World class cyclone shelter for Tully

Premier Campbell Newman today officially opened the new category five cyclone shelter at Tully State School.

The shelter is the third to be officially opened across Queensland as part of a $60 million cyclone shelter program jointly funded by the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the Newman Government.

“Tully was one of the hardest hit centres when Cyclone Yasi crossed the coast and left a trail of destruction,” Mr Newman said.

“But the region has made excellent progress rebuilding homes, schools and businesses over the past two years.

“Shelters like this one in Tully are an important part of making sure North Queensland is better protected next time around.

“This cyclone shelter, and others in the program, would not have been possible without the $30 million donation from the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and I extend my thanks to them for this generous contribution.”  

Mr. Sultan Abdullah Alyammahi, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, said that he was honoured to assist in marking the official opening of the third cyclone shelter.

“It is our hope that this cyclone shelter, built in the spirit of friendship between the Government of Abu Dhabi and the Queensland Government, will provide a safe refuge for the people of Tully in any severe weather event in the future,” Mr Alyammahi said.

Mr Newman said the new facility would provide a safe haven during a severe weather event and would make communities within the Cassowary Coast region more resilient.

“The new cyclone shelter has been constructed in accordance with the Design Guidelines for Queensland Public Cyclone Shelters and is capable of withstanding winds of more than 300 kilometres an hour as experienced in a category five cyclone,” Mr Newman said.

“At more than 1,500 square metres, it can house up to 800 people and is equipped with features to ensure people’s comfort and safety during the event.

“The building has amenities and two water tanks in the roof which are gravity fed separately to the drinking fountains and toilets during a cyclone.

“It contains a kitchen, an emergency generator and a cache of chairs that could be used during operation as a shelter.

Mr Newman said throughout the year the new building would be a valuable asset to Tully State School.

“This building serves as a multipurpose sports facility, featuring netball and basketball courts, a sports lab and teaching facilities,” Mr Newman said.

“Shelters in Bowen, Port Douglas, Proserpine, Townsville, Ingham, Weipa and Yeppoon are all complete and ready for use.”

The Department of Housing and Public Works managed the delivery of the Tully Cyclone Shelter with contractor Vis Constructions.

A cyclone shelter in Mackay, being managed by the Department of Education, Training and Employment as part of the delivery of a new State High School, achieved practical completion in late December 2012.

The Edmonton cyclone shelter is being designed and delivered by the Cairns Regional Council through a grant funding arrangement with the State Government and is due for completion in March 2013. 

[ENDS] 19 February 2013

Media contact: Andrew Blow 0408 912 821