The Albanese and Northern Territory Governments have implemented temporary emergency accommodation solutions to help flood victims from Kalkarindji, Daguragu and Pigeon Hole to return to Country as the dry season commences.
In Kalkarindji and Daguragu, 16 demountable ‘pods’ are being installed for residents homes that require major repairs or complete replacement, with the first families already on site this week (Wednesday, 26 April).
The pods, of varied design, contain lockable bedrooms, shared living, cooking, laundry space and covered breezeways.
The pods are being installed on existing serviced lots providing access to power, water and sewerage connections, with all demountables sourced from local NT businesses.
Each pod, costing approximately $400,000, is being co-funded by the Albanese and the Fyles Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and includes purchase, transportation to community, installation, services connection, demobilisation and refurbishment.
As Pigeon Hole will not be habitable for several months given the damage from the flooding, residents will temporarily relocate to nearby Yarralin, in order to be closer to Country as quickly as possible.
Residents will be housed in a temporary accommodation solution, Western Shelters, sourced from the NSW Rural Fire Service, to be erected on the community oval.
Importantly, Traditional owners and residents have been consulted on and agree with this proposal, which is also supported by the Northern Land Council, Victoria Daly Regional Council and the Walangeri Ngumpinku Aboriginal Corporation.
Relocation to Yarralin is expected to commence in coming days, bringing approximately 140 people, in addition to the current population of 280. Additional services will be provided in the community to manage the extra demand, including health and education services in Yarralin.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said the effects of recent severe weather and flooding has had a particularly distressing impact on affected communities in the Northern Territory.
“Both levels of government want to make sure all displaced residents are able to get back home and back onto Country as quickly as possible when it’s safe to do so,” Minister Watt said.
“This housing support is about making sure families have somewhere safe and comfortable to stay while homes are repaired and rebuilt.
“There are always challenges with rebuilding in remote areas and I’d like to extend a huge thanks to all those stakeholders, particularly acknowledging the generosity of local businesses who have contributed to relief efforts during this time.”
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Natasha Fyles said the Pigeon Hole and Yarralin communities have close ties and are happy with the arrangements. Getting people home to country is vitally important to their healing process after being displaced nearly two months ago.
“The Territory Government has been working with stakeholders including Walangeri Ngumpinku Aboriginal Corporation to ensure that the arrangement is acceptable to all involved.
“The demountables being deployed in Kalkarindji and Daguragu will become NT Government assets that can be reused as required in future emergency events.”
Northern Territory Government
