Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel continue to assist with clearing access to essential infrastructure in the wake of widespread damage in the Gold Coast region caused by storms on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Following a request from the Queensland Police Service on January 2, about 50 ADF personnel, along with high-clearance vehicles, were deployed to assist with recovery efforts in the Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim areas.
On January 3, ADF reconnaissance and coordination teams worked with emergency authorities to prioritise tasks for ADF personnel.
About 30 Army personnel with more high-clearance vehicles, drawn from Brisbane's 11th Brigade, joined the effort yesterday and an additional 20 personnel are being deployed today.
The region is strewn with damaged buildings, infrastructure and fallen trees.
With more than 1000 power lines brought down or severely damaged, many people still have no power supply - Gold Coast City about 6400, Logan City about 2200 and the Scenic Rim about 5500.
Army personnel are enabling workers to restore key services, including electricity networks, communications, water supply and sewage treatment plants.
