The Department of Immigration and Citizenship said today demountable units surplus to the government’s requirements were being transported to Christmas Island as part of its contingency plans.

The demountable units were returned to the department as they were declared excess to the needs of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

They had been in storage near Alice Springs.

The units, also known as “dongas”, are being transferred to Darwin by road for shipping to Christmas Island.

When in place by the year’s end, the units will provide administration, recreational and accommodation areas for up to 200 people.

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