Tender to design and construct a $30m purpose-built cyclone shelter in Gove has been released.
Shelter will be built as a multi-purpose recreational facility strengthening lifestyle and resilience across the Gove Peninsula.
Project is jointly funded by the Finocchiaro and Albanese Governments as part of the Disaster Ready Fund.
The Nhulunbuy community will soon be better prepared for the Northern Australia cyclone season with a tender to design and construct a purpose-built cyclone shelter now released.
The project is jointly funded by the Finocchiaro and Albanese Governments as part of the Disaster Ready Fund. The Northern Territory Government is contributing $15.17 million and the Australian Government $14.95 million, with a further $50,935 being provided by the Nhulunbuy Corporation.
The new cyclone shelter will be built at Hindle Oval on the corner of Bottlebrush and Eugenia Avenue and replace the current shelter within Gove District Hospital.
The Nhulunbuy Corporation will be the owner and operator of the shelter and is contributing the land for the development.
The cyclone shelter will be built as a multi-purpose recreational facility strengthening lifestyle and resilience across the Gove Peninsula.
The Nhulunbuy cyclone shelter is being progressed as a priority project, reflecting the need to improve shelter capacity and improving community resilience to tropical cyclones for the region.
The Nhulunbuy cyclone shelter will be delivered by the NT Government on behalf of the Nhulunbuy Corporation Ltd (NCL) as a recoverable works project.
Once completed, the cyclone shelter will be handed over to the Nhulunbuy Corporation Ltd as the owner and operator of the facility.
The NT Government continues to work closely with Nhulunbuy Corporation Ltd and key stakeholders to progress delivery.
Planning for the new facility is well advanced, with a site feasibility study completed, technical flood and storm surge assessments and infrastructure concept plans are also complete.
A design and construct tender for the project closes 4 November 2026.
Quotes attributable to NT Chief Minister and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Lia Finocchiaro:
"This is great news for the Nhulunbuy community which will soon be better prepared for the Northern Australia cyclone season thanks to the development of this purpose-built cyclone shelter, which will also serve as a community recreational facility.
"With the new shelter having a capacity to shelter up to 1,800 residents from the Gove Peninsular - up from 300 people in the current shelter at Gove District Hospital - more residents will now be able to shelter closer to home.
"This will enhance community resilience and reduce the number of people needing to be evacuated to urban centres."
Quotes attributable to Acting Federal Minister for Emergency Management Tony Burke:
"People in Nhulunbuy understand the risks posed by tropical cyclones, and it's fantastic they will get a safe, fit-for-purpose place to shelter when there's severe weather.
"Releasing the tender is an important step towards delivering this priority project and strengthening resilience across the Gove Peninsula.
"The Australian Government is proud to invest in this project through the Disaster Ready Fund to help protect the community in an emergency and provide benefits all year round."
Quote attributable to NT Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan:
"We know how important it is for residents to have confidence that a safe place to shelter will be available when a cyclone threatens. This investment will provide greater peace of mind for families and help protect the community for years to come."
