Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP and the Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson today announced that financial assistance will be made available to repair damaged roads and bridges and help communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Grant.
Mr McClelland and Mr Henderson said assistance would be provided through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), jointly funded by the Commonwealth and States.
Mr McClelland thanked brave and dedicated NT Emergency Service staff and volunteers for their work preparing for and responding to the extraordinary wild weather over the Christmas period.
“While most Australians were enjoying their turkey and ham, there were hundreds of emergency personnel who interrupted their time with their own families to protect and assist fellow Australians in difficult situations,” Mr McClelland said.
“I’ve spoken to Chief Minister Paul Henderson to commend the work of the Northern Territory emergency preparedness and response agencies who helped to prepare communities across the Territory for the impending cyclone. Northern Territory families, individuals and businesses should also be congratulated for the work they did in the lead up to the event.
“It is an example to all Australians to heed all weather warnings and prepare their families, homes and businesses in case a dangerous weather situation eventuates.”
Mr Henderson said detailed assessments were continuing in affected areas to establish the full extent of the damage.
“The joint Commonwealth and Territory funding will ensure the roads and bridges are restored as quickly as possible,” Mr Henderson said.
“The clean-up and restoration process is well underway.
“While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed and we are working hard to reopen roads as quickly as possible.
“The Stuart Highway will reopen at 6:00pm this evening and I’d like thank everyone for working quickly to get this vital link back open to traffic. “
Under the jointly funded Commonwealth and Northern Territory Government NDRRA, the following assistance is available:
- Personal Hardship and Distress is a form of emergency assistance that is given to individuals to alleviate their personal hardship or distress arising as a direct result of a natural disaster
- Counter disaster operations for the clean-up and protection of communities and public assets
- Restoration of essential public assets to reopen roads and bridges damaged by flooding
“The heavy rains and flooding impacted a widespread area across the territory and have caused damage to roads, bridges, property, and community infrastructure,” Mr McClelland said.
“I commend the Northern Territory Government for its response to the cyclone and the sudden floods,” Mr McClelland said.
“The funding assistance being made available for this event further demonstrates the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments’ continued commitment to helping communities recover from disasters,” Mr McClelland said.
The Commonwealth Government, through Emergency Management Australia, will continue to work closely with the Northern Territory Government to support families and communities in affected areas through the recovery process.
To enquire about assistance for individuals, families and communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Grant, please contact (08) 8999 5059.
Media Contact: (Mr McClelland’s Office) Simon Ferguson 0427 934 112
(Mr Henderson’s Office) Claire March 0403 937 849
