Aboriginal community still damaged, without services months after floods
Months after record flooding, the remote Aboriginal community of Nauiyu / Daly River remains significantly damaged and without services. Locals say some are still without power and little has been done to prepare for the next wet season.
The remote Aboriginal community of Nauiyu, located on the banks of the Daly River, remains severely damaged and without essential services three months after devastating floods forced residents to evacuate in February and March. Long-time resident James Parry described the extent of the destruction, with floodwaters reaching up to 15 stairs in his home and many belongings left behind.
The community's aged care center is filled with asbestos, and many children have stopped attending school as parents struggle to get them to class. Residents face a boil water alert and still rely on bottled water delivered to the general store. The Merrepen Arts Centre, which employs over 40 artists, stands dormant due to lack of power.
Despite a $100 million flood recovery fund announced by the Northern Territory government, only $12.5 million has been spent, with only $500,000 allocated to Nauiyu for a relocation plan. Labor MLA Dheran Young criticized the government for not applying for the Commonwealth Disaster Relief Fund, emphasizing the need for action before the upcoming wet season.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
