Barkly Regional Deal - Department of the Chief Minister
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Barkly Regional Deal
Foreword
The Barkly region in the Northern Australia’s first ever Regional Deal— social challenges facing the region
Territory is known as having a ‘heart aims to build on these strengths to will depend on the determination and
of gold’. This description applies as improve the productivity and liveability leadership of the local community.
much to the people as it does to the of the Barkly region by stimulating All three levels of government—
rich natural resources of the land. The economic growth, improving social the Australian Government, the
Barkly region has a proud heritage but outcomes and supporting local Northern Territory Government
more importantly, it has a prosperous Aboriginal leadership. The deal and the Barkly Regional Council—
future that encompasses Aboriginal recognises the future vision of the will continue to work closely with
culture, caring for country and land Barkly community to build a stronger, the Barkly community, including
rights, through to the burgeoning prosperous and inclusive region for Aboriginal peoples, local business
economic opportunities in Northern current and future generations. leaders, young people and non-
Australia from the resources, tourism, government organisations, to ensure
Unlocking new opportunities and
agriculture and energy sectors. The the Barkly Regional Deal supports the
responding to the economic and
10 year Barkly Regional Deal— community’s vision and aspiration.
Senator the Hon The Hon Michael Gunner MLA Mr Steven Edgington
Bridget McKenzie Chief Minister of the Mayor, Barkly Regional Council
Northern Territory
Acknowledgement of Country
The Australian Government, Northern ancestors and Elders of this land,
Territory Government and the Barkly past and present. The Australian
Regional Council acknowledge the Government, Northern Territory
Aboriginal peoples who live in the Government and the Barkly Regional
Barkly region. We acknowledge the Council respect the Barkly Aboriginal
traditional custodians of the lands peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual
on which we strive towards a shared relationships to the land and waters,
goal of a united community working and their rich contribution to society.
together. We pay our respects to the
2 B A R K LY R E G I O N A L D E A L
Aboriginal Community Statement—
Barkly Region
We, the Aboriginal people from the other languages, cultures and having region to work with and involve us in
Barkly region, have a connection to our their own histories; developing our the planning and delivery of social,
traditional lands and waters, passed lands to accommodate the demands cultural and economic activities to
on through our ancestors, which of Australian society; providing the ensure the opportunities which arise
continues today through our unique benefits that this development has to are for the benefit of us all.
languages, cultures and histories. offer. Past developments have been
We commit to work collaboratively
undertaken without our involvement
We acknowledge our Elders; those who with all stakeholders to strengthen our
and consultation, or understanding of
have gone before us; those with us relationships, identify opportunities
our needs.
today; those who are emerging and will and deliver sustainable outcomes
lay down the foundation for our future. We invite all levels of government, through a process based on mutual
business, service providers and the respect, understanding and acceptance
We acknowledge those who have
communities throughout the Barkly of our differences.
settled on our land, introducing
3
The story of the Barkly Regional Deal
The Barkly Regional Deal demonstrates how cooperation between the three levels of government and local community members
can drive positive change in the community. The Prime Minister, Chief Minister and the Mayor, acting together through their
offices, put together a long term plan for the sustainability of the Barkly region. The former Prime Minister visited Tennant Creek
at the invitation of the Barkly Regional Council Mayor Steven Edgington in July 2018, with the Northern Territory Chief Minister,
Michael Gunner and the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion, and agreed the Barkly region would be
a good place to forge a Regional Deal. The two day visit involved meeting with community members to better understand the
community’s needs and aspirations, and reinforcing the community’s determination to chart a better future for their children.
The Barkly Regional Deal is the first Regional Deal in Australia and involves the three levels of government working together to
respond to community-identified priorities to improve economic and social outcomes. Since the deal was announced in July 2018
there has been strong commitment to involving the Barkly community throughout its development and implementation.
When the Statement of Intent was signed in December 2018 a commitment was made by the three levels of government to
develop and negotiate the Barkly Regional Deal with the broader community, including Aboriginal peoples. Consultations
occurred with over 200 people from Tennant Creek, Elliott, Alpurrurulam, Ali Curung, Mungkarta, Canteen Creek and Epenarra
(Wutungurra) and a Barkly Governance Table has been established to give practical effect to this commitment, bringing together
Traditional Owners and representatives from the 16 language groups across the Barkly region, Aboriginal organisations,
youth, business leaders and the non-government sector with the three levels of government. The Governance Table is the
overarching governance body that will lead the development and implementation of the Barkly Regional Deal to boost economic
development, improve social conditions and reinforce the region’s strong Aboriginal culture and history over the next 10 years.
