Roper Gulf Regional Council, Northern Territory, will commence work early in the new year, on the Borroloola Sports Courts and Cyclone Shelter project thanks to grant funding of $6.9 million.
Stage One of the planned two-stage project has been released for tender, which will see a shade structure built over the Borroloola Basketball Courts.
Stage Two is the planned construction of a cyclone shelter and additional sports courts, funded by the Northern Territory Government and McArthur River Mine Community Benefits Trust.
Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler said creating cyclone shelter infrastructure helps remote communities in many ways, driving economic prosperity and improving liveability in communities.
“Construction of the new cyclone shelter in Borroloola will create local jobs and provide safety for the community’s residents during tropical cyclones, improving community resilience in the region.”
The project was delayed last year, following Category 3 Cyclone Trevor, with the second stage of the project requiring re-evaluation.
The scope of works was costed by Quantity Surveyors to ensure a Level 4 Cyclone Shelter could be built for the Borroloola community, increasing the project estimate from $4.4 million to $6.9 million.
Roper Gulf Regional Council will work in partnership with the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics and will project manage both stages.
Council will be responsible for the Basketball Courts and Cyclone Shelter’s ongoing management into the future.