The Albanese Government is ensuring Australia is better prepared for natural disasters by securing emergency accommodation for up to 1400 people through the National Emergency Management Stockpile (NEMS).
As part of the Albanese Government's investment into NEMS, the arrival of the sixth Humanihut camp ensures full shelter capability before the upcoming High-Risk Weather Season.
The six camps, made up of 174 huts, form part of NEMS expanding service that can be called upon by state and territory governments during a disaster. Other Stockpile resources include generators, water filtration, purification and storage equipment, as well as a high-volume water transfer pump and flood barriers
The six camps can be deployed across the country in various formations, capable of accommodating over 700 community members or over 1400 emergency relief and response workers during and after a disaster.
The NEMS accommodation was deployed within months of being operational, during the Tropical Cyclone Jasper response providing short term accommodation for Disaster Relief Australia (DFRA) volunteers.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said that this is a first-of-type capability for Australia, and a major milestone for the Albanese Government's National Emergency Management Stockpile.
"Our government is committed to preparedness and these camps will mean Australia has more emergency shelters available ahead of the High-Risk Weather Season than ever before.
"These camps were successfully deployed in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jasper earlier this year, providing much needed on the ground accommodation for workers assisting in the clean-up in remote Far North Queensland.
"These camps will ensure that clean up and restoration activity is faster, that community recovery is faster, and that emergency workers can comfortably and safely rest between long shifts.
"We know that state and territory capabilities sometimes become overwhelmed by large emergencies and the NEMS stockpile is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to provide the back-up support needed during emergencies.
The Albanese Government has committed a further $27 million to increase the NEMS capacity over the next three years. The stockpile will continue to grow in anticipation of other needs ahead of the 2024/25 high-risk weather season.
For b-roll footage of the emergency shelter base camp, see NEMA - Humanihut Camp (dropbox.com).
For more information, visit the National Emergency Management Agency website at: nema.gov.au.
