Tracy struck Darwin just over three months ago, it is now that we have begun to reconstruct and clear all debris. The Government has provided money to cover the initial costs of rehabilitating Darwin and establishing a Darwin Reconstruction Commission (set up by the Whitlam Government). They are also using the cyclone to illustrate the need for a more national approach to major crises and the effective ways to plan for future events.
Two months ago Prime Minister Gough Whitlam made a pledge of “a determined and unremitting effort to rebuild your city and relieve suffering” for all of the people in Darwin. The Government’s main goal is to reconstruct Darwin within five years, depending on their strategies and plans this should be achieved.
In January Darwin’s population had dropped back to only a little over 10,000. Each day this number is increasing to the estimated 30,000 by May this year. Housing is starting to be rebuilt by thousands of construction workers that have relocated towards Darwin. Due to the large amount of workers, organisations have helped to set up “Tracy Village”, that includes housing and caravans for all workers as all working hotels and hostels are fully utilised.
No houses have yet to be rebuilt, however it is planned to have all demolition and the removal of debris done by September this year. The main priority for rebuilding homes is that they would have to be built to a certain new standard. The plan has been set up by the Government, they have plans to achieve the quality and integrity of housing as well as through a reasonable time frame and at a realistic cost. One of the major requirements for the building is that all roofs must be tied to the foundations and be clad to protect against flying debris. This building code will hopefully prevent further damage of homes, during cyclones and storms.
Economic Impacts- Darwin's population went from 45000 to 10500 as many people did not return after the cyclone, this had a major impact on the local economy.
- Up to 80% of buildings were destroyed and lost
- Estimated cost of disaster $800 million (1974)
- Major damage to infrastructure (roads, electricity supply etc.)
- Up to 80% of buildings were destroyed and lost
- Estimated cost of disaster $800 million (1974)
- Major damage to infrastructure (roads, electricity supply etc.)
Social Impacts- Claimed 65 lives (49 city & 16 sea)
- Approximately 650 people were treated for injuries
- Many people were placed under large amounts of stress due to loss of relatives, friends and property
- More than 35000 people evacuated
- Approximately 650 people were treated for injuries
- Many people were placed under large amounts of stress due to loss of relatives, friends and property
- More than 35000 people evacuated
Environmental Impacts
- Large amounts of vegetation destroyed (thousands of trees and plants)
- Large amounts of vegetation destroyed (thousands of trees and plants)
In the long term the main things that both non-Government and Government organisations are considering include:
- Rebuilding
- Infrastructure development
- Warning systems
- Education to be improved