by Kerry Larsen

• Port's 6 current sites listed
• Reader backlash over resort concept
  
  

Recent suggestions to use existing accommodation as evacuation centres in the event of a cyclone or similar emergency have been slammed by the community.

It follows a series of reports on The Newsport on the need for securing part of the State Government’s allocated $30 million funds to build or develop a category-five cyclone proof evacuation centre, highlighted by the lack of emergency accommodation made available during cyclone Yasi earlier this year (read “Evacuation centre as last resort” Wed 15 June).

And Cairns Regional Council (CRC) Division Six councillor, Linda Cooper, has also bought in on the issue highlighting the need for a centre to be on state-owned land with the ability to cater for more than 500 people in time of crisis, and to be for multi-functional use the rest of the year with fully equipped kitchen, toilet and shower facilities, and preferably with helicopter access.

“This information may put into context why private evacuation facilities will probably not be considered, particularly in relation to the condition of the facilities being built on state-owned sites,” Cr Cooper stated.

Last week’s CRC Infrastructure Services Committee meeting outlined a report on recommendations for the Port Douglas evacuation site.

READ THE INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT HERE

The report listed the six current Port Douglas sites nominated on Council’s Evacuation Centre Register which include:

• Port Douglas & District Combined Clubs Inc
• Port Douglas State School
• Club Tropical Resort (was placed on list after Cyclone Yasi)
• Port Douglas Anglican Church
• Port Douglas Catholic Church
• Port Douglas Community Hall

The report also states during Cyclone Yasi "A site in Port Douglas was not chosen by the Local Disaster Coordination Centre as the sites identified on the register for this area were either located in the evacuation zone or had limited capacity."

The preferred location for the new centre, as identified by Council, is the Port Douglas State School site which covers the requirements for the centre to be developed on elevated land near existing facilities which can be used on a frequent basis.

Russell Jean, who was on the committee to secure Cooktown’s $9 million evacuation centre and has been behind the push for the Port Douglas multi-use facility suggests local representatives should be lobbying with the community as one.

The Cooktown facility (pictured) is complete with indoor basketball courts, a stage for theatre groups, reception areas and convention centre, commercial kitchen, change rooms and showers.   

Port Douglas resident, Natalie Johnson, said she stayed in a Port Douglas accommodation house with her partner and two daughters during Cyclone Yasi, ironically while its guests were evacuated to Mossman.  

“I have seen the multipurpose facility in Cooktown which Russell Jean was instrumental in securing for the town, and it is absolutely fantastic,” Ms Johnson said.

“It provides year round access for sporting groups to play and train, public meetings, events both public and private and an emergency evacuation point with power, water and enough space for everyone.

“There is absolutely no reason why Port Douglas cannot ask all levels of government to contribute to a range of projects in the area...we need to be loud about what we need and want here, because other towns are currently louder than us and getting what they want."

The State Government is set to make an announcement on the location of the proposed evacuation centres on 1 July.