Community & Business
24 March, 2025
Deputy PM Marles visited Base during Cyclone Alfred
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles visited Swartz Barracks Oakey Army Aviation Base recently to observe aircraft involved in disaster recovery efforts.
Mr Marles said three aircraft and personnel from Swartz Barracks were deployed during the response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.
“The men and women of our Defence Force have stood ready to help communities across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales to respond to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred – this included around 100 personnel staged in Oakey to support air lift capabilities, if they were needed,” he said.
“Three CH-47F Chinook medium lift helicopters and personnel from Army aviation were deployed to Swartz Barracks at Oakey, part of the 700 personnel in northern New South Wales and 500 personnel in southeast Queensland over the course of the last weekend.
“The very presence of our nation’s uniform has been deeply reassuring to these communities during this period and I was so pleased to have the opportunity to visit and thank them for their work helping keep the community safe.”
