Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics rebuild flood-affected communities

Self-contained demountable-style accommodation has been installed in three communities following widespread flooding. See the pictures.

Demountable structures were built for communities in the Victoria Daly region following devastating flooding. Picture: DIPL

In the face of devastating floods earlier this year that caused extensive damage to the homes in the communities of Kalkaringi, Daguragu, and Pigeon Hole, the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics has been working with dedicated contractors to rebuild the communities.

Kalkaringi experienced severe flooding earlier this year, leaving 39 out of 89 homes in the community severely damaged.

Recognising the urgent need to facilitate the swift return of residents to their community, a solution in the form of self-contained demountable-style accommodation was mobilised and installed in Kalkaringi and Daguragu.

These demountables were strategically arranged in clusters, forming “pods” that feature bedrooms, kitchen facilities, ablutions, and covered verandahs.

A total of 11 pods were temporarily installed in Kalkaringi, providing 88 bedrooms for the residents.

Three of the self-contained Pods have since been mobilised for installation in Pigeon Hole.

Almost half of all the homes in Kalkaringi were damaged by floods earlier this year. Picture: DIPL

Since the flooding occurred in March, intensive repair and replacement work has been underway to expedite the restoration of homes and other Northern Territory Government infrastructure in Kalkaringi. So far, 18 homes have been successfully repaired.

In a significant milestone for Kalkaringi, eight replacement homes were recently handed over to the residents of Kalkaringi.

These new homes symbolise a step forward in the community’s recovery process and offer hope for a brighter future.

The pods contained bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms and verandahs. Picture: DIPL.

Seven more homes are currently underway with a further six planned for installation in Kalkaringi by Aboriginal Business Enterprise Rusca Developments.

The comprehensive recovery works in Kalkaringi are expected to reach their completion by the end of October 2023, offering a renewed sense of hope and stability to the community. Despite the immense challenges faced, the resilience and determination exhibited by the residents of these Big Rivers region communities serve as a testament to their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

In Daguragu 4 new modular homes are being installed with completion expected in August. Ongoing works continue in Pigeon Hole to support the repatriation of residents back to their homes. Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics together with our contractors, Victoria Daly Regional Council and Gurindji Aboriginal Corporation are delivering a range of works in rebuilding the communities.