The NT government has committed $12.5 million to flood mitigation and infrastructure upgrades under the first phase of a $100 million recovery fund following recent extreme weather.

About $4.9 million will be allocated to immediate flood mitigation work in Alice Springs, and $4 million to levee and drainage improvements in Katherine North.

Last month, the Katherine area suffered severe flooding that the Insurance Council of Australia declared a significant event. Insured losses of up to $15.5 million have been recorded so far.

About $2.5 million will be allocated to the development of a territory-wide weather warning app, and $500,000 is set aside to develop a plan to relocate the town of Daly River/Nauiyu to higher ground.

NT Public Service Minister Jo Hersey says the investment is “designed not only to repair damage but to strengthen infrastructure against future extreme weather events.

“Our government remains committed to helping our communities recover from these unprecedented weather events and ensure they are better protected, better connected and better prepared for the future.”

The government is expected to make an announcement on a road repair package next week.

Future phases of the fund are likely to concentrate on long-term resilience, including construction of stronger roads, bridges and flood-mitigation infrastructure.