Update: School camp evacuation, Echo Creek
All children and staff who were isolated by surrounding flood waters at the Echo Creek Adventure Camp have now been successfully returned to Townsville.
The remaining 68 students from The Willows State School in Townsville and 10 staff were evacuated from Echo Creek to Tully this morning and charter flights have transferred the students and staff to Townsville.
State Disaster Coordinator Deputy Commissioner Bob Gee said a decision was made that due to continued unstable weather conditions in the area and a window of opportunity presenting itself today that the best course of action would be to evacuate the children from the camp today.
“The airlift was a major logistical operation and saw a co-ordinated effort involving police, Department of Education, other emergency services and private transport operators coming together to undertake the smooth running of such a large task,” Deputy Commissioner Bob Gee said.
The Deputy Commissioner praised the efforts of all those involved in the operation and thanked the children, teaching staff and parents for their resilience and patience over the last few days.
“I’d like to thank the children and teaching staff for their good spirits, patience and understanding while they have been at the camp,” he said.
“Local police and teachers on the ground did an outstanding job ensuring the safety and the spirits of all the children were maintained.”
Department of Education Deputy Director General Jeff Hunt said the evacuation had gone smoothly thanks to the coordinated efforts of staff and emergency services and particularly praised Queensland Police for the leadership and support they have given to this operation.
“I’d like to thank everybody involved in getting our students home to their families today,” Mr Hunt said.
“I’d also like to give a special thanks to our dedicated teachers at the camp who worked so hard managing the situation at the camp and for the support they have shown to our students and each other throughout the week. This is just another wonderful example of the outstanding role that teachers play in our community.”
