One year on from the horrific cyclone Tracy, we have begun to see a big improvement with the reconstruction of Darwin. The Government has followed through with their ‘Reconstruction Commission’ and are looking at only another two years of building, therefore reducing the rebuilding process by two years. The cyclone caused over $800 million in damage, meaning that there was not much left standing in Darwin after the event occurred. The Government has provided an estimated total of $300 million to rebuild Darwin’s entire infrastructure, but it is thought that the entire project will cost another few million dollars to finish to the building standards required. Darwin’s Police, Ambulance and Fire Brigade played a key role in the management of the cyclone assistance, helping with not only the clean-up, but also supporting all within the community and seeking out help. Many individuals also risked their lives after the event to help others and save the community, mirroring the Australian idea of mateship.
Prevention for the future is one of the major issues that is being tackled by many organisations across Australia. It is said that both the Government and other small companies are working together to create better warning systems and programs that will help to spread the news of future cyclones and natural disasters faster. Educational programs are also being created to teach locals in cyclone prone areas about evacuation and the use of safety equipment such as bunkers. It is planned that everyone will have enough knowledge to be better prepared before the next big cyclone.
The cyclone caused some terrible outcomes for many different people across Darwin, but certain people experienced different levels of impact. Anyone that lived closer to the eye wall of the cyclone had a more substantial amount of damage and were put in the most danger, due to the violent winds and heavy rainfall. Many of these people were part of the 65 killed in the event.