State delivers Burdekin Cyclone Shelter

The Burdekin community will have its own cyclone shelter with a new multi-purpose exhibition hall to be built at the Ayr Showgrounds.

Local Government, Community Recovery and Resilience Minister David Crisafulli said the $2.7 million building, funded entirely through the Newman Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program, would be able to withstand a Category Five cyclone with wind gusts in excess of 280km/h.

“The Newman Government is committed to delivering better infrastructure for regional Queenslanders as we promised at the election,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“We were determined to build a cyclone shelter in the Burdekin that was practical and could be used all year round, not just in the event of a natural disaster.

“Locating it at the showgrounds means it will deliver the best bang for its buck, doubling as a pavilion during the annual show and able to host a large variety of community functions like equestrian events and machinery displays.”

Burdekin MP Rosemary Menkens said locals had waited far too long to have a dedicated cyclone shelter located in their region.

“The Burdekin Community quite rightly felt cheated by Labor when it missed out on a cyclone shelter in the wake of Cyclone Yasi,” Mrs Menkens said.

Mr Crisafulli said North Queenslanders knew all too well what it’s like to huddle in fear as a cyclone bares down on them.

“This means those who don’t feel safe during cyclonic weather will finally have somewhere safe to ride out the storm,” he said.

The multi-purpose facility will be able to accommodate around 80 cars, campervans or caravans, providing shelter for tourists and the travelling public.

[ENDS] 13 December 2013

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