MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Billson
Australia is sending a four person environmental assessment team to Thailand to assist in post-tsunami rehabilitation efforts in the coastal areas and islands of southern Thailand.
Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bruce Billson, said the team had been assembled in response to an official request for technical assistance from the government of the Kingdom of Thailand.
'The Australian environmental assessment team, departing for Thailand today will undertake a rapid assessment of the damage done by the tsunami to coastal resources in southern Thailand,' Mr Billson said.
'The team will also assist relevant Thai government agencies to develop a coordinated approach to the management of coastal areas and reefs, as well as the development of a sustainable aquaculture sector in affected areas.
'The rehabilitation of coastal areas and islands is also vital for the ongoing recovery of Thailand's tourism industry which provides a livelihood for many people in coastal areas of southern Thailand'.
Mr Billson said the assessment mission team would consist of three specialist technical advisers, an AusAID representative, and a representative of the government of the Kingdom of Thailand.
'The three Australian technical specialists are from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority,' Mr Billson said
'With expertise in marine, coastal and coral reef management, the Australian specialists are well placed to assist in the rehabilitation of tsunami-affected areas.
'This new assistance for Thailand once again demonstrates Australia's commitment to help countries recover from this terrible natural disaster', Mr Billson said.
Australia has emerged as a leading aid donor in response to the Asian tsunami, with the Government providing more than $1 billion in emergency relief and longer-term reconstruction efforts, and the Australian public donating over $260 million to relief efforts.
Media inquiries:
Shane Fairlie (Mr Billson's office) 0408 680 442
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590