PM Anthony Albanese skips the Territory in trip to ex-tropical Cyclone Ellie floods

Anthony Albanese will not visit Timber Creek in his whirlwind trip to Australia’s north, but disaster recovery funds remain open for those impacted by ex-cyclone Ellie. Here’s what’s on offer.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will not visit Timber Creek in the NT on his trip to Australia’s flooded north, a spokesman has confirmed.

The PM assessed the damage at Western Australia’s Fitzroy Crossing on Monday, flanked by a several government officials and military support.

It comes as jointly-funded disaster recovery funding is released for NT and WA communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.

Residents in Timber Creek and surrounding communities can now make a claim if they lost income as a result of the destructive floods.

Grants covering temporary accommodation, replacement of household goods, essential household repairs and immediate hardship are also available.

Two Chinooks and three MRH90 helicopters from the Australian Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment made a brief stop at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory while transiting to flood recovery efforts in Western Australia. Picture: Defence

Mr Albanese said the Commonwealth would continue to work with the Territory government, providing up to 75 per cent of disaster funds.

“This was a one in a 50-year flood in Timber Creek, and our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted,” Mr Albanese said.

“I’d like to thank all of our hard working emergency services personnel and volunteers for their hard work and assistance during this unprecedented event.”

Just landed in Broome, which is surrounded by a phenomenal amount of water. Great Northern Hwy cut off - the road that connects Nth Aus. On the ground tomorrow to hear what more we can do to help these communities recover. #kimberleyfloods pic.twitter.com/2bekOqf0d5

— Senator Murray Watt (@MurrayWatt) January 8, 2023

Just landed in Broome, which is surrounded by a phenomenal amount of water. Great Northern Hwy cut off - the road that connects Nth Aus. On the ground tomorrow to hear what more we can do to help these communities recover. #kimberleyfloods pic.twitter.com/2bekOqf0d5

— Senator Murray Watt (@MurrayWatt) January 8, 2023

Where else Mr Albanese was heading to in northern Australia was “changeable given the circumstances,” a spokesman said.

Victoria Daly Regional Council is also receiving support to restore the remote community’s public assets and continue the clean-up, now two weeks on from the weather event.

About 140 residents were displaced during the disaster, with many taking shelter on the town’s basketball court.

Mayor Brian Pedwell said disaster recovery efforts must include residents in homelands communities of Myatt, Gilwi, One Mile, Muruning, and Gulardi.

Territorians have donated clothing, household appliances, bedding and scores of other goods to Timber Creek and surrounding communities. Picture: Northern Land Council

“These communities and their residents are incredibly vulnerable and as we saw, were the worst impacted by flooding,” he said.

“Many were left without water and power, and it was over a week later that those issues were fixed.

“Our basketball shed ... is not suitable a place to keep people safe and well during a disaster event.

Victoria Daly Regional Council Mayor Brian Pedwell said the Timber Creek community is reviewing its emergency evacuation plans. Picture: Supplied

“We really need a centre that is large enough, safe enough, and has the facilities necessary to look after our community members during an awful time.

“While we are incredibly grateful for the support, there are improvements to be made.”

Acting Chief Minister Nicole Manison said more than 200 hardship grants, each one up to $1400, had already been handed out.

“You’ve got to think when you live in a really remote area, the cost of food, appliances, replacing your clothes, and so forth, it really adds up,” she said.

Timber Creek, located about 300km southwest of Katherine on the Victoria Hwy, became inundated with floodwater as ex-tropical Cyclone Ellie hit in late December. Picture: Supplied

“We also have some grants to help with housing repairs of up to around $8000 – we’ve had 11 of those go out.

“And a big focus for us, of course, is making sure the roads get up and running, so we have that access.”

A flooding risk remains for a large part of Central Australia as ex-tropical Cyclone Ellie continues to weaken.

Disaster assistance information can be found on the federal government’s Services Australia website and the NT Government’s Secure NT website.

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