Timing for the preparations for the deal
2018 2019
Delegation from the Deputy Prime Minister Chief Minister
Barkly Regional Council McCormack visits Gunner, Senator
meets with the former Tennant Creek Bridget McKenzie and
Prime Minister, the Hon with Senator the Mayor Edgington sign
Malcolm Turnbull Hon Nigel Scullion Statement of Intent Barkly Regional
in Canberra (18 June) (September 27) (December 10) Deal launched
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR
Former Prime Minister the Hon First round of Second round First meeting
Malcolm Turnbull visits Tennant community of community of Barkly
Creek, with NT Chief Minister consultations consultations Governance Table
Michael Gunner and the Minister (October 23-26) (December 3-7) (February 21-22)
for Indigenous Affairs, Senator
the Hon Nigel Scullion ( July 23-24)
4 B A R K LY R E G I O N A L D E A L
Barkly Regional Deal Snapshot
28 initiatives and $78.4 million in new investment
The 28 initiatives respond to three interdependent. Economic and social The total value of the Barkly Regional
community priority areas: development are key components of Deal includes:
regional development—one cannot
• economic development • $45.4 million from the Australian
occur without the other—and culture
Government
• social development and place are critical to ensuring the
growth and development of the region • $30 million from the Northern
• culture and place-making.
is based on the priorities of the local Territory Government
The three priority areas were community. Aboriginal leadership is • $3 million from the Barkly
identified by the Barkly community critical to the success of the Barkly Regional Council.
during consultations about the Regional Deal.
Barkly Regional Deal and each are
EconomicEconomicEconomic
Development Social Development
Development
Development Social Culture
Development
Social Development and
Culture Culture
place-making
and and place-making
place-making
$37.97M $37.97M $37.97M $31.75M $31.75M $31.75M $8.65M $8.65M $8.65M
Development and Tennant Creek Visitor Park $9.5M Barkly local community
implementation of a projects fund $6M
Government investment
regional workforce strategy $1M
services system reform $0.6M Local community governance $1M
Youth Infrastructure $7.62M
Crisis youth support – Community mediation $1.65M
Barkly Business Hub $2.2M safe places and
Arts Centre in Elliott Ongoing
accommodation $3M
Construction of a new
Update Council website
alternative to detention secure Trauma informed care $3M
about Aboriginal history Ongoing
accommodation facility $5.55M
Multi-purpose
Marketing and promotion Ongoing
New housing builds Ongoing accommodation facility $0.25M
Justice Infrastructure Student boarding
Investments $3.40M accommodation $12.7M
Upgrade Alpurrurulam airstrip Social and affordable
(Remote Airstrip Upgrade housing private-public
Program) Ongoing partnership $1.9M
Economic growth strategy $0.3M Community sports $0.8M
Maximising Aboriginal Aged care services in the
employment Ongoing Barkly region Ongoing
Barkly Mining and Energy Childcare places Ongoing
Services Hub Ongoing
Weather radar $17.9M
Improvements to delivery of the
Community Development
Program (CDP) Ongoing
5
Section 1 Overview of the Barkly Region The Barkly region in the Northern The population of the region is Territory is the second largest local estimated to be around 7,392 with government area in Australia centred approximately 72 per cent of the around the junction of two great population made up of 16 Aboriginal highways—the Stuart and Barkly. The language groups. Many Aboriginal region stretches from south of the old people speak several languages Telegraph Station at Barrow Creek with English being a third or fourth in the south to the historical droving language—over 50 per cent of the BARKLY township of Newcastle Waters in the population over 15 years of north. The largest town in the region age speak a language other is Tennant Creek (with a population of than English at home. There are 10 3,252), approximately 1000km south language groups with traditional of Darwin and 500km north of Alice ownership connections to the land, Springs. The Barkly region is known namely the Warumungu, Warlmanpa, for its million acre cattle stations, gold Warlpiri, Wakaya, Jingili, Mudburra, mining heritage, iconic rock formations Kaytetye, Alyawarr, Anmatyerre and strong Aboriginal culture. and Wambaya. 6 B A R K LY R E G I O N A L D E A L
Stuart Highway
ay
ighw
ria H
arpenta
C
Elliot
Aboriginal leadership is strong across
the Barkly region and is expressed
through various representative groups,
including land councils, Aboriginal
controlled organisations, Traditional
Owners and native title groups.
Tennant Creek
Barkly Highway
Wutungurra
Canteen Creek
Ali Curung
Alpurrurulam
Tara
Ampilatwatja
Sandove
r Highw
ay
Arlparra
7
Fast Facts about the Barkly region Unemployment
and Tennant Creek 3.5 times the rate of unemployment
in the Barkly region compared
Population to Tennant Creek.
