The recovery phase for the Victoria River flood event has ended, with the emergency declarations for Pigeon Hole and Yarralin lifted this afternoon.
The focus over the coming days will be ensuring that communities are able to return to business-as-usual, while repairs to roads and infrastructure continue.
The Buchanan Highway remains closed and is in poor condition. Contractors are onsite to undertake repairs, with severe washouts in some locations. Access is available by special consent.
Food deliveries have been made by air to Yarralin for the past two weeks, with over 3,000kgs of supplies delivered this week alone. Further deliveries are on their way by road today and over the weekend.
The road to Pigeon Hole is not accessible, however essential services are operating normally and the store was re-opened with replenished stock earlier this week.
Food security has been a critical focus of the emergency response and recovery phases and authorities have worked closely with suppliers, transport operators and store operators to ensure essential items are available.
Repatriation of displaced persons
All residents have now returned to their communities, with the last plane taking residents to Yarralin and Pigeon Hole this afternoon.
Regional Recovery Coordinator Scott Perry:
“I would like to thank all communities in the affected areas for their understanding as we worked to re-establish supplies and services.
“The recovery process has been a significant coordinated effort across government departments, local councils and service providers, with our priority being the safety of Territorians.
“Our contractors are working hard to restore road access. Multiple roads across the NT have incurred significant damage during the event.
We ask that road users follow all directions and abide by restrictions. This will ensure road repairs can be completed as quickly as possible and our contractors remain safe.”
For all road updates, check RoadreportNT.gov.au here
