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Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley has made a visit to defence shipbuilder Birdon Group while on a tour of flood impacted areas in NSW.
The Leader of the Opposition visited the company’s Port Macquarie facility on the NSW mid-north coast after a devastating flood in the surrounding community.
During the visit, the company was able to discuss marine transportation repair and capability for defence and civilian purposes.
“We were proud to demonstrate how Birdon’s bridge erection boat played a role in the recent flood recovery efforts in our community,” the company said.
“Originally developed for military bridging operations, the BEB is exceptionally well-suited to humanitarian missions.
“It’s shallow draft, robust propulsion and high manoeuvrability make it ideal for navigating fast-moving, debris-filled waters, conditions that often challenge or disable conventional vessels.
“One key effort involved helping to get the Settlement Point Ferry back in action. A vital transport link for the North Shore community, the ferry’s cables had become entangled with debris, including buoys and a Marine Rescue vessel, creating a significant hazard. With emergency services stretched thin, Birdon’s team used the BEB to safely access the site and assist in resolving the issue.
“The BEB was also instrumental in recovering the Hibbard Ferry, which had been washed onto rocks near the Maritime Museum. The operation required careful handling to avoid further damage to nearby infrastructure. Once freed, the ferry was returned to Birdon’s shipyard for assessment.”
The company also applauded the work of the NSW Rural Fire Service, coordinated through the SES Emergency Coordination Centre, who provided high-pressure cleaning equipment to help Birdon’s shipyard recover from flood damage.
“Like all Australians, I am deeply saddened at the loss of life and widespread destruction from the flooding across New South Wales. The scale of the disaster is distressing, with lives and livelihoods already lost. Homes, small businesses and farms have been inundated,” Ley said.
“The professionalism and dedication of our emergency services personnel, as well as thousands of volunteers, is embodied in their rescue of Australians from roofs and in the steady thrum of dinghies giving safe passage to the vulnerable.
“I am also proud of the efforts of the Australian Defence Force, Australian Public Service and New South Wales Public Service. These committed public servants are working overtime to support our front-line responders and ensuring timely support to those in need.
“We are all proud of these great Australians and it is right that their service is recognised. In a reminder of the cruelty of our country’s climate, these floods come as many Victorian communities are enduring a devastating drought.
“The Australian people are tough. As always, we will respond and rebuild, but we must also prioritise enhanced resilience to help withstand the increasing frequency of these events.”