25 24.9%
Barkly region: 7,392 20
15
Tennant Creek: 3,252 10
7.1%
Aboriginal population
5
0
72% 56%
Barkly
region
Tennant
Creek
Barkly region Tennant Creek
Aboriginal employment
The Aboriginal employment rate
Single parent families Speaking Language is lower across the Barkly region
than Tennant Creek and Northern
Higher proportion of single Higher proportion of people Territory overall (31.2%).
parent families than Northern who speak a language other
Territory (16.6%) and than English at home than 35
Australia (15.8%). Northern Territory (33.7%) 30.6%
and Australia (22.3%). 30
25
23.4%
25
20 23.4%
21.7% Barkly
20
15 55.4% 15
region
10
10
5
5
Tennant 0
37.5% Barkly Tennant
0 Creek region Creek
Barkly region Tennant Creek
Youth unemployment
Population Barkly region Tennant Creek
The youth unemployment rate in
the Barkly region is more than
growth 0 twice as high as Tennant Creek.
Negative population -1
growth over the last -2
10 years from 2008
-3
to 2018.
-4 -4.9% 40.1% 15.2%
-5
-6 -6.6%
-7
Barkly region Tennant Creek
-8
See page 31 for the data sources. Note, the Barkly region refers to the Barkly Local Government Area (LGA) and Tennant Creek refers to the SA2.
8 B A R K LY R E G I O N A L D E A L
Overcrowding Dwelling approvals
Substantially higher proportion of houses with overcrowded conditions Significant variability in
than Northern Territory (11.1%) and Australia (4%) in 2016: annual dwelling approvals
30 from 2010-11 to 2017-18.
Barkly region over six times the national rate
25 Tennant Creek over three times the national rate
25.7%
20
15 54 1 4
14.7%
10
11.1% 2011-12 2015-16 2017-18
5
4%
0
Barkly Tennant Northern Australia
region Creek Territory
Top five employing
industries in Tennant Creek
Weekly household income
Both have lower median weekly
household income than Northern
Territory ($1,967) and Tennant
$1,341 $1,564 24.5%
Creek is higher than Australia ($1,438). Health care and
Note, these figures are influenced by social assistance
the high rates of overcrowding. Barkly region Tennant Creek
Government support Local businesses
Higher proportion of people Increase in the number of local
receiving government pensions businesses trading since June 2016. 19.8%
or allowances than Northern Public administration
Territory (170 per 1000 250 and safety
persons) and Australia overall 216
(206 per 1000 persons). 200 192
200 181
320 per
150
11.3%
1000 100
Education and
Barkly region 50
training
2016
2016
2018
2018
0
Barkly Tennant
region Creek
9.5%
Vocational training and higher education Retail trade
Lower proportion of working age population with a Certificate III or higher
education qualification compared to Northern Territory (47.5%) and
Australia (56.9%).
Barkly 18.5% (2006)
region 29.3% (2016)
8.0%
Tennant 28.8% (2006) Construction
Creek 37.6% (2016)
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
9
Local stories of the Barkly region
Desert Harmony Festival Gold mining in Tennant Creek Tennant Creek Grog War
1986 to 1996
Every year the Desert Harmony Festival Gold was discovered in Tennant
brings together the region’s culturally Creek in 1826 by J. Smith Roberts The Grog War in Tennant Creek is
diverse population for a weekend of but Australia’s last gold rush did not a remarkable story of Aboriginal
music, dance, art, film, food, theatre, commence in earnest until the 1930s. achievement and self-determination
workshops and cultural activities. Tennant Creek rapidly grew from a to develop workable solutions for a
Hosted by Barkly Regional Arts on region mostly inhabited by Traditional better future. The war against grog
Patta Warumungu land, the festival Owners to a town with a population lasted 10 years—from 1986 to 1996—
showcases local talent and gives 5,000 of about 600 people within a few and enforced restrictions on the sale
visitors and locals alike the opportunity years, eager to strike it rich. Until 1995, of alcohol for the entire population of
to become immersed in the Aboriginal Tennant Creek was home to the third Tennant Creek to prevent excessive
and multi-cultural life of our outback largest open-cut mine in Australia. drinking by some members of the
region. The Festival celebrates its 30th In addition to gold, a range of other community. While the war on alcohol
year on 3-4 August in 2019 with the minerals including bauxite, phosphate and substance abuse continues,
theme ‘My Arts, My Culture’. and copper are found in the Barkly the Grog War in the 80s and 90s
For more information, go to region. Tourists to Tennant Creek can remains an example of Aboriginal
www.desertharmonyfestival.com or visit the Battery Hill Mining Centre, peoples’ strength, determination and
www.barklyarts.com.au which offers underground tours to persistence to devise and implement
explore the old mines, and the historic practical solutions to protect
No 3 Government Gold Stamp Battery themselves and their culture. For more
that crushed the mine material to information, read Grog War, Alexis
extract gold. Wright, 1997.
