Planning is underway for the possible impact of Tropical Cyclone Nathan in the Northern Territory.

As at 1100hrs CST today, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting that TC Nathan will reform over the Gulf of Carpentaria on Saturday and possibly impact the Northern Territory later on Saturday.

Territory Controller and Acting Commissioner and CEO of NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Reece Kershaw, said that he had held discussions this morning with his counterpart in Queensland as that state prepares for the impact of TC Nathan on the Cape York Peninsula.

“The Director NTES, Andy Warton, has also joined those live update briefings as we share information and take the latest information into our modelling, planning and preparation for any impact that TC Nathan may have in the Northern Territory.

“In addition, the Region 2 Controller, Commander Bruce Porter APM, is this afternoon convening a meeting of the Region 2 Emergency Management Committee.

“The Acting Deputy Commissioner, Mark Payne APM, and Assistant Commissioner Regional Operations, Jamie Chalker, are on Elcho Island today and will be making an assessment of the temporary accommodation established on the island in the wake of TC Lam just last month.  Their assessment will then inform any decisions we make in relation to advice and other possible action that we may take for the residents of Galiwin’ku,” Mr Kershaw said.

Mr Kershaw said people could be assured that Police, the Emergency Service and all other relevant Government and non-Government agencies were taking every step possible to ensure that people will be safe in the event that TC Nathan reforms in the Gulf of Carpentaria and impacts the Northern Territory. 

Cyclones are a part of life in the Top End, and residents should have personal and business preparations for a cyclone event in place.

Further information about how to prepare can be found at www.secureNT.nt.gov.au

For the latest Bureau of Meteorology advice go to www.bom.gov.au