NSW will join in the recovery operations in Queensland, as Tropical Cyclone Debbie made landfall.  

Cyclone Debbie was a Category Four cyclone and had winds over 200km/h, more than 100mm of rain and impacted more than 300km wide area.

NSW Fire & Rescue and NSW Rural Fire Services will join with the ACT Fire & Rescue to fly to Townsville and start recovery. 

“The NSW Government is working closely with the Queensland authorities to provide them with the assistance they require,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. 

She added that interstate agreements exist to assist our neighbours in time of need and to facilitate rapid deployment of emergency services. 

NSW State Emergency Service deployed four additional personnel to facilitate and assist in the recovery efforts. 
Moreover, Rapid Damage Assessment Services has been deployed in Queensland at the request of the Queensland Government. 

Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said that the assistance of Rapid Damage Assessment teams is essential in the process of recovery operations. 

“These teams will provide information on the structural integrity of homes and infrastructure, as well as advice on any potential safety risks,” Mr Grant said. 

Further assistance is being offered in response to Cyclone Debbie, and will work in eight local government areas. 
Assistance will be available to Burdekin, Charters Towers, Isaac, Hinchinbrook, Mackay, Palm Island, Townsville and Whitsundy.