Batchelor residents gathered Thursday morning for a community meeting regarding the Daly River and Palumpa evacuee transition to the town.
 
Residents recognised there are many vulnerable community members who have been impacted by devastating flooding across the Daly River and Palumpa regions. It is currently expected that these communities may require assistance and accommodation for 2-3 months while their communities remain inaccessible or unsafe to return to.
 
The main concerns voiced from residents were the need to ensure public safety and security, and access to already limited essential services.
 
Batchelor Police confirmed that there is an increased police presence around the clock, focusing on safety for all. Additional CCTV cameras have been installed throughout town to assist with safety in public spaces. 

The best way the community can assist the police with community safety is to continue to report any non-emergency incidents through 131 444.
 
Both evacuee accommodation sites are staffed with support teams, independent security and will soon be set up with independent medical teams to support the evacuated communities.  The police and welfare teams are working to identify any community members who would prefer to be in Darwin/Palmerston and are actively working to assist them to relocate to reduce pressures on services in town.
 
The Batchelor Health Clinic staff assured residents that it is business as always at the clinic and all Batchelor residents should continue to make appointments, call for assistance or attend the clinic as they normally would.
 
Alcohol restrictions have been enacted for the town including limits on in-house drink purchases and takeaway purchases available only for people who are able to provide evidence of a local residence. These conditions will continue to be monitored and assessed and may change if required over the coming weeks.
 
The police recognise there has been a lot of confusion and uncertainty over the last week and are proposing to hold regular community meetings to keep everyone informed of changes as the situation progresses. Further details will follow when this has been confirmed.

Images courtesy Coomalie Community Watch