NARRABRI Shire Council on Tuesday re-opened the Crossing Theatre ahead of schedule, to serve as the Shire’s designated emergency evacuation centre as the region experiences significant flood impacts.
Over recent months, The Crossing Theatre has been temporarily closed while Council carried out major upgrades to the facility’s fire safety systems.
The works were completed last week, and the new system has now been formally certified.
While the facility was scheduled to reopen for normal operations on Monday, August 11, the unfolding emergency situation has prompted an early opening to provide a safe, secure location for community members needing shelter and support.
Mayor Darrell Tiemens said Council was acting swiftly to prioritise community safety.
“Our first responsibility is always to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community,” Cr Tiemens said.
“We understand that this has been a challenging time for many residents, and we want to reassure everyone that The Crossing Theatre is fully compliant with all safety requirements and ready to be used as a safe place for people needing to evacuate during this weather event.”
General manager Eloise Chaplain praised the efforts of Council staff and emergency personnel in preparing the facility for urgent use.
“While the delays to the reopening of the Crossing Theatre have been frustrating for the community, the most important thing is that the building is now safe and available at a time when it is most needed,” Ms Chaplain said.
“We are working closely with emergency services to ensure the site is appropriately resourced and supported.”
Council advises that while the building will serve exclusively as an emergency evacuation centre this week, full operations, including The Crossing Theatre Café and cinema, will commence as planned from next Monday, August 11.
The NSW SES Narrabri Unit and Narrabri Shire have set up a sandbag location for residents, with sandbags available at Narrabri Works Depot, 11566 Newell Highway.
Meanwhile, road closures in the Narrabri Shire, as at 4.30am Wednesday, August 6, include
Kamilaroi Highway between Bald Hill Road and Wee Waa and Maules Creek Road, Cotton Lane, Appletrees Lane, Vera Leap Road, Old Narrabri Road, Turrawan Road, Grain Valley Road, Pikes Lane, Harparary Road, Violet Street Bridge, Rangari Road, Braymont Road (closed at Barbers Lagoon), Browns Lane and Therribri Road.
