Nitjpurru community host emergency planning meeting

Representatives from the Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES), NT Police, Victoria Daly Regional Council, Northern Territory Government, the local school and the Walangeri Ngumpinku Aboriginal Corporation were also in attendance. The group discussed steps to enhance emergency preparedness, establish effective communication services and strategies, and improve shelter conditions, as well as longer-term solutions.

Seven-hundred-kilometres south of Darwin, Nitjpurru is located on Bilinara Aboriginal Land Trust, which adjoins Victoria River Downs pastoral lease (Pidgeon Hole Station). Nearby the Victoria River, the low-lying community is home to around 140 people. It has experienced several severe flood events, which appear to be increasing in their frequency.

On Wednesday, community members raised concerns about the inadequacy of their current emergency shelter facility, which is located on the higher ground beside the airstrip. They highlighted the need for expanding and renovating the open structure to allow for cultural appropriateness (protocols require some residents distance from others), proper flushing toilets and showers, as well as the connection of reliable power to the site.

Last year several community members were forced to erect their own makeshift shelters from plastic and mesh fencing; many fear they will need to do this again this wet season.

The importance of timely communication during emergencies was also stressed. NT Police and NTES were asked to ensure weather warnings and critical updates are effectively relayed to the community.

Walangeri Ngumpinku Aboriginal Corporation shared an update on the work to erect a new Telstra tower to provide mobile service to the community, which is currently being progressed through a sacred sites assessment by the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority.

The need to relocate the community to higher ground was again raised, with residents calling for this longer-term vision to be progressed with priority.

As future floods loom, the NLC is committed to supporting the people of Nitjipurru. Our Council understands that they want to see appropriate measures put in place now, but at the same time steps made to ensure a safe and prosperous future for the community.

Quotes attributable to Traditional Owner Elmore Anzac:

"Thank you to everyone for coming here today, we are happy to have police, emergency services, and councils here with us.”

“We have been saying for a long time now, that we need a safe place to go in the floods. We need that shelter fixed up, and to get power and water up there.”

“But these big floods have been happening for generations, so we also need the government to support us to make the proper plans to relocate the community. We don’t want to have to evacuate to Darwin each year -- it’s not safe, not everyone wants to go, and all our pets stay behind, and we don’t see them again.”

Quotes attributed to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“With the big floods that Nitjpurru has faced in recent years, it was important for the community to hold this meeting and for a coordinated plan to be organised. The safety and wellbeing of the residents depends on all stakeholders acting swiftly.”

“The voices of residents have been heard, and now the actions to protect their safety must be taken. We don’t want any more delays or just talk-talk. Together, with emergency services, police and others, the NLC is ready to do everything we can to support a safer future for Nitjpurru.”