The primary responsibility for restoration of services rested with the Federal Department of Housing and Construction, which had been responsible for most of Darwin's infrastructure. On 25 December the Department established a special Operation Control Centre at its headquarters in Melbourne. Other centres were set up in regional offices throughout Australia.
Work to restore services began on Boxing Day when electricity generating sets and other materials were assembled and loaded on naval vessels in Sydney. An inventory of government hostel and other possible emergency accommodation was compiled. Staff was rostered to arrange accommodation for evacuees and to arrange transport for men and materials bound for Darwin.
In Darwin, the Department's officers began clearing debris, and working to restore power and communications. Electricity Undertaking crews began removing fallen power lines and hooking up portable generators where these were available. Damaged and broken water hydrants were sealed off, and pumps were actuated to get the city's water and sewerage systems working again. Tarpaulins were placed over damaged roofs to create basic shelter.
