplies were strapped up, ready to be airlifted by helicopters if necessary once they were ferried south to Rockhampton.

It is believed that more loads of supplies were delivered to Mackay Airport yesterday, and more expected to arrive in the coming days, with the road link to Rockhampton from the North expected to remain open.

Three Royal Australian Navy Westland Sea King helicopters were available to help the flood mission if required and one Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter was on standby in Townsville. The three Sikorsky S-70A Blackhawk helicopters were being redeployed from Emerald to Rockhampton yesterday.