Thousands of Alice Springs properties have been reconnected to power in the wake of Monday’s destructive flash storm.
Around 9,000 properties were left without power on Monday, but by 5pm Tuesday, that number had fallen to approx. 2,500.
Emergency crews and power workers working around the clock to restore essential services and help the community recover.
Thousands of Alice Springs properties have been reconnected to power in the wake of Monday’s destructive flash storm as the Finocchiaro CLP Government continues to support the clean-up and recovery effort.
At the height of Monday’s storm, around 9,000 properties were left without power. By 5pm Tuesday, that number had fallen to about 2,500.
Extensive damage to the electricity network means full power restoration is expected to take several days.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said emergency crews and power workers were working around the clock to restore essential services and help the community recover.
“Thousands of homes and businesses have had their power restored, but we know there are still many people doing it tough,” the Chief Minister said.
“I want to thank the emergency workers, power crews, first responders and local teams who have worked tirelessly since this storm hit.
“They have been working in difficult conditions to clear fallen trees and debris, repair damaged infrastructure and get power back on as quickly and safely as possible.
“The job is not finished. We have not taken our foot off the accelerator, and the hard work to clean up Alice Springs and restore power to every affected property continues.”
Emergency management arrangements are now transitioning from the immediate response to recovery, following the stand-down of the Emergency Operations Centre at 4pm Tuesday.
Multi-agency teams continue to coordinate recovery work and respond to outstanding incidents, with emergency services prioritising those posing the greatest risk to life and public safety.
Additional power crews from Darwin, Katherine and Tennant Creek have been deployed to support local workers, with an intensive program of repairs scheduled to continue.
Member for Braitling and Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment, Joshua Burgoyne, is in Alice Springs monitoring the recovery effort on behalf of the Government.
Mr Burgoyne will address the media in Alice Springs at the Police Station at 10am on Wednesday.
“Water supplies across Alice Springs are fully operational, all sewerage pump stations are operating, and power has been restored to critical infrastructure including schools, emergency services facilities, the Roe Creek borefields and aged care facilities,” Mr Burgoyne said.
“All major roads have been cleared and river crossings have reopened.
“Thank you to everyone who has stepped up to help the community during this time.”
NT Emergency Service crews have received more than 100 requests for assistance and continue to assess and respond to remaining jobs.
Industry teams have also contacted more than 400 businesses to provide food safety advice following prolonged power outages.
Member for Namatjira and Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure, Bill Yan, said the Government would continue working with emergency services, power providers, businesses and the Alice Springs community throughout the recovery.
“We know this has been a difficult time for many Territorians, and we thank the community for its patience as crews work through the damage,” Mr Yan said.
“Our focus remains on getting power back on, clearing the damage and helping Alice Springs get back on its feet.
“There is still a significant amount of work ahead, but our crews are getting on with the job.”
