Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Paul Baxter is currently touring the flood-stricken Central West of the state, providing support to emergency crews handling the crisis. The visit commenced with a stop at the incident base camp in Parkes, where Commissioner Baxter engaged with FRNSW strike teams and international support crews from New Zealand and Singapore.
Ongoing Response and Recovery Efforts
The international crews, renowned for their expertise in in-water rescues and evacuations, have been active in the region, deploying to flood-affected towns and exercising around nearby waterways to get accustomed to the local environment. During his visit to Forbes and Eugowra, Commissioner Baxter observed major clean-up operations underway.
FRNSW's Mobile Communication Hub
FRNSW’s “Cell on Wheels” mobile satellite communications hub plays a crucial role in providing telephone and internet connectivity for Eugowra residents, essential while primary telecom infrastructure undergoes repairs. At the same time, in-water rescue teams are stationed in Condobolin and Nyngan, as forecasts indicate these areas may soon be impacted by rising floodwaters.
Rapid Damage Assessment and Support
In Forbes, FRNSW's rapid damage assessment and wash-out teams are integral to recovery operations. They are supported by FRNSW’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) units, ensuring comprehensive coverage in handling the aftermath of the floods.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Paul Baxter is now visiting the state's flood-impacted Central West, offering his support to emergency teams.
The tour began with Commissioner Baxter calling into the incident 'base camp' in Parkes, where he met with FRNSW strike teams and Kiwi and Singaporean support crews.
Ongoing response and recovery efforts
The contingent has been deploying to affected towns to support ongoing response and recovery efforts
Over the past few days, the contingent has been deploying to affected towns to support ongoing response and recovery efforts.
The international personnel, who specialize in in-water rescues and evacuations, have also been training around nearby waterways to familiarize themselves with local conditions.
In Forbes and Eugowra, Commissioner Baxter witnessed first-hand the major clean-up operations that are underway.
FRNSW's mobile satellite communications
FRNSW's ‘Cell on Wheels’ mobile satellite communications hub continues to provide telephone and internet access for Eugowra residents, while repairs to infrastructure can be carried out by the main telecommunications carriers.
In-water teams are currently pre-positioned in Condobolin and Nyngan, which, according to forecasts, could be the next towns inundated by floodwaters.
FRNSW rapid damage assessment
FRNSW rapid damage assessment and wash-out teams continue to support recovery activities in Forbes.
They're being backed up by the agency's Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), or drones, and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) capabilities.
