Local community clubs are to become designated refuges where Canberrans can seek respite during an emergency, such as heat or smoke event, under a new law being introduced to the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Introducing the Gaming Machine (Club Refuge) Amendment Bill 2022, the Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Shane Rattenbury said it was vital that residents can find refuge in venues to reduce the risk of heat and smoke-related illness.
“Due to climate change, Canberrans are going to endure more extreme weather events in the years to come,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Heatwaves kill more Australians than any other natural disaster,” he said.
“Heat stress can exacerbate existing health conditions including diabetes, kidney disease and heart disease.”
Mr Rattenbury said that in the 15 years since 2007, Canberra’s heat exceeded 40 degrees 21 times, compared to nine times between 1913 and 2006.
He said the Government had chosen to include clubs as refuges because they were spread out across the Territory and could therefore offer good access and ready respite to many community members.
“Many of these club venues provide our community with access to ventilation and air-cooling systems that many people just don’t have in their own homes,” the Minister said.
“Club refuges will form part of a range of refuge options available to community members during extended exposure to hazardous smoke and extreme heat,” he said.
“Other options include libraries, child and family centres and community centres.”
Mr Rattenbury said a club would be activated as a refuge by Ministerial declaration, following assessment of the suitability by a panel of Government Directorates.
He said that while a club refuge declaration was in force, clubs would be allowed to claim certain expenses as community purpose contributions under the Gaming Machine Act.
“Venues will be required to have an area separate from both gaming machines and an open bar, so that it is suitable to be used as a heat and smoke refuge,” Mr Rattenbury said.
He said the club refuge program was expected to be in place by December 2023.
