Ruff Deal: Lack of Pet-Friendly Cyclone Shelters for Rural Residents
15 January 2021

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Gerard Maley, is calling for an urgent review into cyclone shelters in the rural area, after it was revealed the nearest petfriendly facility is in Palmerston.

“The closest pet-friendly cyclone shelter is at the Palmerston Shopping Centre undercover carpark. This means, rural residents either have to travel all the way in to Palmerston or make the difficult decision to leave their pets behind in the event of cyclone.

“Here in the rural area, we consider our pets as family. Territorians in the rural area deserve the same level of protection, for themselves and their pets, as Darwin and Palmerston.

“Local residents have raised this issue with me and I have requested the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler, conduct as review as a matter of urgency given the current La Niña weather cycle is expected to generate more tropical cyclones around the Top End.

“I have asked Minister Lawler to consider Coolalinga Central’s underground carpark be explored as an option for a pet-friendly cyclone shelter,” said Mr Maley.

​ENDS

THE COUNTRY LIBERAL PARTY