The waters of the Waterhouse River rose on the weekend. Twelve properties in the 'old suburb' in Beswick were evacuated to the designated emergency shelter ('new school') over the weekend. A few of these houses were inundated with low levels of water and residents of these properties remain housed elsewhere.
The river level has since started receding slowly. The river remains at over a metre on the road making the community inaccessible from the Katherine side of the Central Arnhem Road.
Power has since been restored to most properties. The Beswick Store will open at 1pm today whilst the Council Office and the Health Clinic are expected to resume operations tomorrow as staff of these facilities are assisting the clean up. The Aged Care facility and the Women's Centre are operating as usual and were not directly affected by the river level.
The Roper Gulf Shire Service Manager has been inundated with requests for further information on the situation. The CEO, Michael Burto requests that the public show some understanding for this community and not attempt to cross the Waterhouse River and allow the community to assess the damages and settle back in to daily life. Specific updates regarding this area may be obtained from Police, Fire, and Emergency Services (PFES).
For further details or to arrange interviews with Mayor Jack, please direct your inquiries to Michael Berto, CEO Roper Gulf Shire Council on 08 8972 9000.
ENDS