Joint media release with the Hon Lia Finocchiaro MP
The Albanese and Finocchiaro governments are ensuring priority repairs to the severely damaged Central Arnhem Road and other essential public infrastructure in East and West Arnhem.
The Australian Government activated Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to help impacted communities following flooding in April 2025.
Support includes funding for essential relief operations, temporary repairs to public infrastructure, and long-term reconstruction of damaged roads, bridges and public infrastructure.
Through the DRFA, the Australian Government can reimburse up to 75 per cent of eligible costs incurred by the Northern Territory Government. The Northern Territory Government is responsible for administering support and determining where and when funding is allocated.
Central Arnhem Road, a 675km lifeline connecting Nhulunbuy to the Stuart Highway, was significantly impacted by the storms. It plays a critical role in connecting Aboriginal communities, supporting tourism, and enabling mining and pastoral freight across the region.
Assistance is available to local councils and agencies in the East and West Arnhem local government areas, with a focus on urgent works that make damaged or threatened homes safe and habitable and restore access to critical infrastructure.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
"Hundreds of people living in the remote homelands of the Northern Territory were cut off from essential services and supplies earlier this year after more than 800mm of rain left major damage to roads and impacted properties.
"The Albanese Government is working closely with the Northern Territory Government to jointly fund the rebuild of these crucial infrastructure assets and ensure that communities are made safe again following this severe weather event."
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Lia Finocchiaro:
"Territorians are resilient, and when severe weather hits, we stand by our communities. The damage across East and West Arnhem in April was significant, and we're working with the Australian Government to deliver disaster recovery assistance so local communities can rebuild and recover as quickly as possible. That includes making homes safe and restoring essential public infrastructure.
We're prioritising the repair of Central Arnhem Road - a critical link for families, remote Aboriginal communities, and industries across the region."
Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour MP:
"The Central Arnhem Road is absolutely critical to the communities up in East and West Arnhem Land.
"The damage from severe weather in April has had a huge impact on accessibility and connection for thousands of people, and I am eager to see the restoration delivered effectively and quickly.
"As the Federal Member it's a major focus of mine to make sure roads are delivered and maintained as promised to all the communities that depend on them."
