Flood-affected residents from the remote Aboriginal community of Nauiyu, also known as Daly River, are negotiating with the Northern Territory government to relocate the township to higher ground. The Catholic Church has offered to donate land for the move following the area’s worst floods since 1998.

Recent Flood Devastation

For the second time in just over a month, major floods in March forced the evacuation of most Nauiyu residents. Approximately 350 people now shelter at evacuation centers in Batchelor, 140 kilometers north, after initial stays in Darwin. The swollen Daly River has displaced the community for much of the year.

Local councillor Andy McTaggart, a resident for over 50 years, chose to stay behind by moving to higher ground rather than evacuate. He has discussed potential relocation sites with the NT government’s flood recovery unit, including options for an evacuation center and a workers’ camp for recovery efforts.

Church Land Donation Offer

Bishop of Darwin Charles Gauci announced the Catholic Church’s willingness to donate land purchased in 1955 to establish a mission. “If the community makes a decision to relocate from where they are now to higher ground, and they want to use our land, I’ll be very happy to give them our land,” he stated.

The bishop emphasized community consensus: “The most important consideration for me is that the people of the town have an agreement. It is possible some may want to move and some may not want to move, and there has to be negotiations about how to balance all of that.” He noted options include church land, government land, or a combination.

Government Response and Recovery Plans

The NT government recently launched a $100 million flood recovery fund. McTaggart requested funding to develop a phased relocation plan to a site about five kilometers away, starting with an evacuation center, school relocation, and new housing subdivision.

NT government crews currently assess damage at Nauiyu and prioritize restoring essential services. A spokesperson acknowledged strong community support for relocation: “We recognise there is strong community sentiment about relocating the township to higher ground. That will be properly considered through the town planning process.”

They confirmed a site identified by McTaggart remains under review, with residents and stakeholders set to shape the town plan soon. Work also progresses on a work camp to support recovery.

Progress After Decades of Advocacy

McTaggart highlighted this as the most advancement in 30 years of requests following multiple floods since 1998. “This is the furthest we’ve ever got in the 30-odd years of asking for something,” he said. “Before, we didn’t even get a response. At least [this time] we’ve had a response and people have come and talked.” Residents plan to continue advocating for the relocation.