Joint media release with the Hon Lia Finocchiaro MLA
The Albanese and Finnochiaro Governments have activated disaster recovery assistance for Belyuen Community Government Council, City of Darwin, City of Palmerston, Commalie Community Council, Tiwi Islands Regional Council, Wagait Shire Council and West Arnhem Regional Council for Tropical Cyclone Fina.
On 19 November 2025, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) advised that Tropical Cyclone Fina formed in the Arafura Sea off the north coast of the Top End.
The floodwaters caused widespread disruption, including the closure of sealed and unsealed roads, damage to floodways, and restricted access to critical services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
To facilitate the recovery process, financial assistance has been made available under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to provide immediate relief to individuals and families displaced by the event, support with the costs of immediate relief operations, temporary repairs to public infrastructure and long-term reconstruction of damaged roads, bridges and public infrastructure.
Assistance is being jointly funded by the Albanese and Finocchiaro Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain
"The Albanese Government has been working closely with the Northern Territory Government, and I'm pleased to announce we have activated our Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to support the recovery of impacted communities.
"Both governments will work together through the DRFA to cost-share works that are needed to address the damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Fina.
"The full extent of the damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Fina is still being determined, but we are working side by side with the Northern Territory Government to ensure communities receive the support they need.
"Recovery is an ongoing process and we'll continue working with the community to understand what's needed to support the ongoing recovery effort."
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Lia Finocchiaro
"Cyclone Fina has caused widespread disruption across the Top End, and our crews have been working tirelessly to bring power and essential services back online for Territorians," the Chief Minister said.
"Many were out in the community yesterday, lending a hand to their neighbours and supporting those affected.
"We're a tough community, and while assessments continue, the Australian Government is on standby to activate additional assistance to ensure help reaches the regions that need it most.
"Recovery will take time, but we will stand with every affected community throughout the clean-up and reconstruction phases."
