Darwin Races to Prepare as cyclone Fina Approaches
Darwin, NT – A fuel tanker is urgently offloading its cargo as Tropical Cyclone Fina rapidly approaches the Northern Territory coast, threatening to disrupt supply chains and possibly isolate communities. Together, cattle stations are scrambling to move livestock to higher ground and secure shipments before potential flooding and road closures.
The impending cyclone is forcing a logistical rush to ensure essential supplies and livestock can be moved before conditions deteriorate. The Bureau of Meteorology’s latest track map indicates Fina is forecast to make landfall near Minjilang,then pass between the Tiwi Islands and Darwin. The timing is critical as two cattle ships are due to arrive in Darwin within the next seven to nine days,creating a narrow window for producers to deliver their stock.
Cattle producer Mr. Underwood, speaking to ABC rural while moving 6,000 head of cattle off Litchfield Station, explained the urgency. “We’ve got two cattle ships [due into Darwin] in about seven, eight or nine days’ time,” he said. “There’s a little window here to get these cattle out, or they might be behind water or broken roads for a couple of weeks, so we’re in a bit of a hurry.”
So far, 1,000 cattle were moved off the station last night and another 3,200 were trucked today, utilizing 13 triple road-trains before lunch and a further five this afternoon. Mr.Underwood acknowledged the increased pressure on export yards, stating, “Obviously we’re going to put a little bit of pressure on the export yards, particularly if they end up getting a direct hit. But I know the yards have all got their plans. We’re confident the cattle will be well looked after and at least we know that we can load them on ships when we need them.”