'Last straw': Remote clinic shut down amid unrest, staff threats
The Northern Territory government is being pressured to reopen a remote police station after the community's only health clinic was shut down amid alleged unrest and threats.
The health clinic in Alpurrurulam, also known as Lake Nash, has been shut down due to staff evacuation amidst threats and community unrest. The Barkly Regional Council is urging the Northern Territory government to reopen the police station to enhance safety. Investigations are underway, with black market alcohol from Queensland being identified as a contributing factor to the violence.
The community of Alpurrurulam, with a population of around 350, sits near the Queensland border and has been grappling with the consequences of alcohol supply from across the border. Two nurses were forced to flee the community due to the unrest, raising safety concerns. Police have been deployed from Avon Downs, Tennant Creek, and the Queensland border town of Camooweal to address the situation.
The closure of the clinic leaves residents needing to travel 180 kilometers to receive care in Camooweal. The Barkly Regional Council is pushing for the reopening of the police station, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in maintaining safety without a permanent police presence.
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.
