The Albanese and Fyles Governments are working together to deliver disaster assistance to Territorians affected by the current bushfires in the Barkly region.
The bushfire has been burning since 4 September and has impacted over 1.3 million hectares, making it one of the largest bushfires the Northern Territory has experienced in recent times.
On 12 September 2023, the NT Government declared an emergency situation for the entire Barkly local government area, as the fire moved closer to the town of Tennant Creek.
Financial support is available for individuals and families, businesses, primary producers, non-profit organisations and local and state governments affected by the fire.
The assistance is jointly funded by the Albanese and Fyles Governments under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and includes:
· Essential emergency needs for eligible affected residents
· Removal of debris
· Personal and financial counselling
· Assistance for primary producers through freight subsidies
· Counter disaster operations
· Restoration of essential public assets
This is initial disaster assistance for those in immediate need and further support will be considered as the need arises.
Firefighting crews, aerial water bombers and a citation aircraft for survey have been called in from South Australia and New South Wales to support NT response agencies. The Australian Defence Force is also on the ground with earthmoving equipment constructing containment lines around the town of Tennant Creek.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said the Albanese Government was closely monitoring the situation in the Northern Territory.
“Our thoughts are with all impacted communities and pastoralists, particularly those around Tennant Creek,” Minister Watt said.
“I know that personnel and pastoralists on the ground have done an incredible amount of work in establishing containment lines in an effort to protect the township of Tennant Creek, and we hope this work will see this community spared from the worst of the fire activity.
“We’re are in regular contact with the Fyles Government, and will continue to work with them as the community moves from the response phase into recovery.
“I encourage people in the area to continue to listen to the advice provided by Bushfires NT, monitor the conditions, and enact their bushfire survival plans.”
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Natasha Fyles said communities continue to show amazing strength and resilience during this significant bushfire.
“The ongoing fires in the Barkly area have caused concern throughout the community and continue to do so. Residents, businesses and volunteers have all banded together with our emergency services to fight this fire” Chief Minister Fyles said.
“The Northern Territory Government is working with emergency services, interstate agencies and the Australian Defence Force through national agreements, pastoralists and the public to battle the blaze to ensure the safety of Tennant Creek and the wider community. When appropriate, fire coordinators will undertake any necessary disaster impact assessments to determine the full extent of damage sustained from this event.”
“We are working with the Federal Government to ensure that the appropriate assistance continues to be provided to those people affected.”
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Federal Government’s Disaster Assist website here, and the Northern Territory Government’s emergency information and response Secure NT website here
Northern Territory Government
