The Regional Controller, Region 2, Commander Bruce Porter APM, would like to remind everyone that a State of Emergency remains in place covering several communities in Arnhem Land, including the community of Galiwinku on Elcho Island.

As such, while commercial airline services are being resumed, only essential services personnel will be permitted onto the island for at least the next 24 hours.  These are personnel who are undertaking important search and survey work as a prerequisite to the commencement of clean-up operations and restoring essential services such as power and water. 

Members of the public are requested to refrain from travelling to Elcho Island for the time being and their cooperation is appreciated. 

The Regional Controller will review the situation in 24 hours at 1100hrs Sunday, 22 February.