Mr KURRUPUWU - 2015-02-24
Can you please update the Assembly on the specific response under way on Elcho Island, the place hit worst by Cyclone Lam?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for his question, and for his well wishes to me, all emergency services staff, government staff and volunteers for all the effort in responding to ex-Tropical Cyclone Lam.
Mr Vowles: Someone make a citizen’s arrest; there is an imposter in the House. Can the real Chief Minister stand up?
Mr GILES: The member for Arafura had grave concerns about all residents across Arnhem Land, but also …
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, please pause. Member for Johnston, you are on a warning. I can hear what you are saying.
Mr GILES: … those residents in the electorate of Arafura, most notably the outstations of Maningrida and the residents from Goulburn Island – Warruwi – who were evacuated. I think there were 457 people, including 50 community members.
In regard to power at Galiwinku, the majority of the high- and low-voltage system has been restored. There will be a three-hour planned outage today to connect the remaining high-voltage links. Plumbing and electrical contractors are assisting with homes experiencing issues relating to toilets and power supply. All water and sewer works will be completed today.
The Northern Territory Emergency Service is working to remove trees from power lines, housing and around the community, using additional chainsaws flown in over the past few days. I have mentioned how many houses have been damaged.
The shelter at Shepherdson College remains open for up to 200 residents who are not able to return home at this point. The Australian Defence Force has not been engaged at this point, because we are working in all communities to identify local shelter arrangements. We will be looking for more sustainable short-term accommodation while the longer reconstruction is undertaken.
Emergency Management Australia is in Galiwinku today, scoping some of the possible accommodation options. I thank our partnership with the federal government in this regard.
With regard to schools, Shepherdson College is likely to remain closed for the remainder of the week and reopen on 2 March 2015. The scope of works to repair the school buildings is being prepared to enable contractors to be mobilised as soon as possible.
In regard to health services, crews will arrive at Galiwinku today to assist with the assessment and remediation of asbestos. Both Marthakal and Miwatj health services are open for normal business.
A disaster relief payment team will be set up today and tomorrow in four classrooms at Shepherdson College. This team, from the Department of Children and Families and the Commonwealth Department of Human Services, will assess individuals and families as to whether they are eligible for relief payments.
Visits to Milingimbi, Gapuwiyak and homelands in the affected area will be scheduled soon and, more than likely, be undertaken by helicopter. The barge is able to land on the beach in Galiwinku and supplies are being delivered regularly. Emergency fuel supplies have been put on the barge for Galiwinku today to ensure fuel is available for recovery efforts.
Once again, thank you to everybody who pitched in and helped out and for the good wishes to those on Galiwinku.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for his question, and for his well wishes to me, all emergency services staff, government staff and volunteers for all the effort in responding to ex-Tropical Cyclone Lam.
Mr Vowles: Someone make a citizen’s arrest; there is an imposter in the House. Can the real Chief Minister stand up?
Mr GILES: The member for Arafura had grave concerns about all residents across Arnhem Land, but also …
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, please pause. Member for Johnston, you are on a warning. I can hear what you are saying.
Mr GILES: … those residents in the electorate of Arafura, most notably the outstations of Maningrida and the residents from Goulburn Island – Warruwi – who were evacuated. I think there were 457 people, including 50 community members.
In regard to power at Galiwinku, the majority of the high- and low-voltage system has been restored. There will be a three-hour planned outage today to connect the remaining high-voltage links. Plumbing and electrical contractors are assisting with homes experiencing issues relating to toilets and power supply. All water and sewer works will be completed today.
The Northern Territory Emergency Service is working to remove trees from power lines, housing and around the community, using additional chainsaws flown in over the past few days. I have mentioned how many houses have been damaged.
The shelter at Shepherdson College remains open for up to 200 residents who are not able to return home at this point. The Australian Defence Force has not been engaged at this point, because we are working in all communities to identify local shelter arrangements. We will be looking for more sustainable short-term accommodation while the longer reconstruction is undertaken.
Emergency Management Australia is in Galiwinku today, scoping some of the possible accommodation options. I thank our partnership with the federal government in this regard.
With regard to schools, Shepherdson College is likely to remain closed for the remainder of the week and reopen on 2 March 2015. The scope of works to repair the school buildings is being prepared to enable contractors to be mobilised as soon as possible.
In regard to health services, crews will arrive at Galiwinku today to assist with the assessment and remediation of asbestos. Both Marthakal and Miwatj health services are open for normal business.
A disaster relief payment team will be set up today and tomorrow in four classrooms at Shepherdson College. This team, from the Department of Children and Families and the Commonwealth Department of Human Services, will assess individuals and families as to whether they are eligible for relief payments.
Visits to Milingimbi, Gapuwiyak and homelands in the affected area will be scheduled soon and, more than likely, be undertaken by helicopter. The barge is able to land on the beach in Galiwinku and supplies are being delivered regularly. Emergency fuel supplies have been put on the barge for Galiwinku today to ensure fuel is available for recovery efforts.
Once again, thank you to everybody who pitched in and helped out and for the good wishes to those on Galiwinku.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016