Building Safe Cyclone Infrastructure in Borroloola

NT Government

The Territory Labor Government is delivering improved sporting facilities and a cyclone shelter in Borroloola.

Creating safe and effective cyclone infrastructure helps our remote NT communities in so many ways.

The $6.9 million Borroloola Sports Courts and Cyclone Shelter project is being delivered by the Territory Labor Government, on behalf of Roper Gulf Regional Council.

This project is being delivered in two stages:

Stage 1: The construction of a solid shade structure over the existing basketball court, providing improved playing conditions for the community.Stage 2: Construction of a Cyclone Shelter, which will also incorporate indoor sporting facilities and provide the community with an evacuation and recovery centre for up to 600 people.

Local Territory Company HD Developments was awarded the $720,000 contract to deliver Stage 1 works, which is supporting over 10 local jobs throughout construction. Works commenced in August 2021 and will be complete late 2021.

A detailed design tender for Stage 2 was released in last month following the finalisation of the concept designs, with the tender expected to be awarded shortly. Following completion of design, a construction tender is expected to be released early next year. Subject to wet season weather delays, construction completion for Stage 2 will be delivered by the end of 2022.

The project is jointly funded, with the Northern Territory Government committing $5.4 million, the McArthur River Mine Community Benefits Trust committing $1.5 million, and Roper Gulf Regional Council contributing $177,000.

Quotes from the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler:

“Our Government is delivering for all Territorians by investing in projects and initiatives that will drive economic prosperity and job creation, and improve the safety and liveability in communities, right across the Territory.

“Construction of the sports courts and cyclone shelter in Borroloola will support local jobs and provide safety for the community’s residents during tropical events for many years to come.

Quotes from Mike Burgess, acting Chairperson MRM Community Benefits Trust:

“The CBT Board is committed to increased support for initiatives to meet the aspirations of local young people, consistent with community-identified priorities for our investments.

“The CBT has long advocated for the development of shaded sports courts in Borroloola to support the sport and recreation needs of young people.

“We were pleased to initiate this project with Roper Gulf Regional Council by providing the seed funding of $1.5 million, and are pleased that with support from the Northern Territory Government these facilities are being delivered and are also providing a cyclone shelter for additional community benefit.

Quotes from Marc Gardner, Acting CEO Roper Gulf Regional Council

“This project is a great example of multiple organisations coming together to fund a much needed community asset that will be used for a long time into the future.

“The project is part of Roper Gulf Regional Council’s strategic vision to provide community assets and facilities that are highly valued and will be highly utilised by residents and visitors.

“The Roper Gulf Regional Council Sport and Recreation and Youth Services Programs will be utilising the facilities on a day-to-day bases, and in the case of an emergency, the cyclone shelter will be utilised to help the town’s resilience through natural disasters.

Northern Territory Government

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