Flood-affected residents of the remote Aboriginal community at Daly River, also known as Nauiyu, engage in discussions with the Northern Territory government to shift the township to higher ground. The Catholic Church offers to donate land for the potential move following the area’s worst floods since 1998.
Recent Flood Devastation
For the second time in over a month, major floods in March forced the evacuation of most Nauiyu residents. Approximately 350 people now shelter at evacuation centers in Batchelor, 140 kilometers north, after initial stays in Darwin. Local councillor Andy McTaggart, a resident for more than 50 years, chose to remain on higher ground during the deluge.
Relocation Momentum Builds
McTaggart discusses potential sites with the NT government’s flood recovery unit, including a combined relocation and evacuation center, as well as a workers’ camp for recovery efforts. He proposes using part of the NT government’s $100 million flood recovery fund to develop a phased relocation plan to land about five kilometers away.
“You would start to say, ‘this is going to be an evacuation centre, relocation of the school, and the start of a subdivision for new housing,'” McTaggart explains. Residents plan to persistently advocate for progress.
Church Steps Forward with Land Offer
Bishop of Darwin Charles Gauci announces the Catholic Church’s willingness to donate land purchased in 1955 for a mission. “If the community makes a decision to relocate from where they are now to higher ground, and they want to use our land, I’ll be very happy to give them our land,” Gauci states.
He emphasizes community consensus: “The most important consideration for me is that the people of the town have an agreement. It is possible some may want to move and some may not want to move, and there has to be negotiations about how to balance all of that.” Options include church land, government land, or a combination.
Government’s Recovery Focus
NT government crews assess flood damage at Nauiyu and develop recovery plans. A spokesperson acknowledges strong community support for relocation: “We recognise there is strong community sentiment about relocating the township to higher ground. That will be properly considered through the town planning process.”
Immediate priorities include restoring essential services and establishing a work camp. The spokesperson notes that no relocation site is finalized yet, with residents and stakeholders set to shape the town plan through upcoming engagement.
McTaggart views current developments optimistically: “This is the furthest we’ve ever got in the 30-odd years of asking for something. Before, we didn’t even get a response. At least [this time] we’ve had a response and people have come and talked.”
