The ACT Government has committed to support clubs to become heat and smoke refuges for local communities during an emergency or other hazard occurrence, such as extreme heat and smoke events.
Having club refuges in the ACT will give members of the public access to venues that typically have heating ventilation and air cooling (HVAC) systems and/or air conditioning. These can provide a better indoor climate than some Canberrans, particularly vulnerable members of the community, have access to in their homes.
Club refuges will not operate as an evacuation centre, but as a place for community members to attend for respite during an emergency or other hazard occurrence.
Submit an expression of interest
The Justice and Community Safety (JACS) directorate are looking for expressions of interest from clubs to operate as a heat and smoke refuges.
- assess the suitability of the venue to operate as a refuge
- undertake a site visit if required
- consult representatives from other government directorates
- advise the club if they are suitable to be registered.
What happens when a club is registered
When an emergency or other hazard event is in place, clubs on the register may be declared to operate as a club refuge after a Ministerial Declaration. JACS will inform the clubs of this declaration, the expected period it will last and any other conditions.
During the period while the club is declared a refuge, clubs can claim community purpose contributions to cover the costs of:
- supplying free non-alcoholic drinks to people attending the club as a refuge
- any membership fees they have lost.
JACS will maintain a register of all clubs that are deemed suitable. To be removed from the register clubs can email LRGPolicy@act.gov.au.
Further information
The commitment was made in in the Parliamentary & Governing Agreement for the 10th Legislative Assembly (the Parliamentary Agreement).
