Residents of Batchelor are expressing concerns that an evacuation center, hastily established near the town’s center, may become a permanent structure, contrary to the desires of the community.
Earlier this month, evacuees from flooding were moved out of the facility, but locals report that they have not received any information from the government regarding its future use.
The Northern Territory government has stated that it is evaluating options for long-term emergency housing in Batchelor.
Joseph Hathaway-Wilson
Inhabitants of Batchelor, located in the Top End, feel uninformed about the future of a quickly built evacuation center, which they worry might be established as a long-term site.
In late March, around 30 portable units and power generators were set up in a vacant area between Cutler Place and Tarkarri Road to accommodate flood evacuees from the remote community of Palumpa.
With the last residents from Palumpa returning home on May 1, the facility has remained empty for nearly three weeks, raising alarm among Batchelor’s residents.
Gillian Hunter, a resident of Tarkarri Road for the past 20 years, noted that locals were not consulted prior to the construction of the evacuation facility.
“The entire town was taken aback,” she remarked. “I contacted the police, and they were unaware of its establishment.”
While she acknowledged that the community had warmly welcomed the evacuees, she emphasized that the lack of consultation regarding the facility’s placement was troubling and disruptive. “The evacuees were not an issue; it was the government’s actions that were concerning,” she stated. “For 47 days, we endured the noise of a generator—so did those poor individuals—and our complaints went unheeded by the government.”
Coomalie Council president Ross McGorman shared similar sentiments, indicating that the local council was also surprised by the creation of the evacuation center. “To my knowledge, the police, council, and departments of health and education were not consulted in any capacity,” he said.
He added that while the community was hospitable to the evacuees, there was widespread dissatisfaction regarding the lack of consultation and the decision to establish the center in that location.
The NT government’s procurement website reveals that a $2.8 million contract for the evacuation center in Batchelor was issued on March 25, just a few days after the facility was reportedly set up.
The government’s statement indicated, “An open and competitive process is not feasible due to the urgent need for rapid deployment.”
McGorman expressed his hope that the facility would be relocated to a more suitable location. “I am very eager to see this facility moved to a more appropriate permanent site,” he said. “With a population of approximately 250, our community lacks adequate resources, and the influx of evacuees has proven to be overwhelming.”
When questioned about the future of the facility, an NT government representative stated that a final decision regarding the site had not yet been made. “The Northern Territory government is contemplating the next steps and the necessary provisions to accommodate displaced community members,” they noted.
The government defended its engagement with local stakeholders, referencing a community meeting and updates provided through a local noticeboard.
Hunter expressed a desire to see the land between Cutler Place and Tarkarri Road, currently designated as Crown land, restored and returned to the local community. “We used to walk our dogs here and utilize it for recreation and exercise with our children,” she stated. “If the government had consulted the community, we could have suggested a more suitable location for the evacuation center, but this decision lacks foresight—it’s simply impractical.”
