Cyclone Readiness Evaluation Needed

The Opposition Leader, Jodeen Carney has called on the Labor Government to set aside funds in the upcoming budget for an appraisal of the Northern Territory's disaster planning.

"It's important we learn from Cyclone Monica. The bottom line is that there are clearly some issues and concerns in relation to our disaster planning and it would be foolish if Government does not review this,” Ms Carney said.

"There have been reports of building sites not being cleared in preparation or residential properties not being properly secured. The question needs to be asked whether the rules, regulations and penalties we have in place are adequate,” Ms Carney said.

"For example the Australian Building Code sets construction standards for buildings to withstand winds of up to 279 km/h or a category 4 cyclone. Cyclone Monica was category 5 with 350 km/h winds, an eye about 100kms wide and moving at just over 10 km/h. Had she struck, Darwin residents would have been subjected to this intensity for 10 hours or more.”

"There have been no new shelters built in Darwin for some years, yet the population has grown. One aspect to consider is the need for additional shelters.”

"The Government should allocate money in this year's budget for the purpose of evaluating how we can improve our readiness for a destructive cyclone or other natural disasters and how better we can respond to these unique circumstances,” Ms Carney said.

Ms Carney appealed to the Government to take a bipartisan approach to any assessment and include members of the Opposition and representatives from various departments involved in the coordination of disaster strategy.

"The debate yesterday between Lord Mayor Adamson and the Government over the Stuart Park site regarding who does and does not have responsibility for its management is a perfect case in point.”

"Territorians do not want excuses or buck passing; they quite rightly expect such things to be above politics and to be addressed. I implore the Government to heed the warning of Monica and undertake this evaluation now,” Ms Carney said.

2006-04-28