The Australian and Northern Territory Governments and the Barkly Regional Council have signed a renewed Statement of Commitment to the Barkly Regional Deal with Community partners in Tennant Creek, reaffirming their shared commitment to the Deal’s long-term vision for the Barkly region.
The Statement highlights the partners’ ongoing commitment to working collaboratively to deliver better outcomes for Barkly communities through the $100 million Regional Deal.
Through 28 initiatives, the Deal aims to create greater economic and social opportunities and improve wellbeing across the Barkly region.
First signed in 2019, the Deal has delivered significant outcomes for the region, including the refurbishment of the Barkly Business Hub, upgrades to the Alpurrurulam airstrip to support medical evacuations and the delivery of critical supplies, a new youth centre in Tennant Creek and construction of the Ali Curung youth centre and student boarding facility in Tennant Creek now underway.
The renewed Statement was developed in collaboration with Traditional Owners, community leaders, young people and local business representatives from across the Barkly region, ensuring local voices informed how partners will continue working together to deliver on the Deal’s objectives and contribute to Closing the Gap outcomes.
The Barkly Regional Deal is a long-term partnership that brings together governments, community organisations, and local stakeholders to support locally driven priorities and the long-term prosperity of the Barkly region.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm:
“The signing of this Statement is a reaffirmation to the Barkly community that we will continue to stand alongside you as we deliver the remaining objectives of the Deal.
“The Barkly Regional Council, Governance Table members, NT Government, Traditional Owners, contractors and the local community have done a tremendous amount of work on the Deal so far, and we know there’s more to do.
“The Barkly has one of the youngest populations in the country, so by committing to this Deal we are investing in the community and the futures of the young people who live there.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development, Steven Edgington:
“The Finocchiaro CLP Government is committed to delivering the Barkly Deal. This new Statement of Commitment reinforces our determination to work alongside our partners and turn the remaining commitments into real outcomes for the region.”
“The Barkly Regional Deal has already delivered outcomes including a new youth centre in Tennant Creek, a youth justice facility, upgrades to the Alpurrurulam airstrip and recreation facilities, and it’s fantastic to see the Tennant Creek student boarding accommodation under construction and the new weather radar for Tennant Creek is on track for delivery in 2027.
“I initiated and signed this deal as Mayor of the Barkly, and my commitment hasn’t changed. As the local MLA and Minister, I’m determined to see it continue to deliver practical outcomes that make a real difference to people across the Barkly.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
“We’re backing in the Barkly Regional Deal because we know when the community works alongside governments, we will get the best outcomes.
“The Barkly Regional Deal has delivered much needed infrastructure across the Barkly, and the Statement is an important commitment to continuing this development.”
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Barkly Region, Sid Vashist:
“The renewed Statement of Commitment on the Barkly Regional Deal partnership will deliver a genuine place-based solution for the region, capable of responding to local priorities and strengthening social, economic and community outcomes.
“Central to the Statement is Aboriginal leadership and decision-making, ensuring community-controlled organisations, native title holders, and the Barkly Aboriginal Alliance work as equal partners in guiding investment, shaping priorities and driving long-term benefits for the region.”
Quotes attributable to Governance Table Independent Chair Barb Shaw:
“The signing of the new Statement of Commitment brings regional development closer to the coalface working with the community.
Inclusion of the community to the statement acknowledges a partnership built on mutual respect recognising community leadership as equal partners.”
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