Local firm to build Burdekin Cyclone Shelter

Work on the Burdekin’s own cyclone shelter will begin soon with a local construction company winning the tender for the $2.7 million project.

Community Recovery and Resilience Minister David Crisafulli and Burdekin Mayor Bill Lowis announced Malas Constructions would build the category five rated multi-purpose exhibition hall at the Ayr Showgrounds.

“We promised we would work with the council to give the community a cyclone shelter that was practical and could be used all year round, not just in the event of a natural disaster,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Locals know how to prepare for wild weather but we needed a shelter like this for those who don’t feel safe and have nowhere else to go during a cyclone.”

Burdekin MP Rosemary Menkens said the facility was overdue after the community was neglected by Labor, missing out on a new cyclone shelter after Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

“I have always said we were dudded and this finally rights a wrong,” Mrs Menkens said.

“It will be a truly multi-functional asset for the whole Burdekin community to use, not just during cyclones, and it is an added bonus that it is being built by a local builder.

“Having Malas Constructions on board makes sense as they are a part of the community, meaning the money will stay here.”

Funded entirely by the Newman Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program, the shelter will be built to withstand a Category Five cyclone with wind gusts in excess of 280km/h.

It will be able to accommodate around 80 cars, campervans or caravans, providing shelter for locals, tourists and the travelling public.

“Protecting the community is the first priority, but it is also common sense to build a facility that can be used for other uses throughout the year,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“We said we would deliver better infrastructure for regional Queenslanders and this shows what can be done with proper planning.

“I have no doubt this facility will stand the test of mother-nature and serve the Burdekin community for decades to come.”

Work is expected to begin in April.

[ENDS] 27 February 2014

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