The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) has recognised the efforts of councils across the Territory as support communities through widespread flooding, while highlighting the opportunity to deliver a smarter, stronger rebuild through recovery funding.
LGANT President and City of Darwin Councillor, Peter Pangquee said local councils had been working tirelessly before, during and after flooding to protect and support their communities.
“Councils across the Northern Territory are doing an extraordinary job on the ground, often in challenging and rapidly changing conditions,” said President Pangquee.
“They are not only responding to immediate impacts but are helping communities prepare, stay informed and recover as quickly as possible.”
The LGANT President said councils play a critical role at every stage of an emergency, delivering practical support directly to their communities.
“In the lead-up to flooding, councils are working through local and regional emergency committees, clearing stormwater systems, supporting vulnerable residents and helping communicate critical information.”
“As communities move into recovery, councils are assessing damage, clearing debris from public spaces, restoring roads, managing waste, and ensuring essential facilities are safe and operational.
“This is practical, on-the-ground work that communities rely on every day,” he said.
LGANT also welcomed the NT Government’s recent commitment of $100 million towards flood recovery, acknowledging the importance of this support for affected towns and communities and the councils working alongside them.
“We thank the NT Government for recognising the scale of these events and the impact they are having across the Territory.”
“As we move into recovery, there is a clear opportunity to ensure this investment supports a smarter, stronger rebuild – not just replacing what was lost, but improving infrastructure through a betterment program so towns and communities are better prepared for future events.”
LGANT said this includes practical upgrades such as sealing local roads, improving crossings so communities are not cut off, strengthening stormwater systems and enhancing waste facilities.
“A smarter, stronger rebuild means making targeted upgrades now that reduce disruption, improve safety and deliver long-term value for communities,” said President Pangquee.
“Other jurisdictions have shown that investing in more resilient infrastructure through dedicated betterment programs reduces future costs and helps communities recover faster from the next event.”
LGANT said it looks forward to continuing to work constructively with the NT Government to support recovery efforts and ensure rebuilding delivers lasting benefits for towns and communities across the Territory.
“Councils will continue to stand alongside their communities and get on with the job, and we look forward to working with government to support a rebuild that is not only timely, but fit for the future.”
