Rained in: West Arnhem swamped by big Wet

The bowling green at the Jabiru Sports and Social Club looked more like a reservoir last week as the skies opened over West Arnhem communities last week. But the inclement weather didn’t stop Ambree, Kylara and Ryanna enjoying this rainy Sunday afternoon at the Alligator Fishing Club’s Monthly Prize Day on February 2.

WET season rains are having an impact on communities across West Arnhem, cutting roads and supplies of essential items.

The road bridge across the Adelaide River on the Arnhem Highway has been out for a couple of weeks, with The Department of Infrastructure setting up “road closed” signs. Drivers taking to closed roads risk are risking an on-the-spot fine of $432.

The closure at Adelaide River forces road trains and travellers on the Darwin – Jabiru route to go the long way around via Pine Creek and the Kakadu Highway. Gunbalanya is in turn cut off from Jabiru, with swollen creeks and rivers closing roads at Cahill Crossing and Magela Creek. The closures have affected many business and postal services, with freight costs to Jabiru increasing a whopping 30 per cent.

West Arnhem Regional Council Mayor Lothar Siebert said the Arnhem Highway had been cut by floodwaters at the Adelaide River floodplain for as long as it had ever been cut.

“The Northern Territory government should start looking at plans to minimise the impact of floodwaters,” Mayor Siebert said. 

“People in West Arnhem are having to go double the distance just to get to Darwin. The cost of travel goes up, the cost of freight goes up – everything goes up. We have to fly everything in to Gunbalanya, Warruwi, Maningrida and Minjilang.

“We may have to consider seeking Federal Government assistance.”

It’s not all bad news, though.

The seasonal rains have revived the recreational pursuit of culvert fishing, with fishos hitting the waterways along the highway armed with lures and high hopes.

Bridges and floodways between Jabiru and Cooinda have proved especially popular, with plenty of catches of barramundi and tarpon. However fishing and fast cars can be a dangerous mix.

Jabiru Police Constable Stephen Sergeant said fishos should take a commonsense approach to culvert fishing. “People fishing have to be aware that we have vehicles including road trains travelling at over 100kmh on the highway,” Const. Sergeant said.

“At that speed vehicles can take more than 40 metres to stop. People need to wear bright clothing and be conscious of traffic on the roads.”