Ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred recap: Lismore clear for now and police boss says ADF crash largest in his career
Recap all the Cyclone Alfred news below.
Key Events
‘We are reminded about the selflessness of those who wear our nation’s uniform.’
“When the men and women of our defence force sign up to wear our nation’s uniform, they choose a life of service and they do so to make a difference,” Mr Marles said. \
“They are there to help their fellow Australians, and that’s what each of these 32 people were doing yesterday in support of those who are feeling the brunt of ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred in northern NSW.
“They did so without question. They wanted to make a difference.
“This is why they had signed up. But they also knew that they were in a difficult circumstances where the weather was obviously made conditions treacherous.”
“In this moment, we are reminded about the selflessness of those who wear our nation’s uniform, and we are deeplygrateful to them.”
‘All are expected to recover’: Marles shares heartwarming ADF update
“The trucks were configured to carry personnel,” Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said.
“There were 16 on each truck, and this team of 32 had been engaged in route clearance work and were in transit from one task to another when the incident occurred.
“Both trucks rolled.
“The circumstances of the incident are still being investigated.
“As the Prime Minister said 13 were injured, some of them seriously.
“All are expected to recover and those 13 are in localhospitals in Byron Bay, Tweed Valleyin Lismore.”
‘We thank them for their service’, says Albanese
“We will never take for granted the enormous sacrifice our soldiers make for us, and we will do all we can to support those injured and their families,” Mr Albanese said.
“We thank them for their service yesterday, today and every day.
Shortly we will head to Queensland to work on cyclone support and recovery and to meet ADF personnel.”
Albanese, Marles giving update on ADF crash
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles are providing an update on the crash that involved 32 ADF heroes.
Last night, near Lismore, seventh Brigade soldiers who are based at the Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane as part of Joint Task Force 629, were involved in a serious vehicle accident,” the prime minister said.
“There were 32 soldiers across two vehicles involved in this incident. 13 soldiers were assessed on scene as having injuries, six have serious injuries. All are being cared for in local hospitals.
“Everyone at the scene did their best to look after their mates, and I am hugely grateful to emergency services and healthcare workers forthe first aid and ongoing care.
“All of their families have now been notified for the extraordinary members of the Australian Defence Force and their loved ones, there are no easy days.
“Every day could bring danger, every day carries risks and yet they step up and face them.”
Major update after horror incident involving 32 ADF heroes
Authorities have revealed details following an initial investigation into a horror incident involving 32 ADF near Lismore, sharing an update on their conditions.
In a statement shared by NSW Police, a spokesperson said: “Police have been advised the injuries appear to be non-life threatening.”
The incident occurred around 5pm on Saturday, after one ADF truck, with 31 heroes onboard, left the roadway and rolled several times into a paddock.
A second vehicle tipped onto its side attempting to avoid the first vehicle.
Authorities said the vehicles did not collide with each other.
After an emergency call was made, NSW Police, NSW Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance Paramedics, NSW Fire and Rescue, SES and RFS crews were deployed, tirelessly working to free 32 ADF heroes trapped in the wrecking of the crash.
“All were taken to hospitals in Lismore, Tweed Heads, Ballina and Byron Bay for assessment, with 13 requiring treatment; police have been advised the injuries appear to be non-life threatening,” A NSW Police spokesperson said.
Queensland Police issue warning update
Queensland Police have warned locals that Alfred may have been downgraded, but serious risk remains.
“Local government councils have several Watch and Acts and Advice warnings current for residents between Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast to monitor conditions and stay informed,” A QPS spokesperson said.
“Most recently, an Advice Warning was issued for the Southern Downs Regional Council area advising that the Killarney water supply has been impacted by the severe weather and residents are urged to conserve water and cease non-essential water use. An emergency alert was also issued for this warning.
“The QPS reminds residents that while the immediate threat of a cyclone is over, there is still a significant amount of rainfall expected over the coming days which could result in flash flooding and riverine flooding.”
Update on ADF heroes involved in horror accident
Late on Saturday, a freak accident occurred involving two ADF trucks carrying up to 36 soldiers who were being deployed to help locals as flood waters rose near Lismore,
It is understood that one of the trucks fell down an embankment, with the other truck swerving to avoid a possibly fatal collision.
The incident took place on Tregeagle Road in Tregeagle around 6pm.
Now, authorities have shared the incredible news that there are no life-threatening injuries to those involved, however, some remain in a serious condition.
‘Shelter now’: Carrs Island, Grafton residents warned of major flooding
An emergency “shelter now” order has been issued for Carrs Island, Grafton.
Emergency warnings issued in northern NSW
Prepare to evacuate orders have been issued across northern NSW as flood risk rises, with rain still lashing the area.
Palmers Island, Micalo Island, Thorny Island and Romiaka Island residents have been told to prepare to evacuate with an update expected within 30 minutes.
Other areas include, Lawrence and surrounds, Southgate and Great Marlow.
In Bowraville orders are in place for Adams Lane North, High Street North and North Arm Road.
A major warning has been issued as waves in the usually calm Moreton Bay smash the ocean wall, bringing an alarming flood threat to nearby local homes.
“These are huge waves that are crashing over what is normally a walkway,” Sunrise reporter Georgie Chumley said.
“This is usually an incredibly calm bay and there are huge waves.
This is what the Bureau was talking about when they were talking about storm surge.
“Already the local streets have begun to flood.
“Thankfully, these residents, they know the drill. They haven’t removed their sandbags because this really could be that flooding that we were worried about.
