​The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will support communities affected by the quick but damaging crossing of now ex-Tropical Cyclone Seroja over the Western Australian coast near Kalbarri last night.

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, said that the Western Australian government prepared early for a worst-case scenario event and had asked for ADF assistance in anticipation.

“Last night I approved a request from the WA government for ADF assistance and immediately asked Defence through Minister Dutton to support this request and begin planning,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Defence will now provide a C-130J Hercules aircraft for medical and other evacuations, and to transport emergency services personnel and supplies including food, water and generators to communities in need.

“Defence is also considering a request from WA for boots on the ground to assist with clean up and damage assessment.

“These communities need assistance now and we are acting immediately.

“A tropical cyclone crossing this far south is a rare event, so I commend the early planning and actions of the WA emergency services to prepare communities for the worst.”

Member for Durack and Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price welcomed the support of the ADF in supporting local communities in the aftermath of the cyclone.

“We’ve seen our Defence personnel helping time and time again through the bushfires, COVID and now helping cyclone-affected people in the Durack electorate,” Minister Price said.

“I urge people still in the path of the system to take all necessary precautions.

“Although the cyclone crossed the coast and has been downgraded to a tropical low, the risks of heavy rain, flash flooding and damaging wind gusts are still very real, and people must take the advice of WA emergency services.”

The Australian Government stands ready to assist the WA government and local communities with the aftermath.