The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) says funding the construction of new multipurpose cyclone evacuation centres in areas in areas such as Maningrida, Ngukurr, Numbulwar, Warrimiyanga and Borroloola should be a priority for Federal Election candidates.
LGANT is calling on candidates to commit to the establishment of a $50 million five-year program for the construction of centres in the Territory.
Cyclone evacuation centres differ from cyclone shelters in that they can also be used for short-term accommodation in-community after a cyclone has passed, the Association said in a statement today.
“Evacuation centres allow residents to remain in communities before, during and after events which means the community is there to take ownership and actively participate in the recovery process,” said LGANT President, Kon Vatskalis.
“The current process of evacuating entire towns and surrounding homelands and outstations in the event of cyclones is neither sustainable nor in the best interests of locals. People are removed from their homes and flown thousands of kilometres to be put up in tents,” he said.
“We should build the infrastructure that allows them to stay close to home and then go back to their daily lives as soon as possible’.”
The LGANT President says the organisation wants to sit down with its member councils and the State and Federal Government to start planning for the centres.
“Everyone knows there is a need to undertake a holistic analysis on the suitability of sites and the servicing of such facilities rather than the current ad-hoc approach. What will it take for everyone to take this issue seriously?” he said.
“Together with the East and West Arnhem Regional Councils, LGANT welcomes the Labor Party’s commitment of $5 million towards cyclone shelters in Maningrida and Milingimbi.
“We now look forward to a commitment to match or fully fund this essential infrastructure from the other candidates.”
LGANT is also calling on Federal Election candidates to commit to $600,000 per year for three years for a dedicated Territory-based Emergency Management Coordinator and Risk Reduction Fund to assist local government councils build their capacity in emergency management.
More information on LGANT’s federal election priorities can be found at: lgant.asn.au.
