Imangara residents have returned home this week following flooding in late February.NT Government staff have been onsite since 10 March to restore homes and repair community infrastructure A community barbeque was held on Friday 27 March in Imangara to celebrate the return of residents and recognise the hard work of everyone involved in the recovery
Imangara residents have returned home this week following flooding in late February.
As floodwaters receded, contractors and NT Government staff have been onsite since 10 March to restore homes, repair community infrastructure and make key facilities safe, including the school and other community buildings and areas.
The airstrip is open, the store has been restocked with perishables, fuel has been delivered, and school staff have returned to prepare for classes to resume yesterday. The Department of Logistics and Infrastructure has arranged transport to support the return of residents from Ali Curung to Murray Downs.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Member for Barkly, Steve Edgington, said residents returned home over Wednesday and Thursday.
"This is a significant milestone for the community and for everyone who has worked so hard to make this possible.
"A huge thank you to frontline services, Territory staff, local contractors, emergency partners, and the Murray Downs Station team for their hard work on the ground from response through to recovery.
"This has been a coordinated and practical recovery effort focused on getting homes, community facilities and services back to a safe and functioning condition," Mr Edgington said.
"The airstrip is open, the store is stocked, the school is reopening, and support is in place for residents as they move back into the community.
"While road remediation will continue, it is fantastic to see residents returning home this week and to celebrate that progress together at Friday's community barbeque."
"We're working to rebuild communities quickly and get people home safely," Mr Edgington said.
Immediate Relief Payments will also be finalised, with payment cards to be issued to tenants on their return to Murray Downs yesterday. Families whose homes sustained damage to essential household items such as furniture and whitegoods will be supported through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements Category A assistance, subject to eligibility.
A community barbeque was held on Friday 27 March in Imangara to celebrate the return of residents and recognise the hard work of everyone involved in the recovery
