Nhulunbuy lands cyclone shelter under Federal Labor Government’s Disaster Ready Fund

East Arnhem residents are being promised a new cyclone shelter capable of holding up to 1800 people. Find out more.

The Federal Government has announced that Nhulunbuy will receive a new $32.4 million cyclone shelter.

Nhulunbuy has been promised a $32.4 million cyclone shelter capable of holding up to 1800 people, expected to provide vulnerable communities across East Arnhem a protective safe house for years to come.

On Friday morning, the Albanese Government announced $16m had been approved to construct a community cyclone shelter for the Top End town, with the Territory Government having also committed $16.4m towards the project.

The project, one of 164 announced under the Federal Government’s Disaster Ready Fund, was welcomed by Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour.

“Cyclones can have devastating impacts across the Northern Territory’s remote Top End communities and may lead to loss of life or serious injury,” she said.

“This shelter will provide safety and build the resilience of remote communities to survive these dangerous and destructive weather events.”

Federal Senator Marion Scrymgour has welcomed joint-funded projects under the Disaster Ready Fund. Picture: Liam Mendes / The Australian

In March, Northern Land Council chair Matthew Ryan called for improved cyclone shelters amid the mass evacuation of Borroloola following widespread flooding.

“Lessons are not being learned and as a result our communities continue to suffer,” Mr Ryan said.

“We cannot wait for the next emergency to happen and have the same problems over and over again.”

Additionally, the Barkly region has also won a slice of the hefty $387 million federal fund, with $535,000 approved for the Central Desert Regional Council to purchase a grader, with the Territory Government contributing the remaining $540,000.

Central Desert Regional Council will receive a grader which will be used to create fire breaks across the Barkly Region. Picture: Bushfires NT

It is understood the grader will be used to undertake fire break maintenance for the Aboriginal communities of Atitjere, Engawala, Ti-Tree, Willowra, Laramba, Nyirripi, Yuelamu and Yuendumu.

Ms Scrymgour claimed the “essential equipment” would save lives.

“Enhanced fire prevention capabilities are critical for our remote bush communities to reduce fire risk and increase safety for residents and businesses.”

Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said the Federal Government fund was prompted by changing climate.

“By working with all levels of government to make significant investments in mitigation projects, we are reducing the risks and impacts Australians face during disasters. This means better outcomes for communities while reducing clean up and recovery costs.