THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence
Friday, 18 April 2008
029/2008
NEW RECONSTRUCTION TASK FORCE TAKES REINS
IN AFGHANISTAN
The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, has today
congratulated the Commanding Officer of the Reconstruction Task Force
Three (RTF-3), Lieutenant Colonel David Wainwright, and his men and
women, after completing a demanding six-month tour in Afghanistan.
Mr Fitzgibbon said despite the constant threat of attack by Taliban extremists,
the soldiers of RTF-3 continued to make a significant contribution to the
people of Oruzgan Province.
“The Reconstruction Task Force successfully built patrol bases and check-
points in the previous Taliban strong-holds of the Chora Valley and
Dorafshan. These efforts alone have brought security and stability to the local
people,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“Australia’s reconstruction efforts in the region, the security partnership we
share with our Dutch colleagues and the Afghan security forces, and the
constant pressure applied by our Special Forces is eroding Taliban resolve.”
However, Mr Fitzgibbon said despite the advances made by the International
Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Oruzgan and southern Afghanistan
remained dangerous.
“My thoughts remain with the families of Sergeant Matthew Locke, Private
Luke Worsley and Trooper David ‘Poppy’ Pearce who were killed in the line of
duty last year in Afghanistan. With ANZAC Day a week away, it’s fitting for
Australia to remember the contribution these service personnel, and those
who serve and have served on overseas duty, make in the nation’s interest.”
Mr Fitzgibbon said the current rotation of troops had achieved major
milestones in the past six months, including the construction of three Afghan
National Army check-points in the Chora Valley, two patrol bases in
Dorafshan as well as expanding a patrol base into a Forward Operating Base.
The civil works program has also continued with the ongoing construction of
the Eastern Causeway (US$1.2M), Tarin Kowt Provincial Hospital
(US$1.25M), Afghan Health and Development Training Centre (US$1.66M),
Yaklengah Health Centre (US$322,000), Tarin Kowt Waste Management
(US$420,000), Tarin Kowt Primary School (US$1.59M) and Tarin Kowt Boys’
High School (US$280,000).
Mr Fitzgibbon also expressed his best wishes to the Commanding Officer of
RTF-4, Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Yeaman, and his personnel, who are about
to embark on an equally challenging time in Afghanistan.
“RTF-4’s mandate will continue with reconstruction of local infrastructure and
community-based projects to assist the Afghan Government achieve a stable
and secure future for its people.”
The incoming task force consists of more than 400 combat engineers,
infantry, cavalry and support staff, the majority based in Brisbane and Sydney.
The Townsville-, Sydney- and Brisbane-based soldiers of RTF-3 will return
home throughout April and early May.
Media note:
Vision will be fed to networks at Parliament House. Imagery is available for
Media contacts:
Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):
02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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