10 B A R K LY R E G I O N A L D E A LPaterson Street Hub rights and interests within the town committed to maximizing resource,
of Tennant Creek, which include: agriculture and pastoral development
Paterson Street Hub is a community to live, travel over and access the on their land and will continue to work
space on the main street in Tennant land and waters, hunt, gather, share with the Waramungu people, other
Creek for community members and exchange natural resources, Aboriginal native title holders and all
to meet, share ideas and stories, teach and conduct ceremonies and language groups across the Barkly
connect with each other and seek other traditional activities, access region to improve economic and
assistance. The Hub has been and maintain places of cultural social outcomes.
established in partnership between a importance, and make decisions
philanthropic supporter, First Peoples about the use of the Recognition Area Ankinyi Wirranjiki Night Patrol—
Disability Network Australia and local by Aboriginal people who recognise the first in Australia
community members. Between 25 themselves as governed by Aboriginal
to 60 community members drop into Night patrols play a vital role in
traditional laws and customs.
the Hub on a daily basis to participate community safety in the Northern
in a range of activities including The native title determination Territory by helping break the cycle
information sessions, reading involved years of complex of violence and crime, and supporting
books and magazines, singing and negotiations by the Central Land intoxicated people who are unable
drumming, having informal ‘pop-up’ Council, representatives of the Patta to care for themselves. The Ankinyi
chats about local community matters Warumungu people, and the Northern Wirranjiki Night Patrol—which
and events, cooking, connecting and Territory Government and included means ‘it’s ours to protect and watch
playing with their babies and toddlers, consultation with the local council and over’—is managed by Julalikari
and becoming involved in art projects. mining operators. Council Aboriginal Corporation.
The aim of the Hub is to strengthen It is one of the oldest community-
Aboriginal owned freehold in the initiated movements, starting in the
and support the social fabric of the
Northern Territory—a new way to 1980s when senior Aboriginal Elders
Barkly community by celebrating the
advance economic development volunteered to do foot patrols at
connections between people.
night. Patrols operate every night
The Arruwurra Aboriginal Corporation
First native title consent holds one of the largest Aboriginal
in Tennant Creek and staff members
determination within a town– owned freehold properties in the
are supported to earn a Certificate III
Patta Waramungu People’s Northern Territory. It is approximately
in Community Night Patrol which
Native Title determination 5,110 square kilometres and home
provides participants with the skills
recognised to one of the largest undeveloped
to prevent anti-social behaviours
and promote conflict resolution.
In September 2007, Tennant Creek phosphate deposits in Australia. The
Other communities around the
became the first town in Australia freehold was granted to the Arruwurra
Northern Territory and Australia
to have a native title determination Aboriginal Corporation in 1989 and
have since followed in the footsteps
made by consent. The Federal Court the members of the corporation
of Tennant Creek and operate night
of Australia recognised the Patta are Arruwurra people who have
patrols to support and care for
Warumungu people’s native title traditional rights over the Arruwurra
community members.
freehold. The Arruwurra people are
11What are Regional Deals? Regional Deals are part of the Australian Government’s new place-based approach to regional development. They have been adapted from the highly successful City Deal model and bring together the Australian, State and Territory, and local governments to maximise the comparative advantages of regional Australia through greater collaboration, alignment and coordination of regional investment priorities. Comparative advantages may relate to natural resources, labour resources or capital resources, such as existing infrastructure. Regional Deals encourage a ‘reform and transform’ approach to maximise economic growth in regional communities. They aim to: • Strengthen regional resilience • Facilitate collaboration across various parts of the community • Invest in local leadership, capability and capacity • Translate regional comparative advantages into business competitiveness. All Regional Deals involve respectful, informed and inclusive engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in recognition of First Nations peoples’ ongoing connection to country as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land. The Barkly Regional Deal is the first pilot Regional Deal in Australia and was announced in July 2018 when the former Prime Minister visited Tennant Creek for two days at the invitation of the Barkly Regional Council to discuss the future growth of the region. To date, three Regional Deal pilots have been announced in Australia. The other two Regional Deals in development are for the Bundaberg-Hervey Bay region (named the Hinkler Regional Deal) in Queensland and Albury-Wodonga on the New South Wales and Victoria border. The lessons and experiences from the Barkly, Hinkler and Albury-Wodonga Regional Deals will inform how and where future Regional Deals are rolled out as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to investing in regional Australia. 12 B A R K LY R E G I O N A L D E A L
Vision for the Barkly Region
The Barkly Regional Deal aims to improve the productivity and liveability of the Barkly
region by stimulating economic growth and improving social outcomes, including
reducing overcrowding and improving child safety.
Key components of the Barkly Regional Deal include:
• $78.4 million package of initiatives co-funded by the Australian Government, the
Northern Territory Government and the Barkly Regional Council—the majority of this
new investment will be expended over the first three years
• 28 economic, social and cultural initiatives to be implemented across the Barkly region
• 10 year timeframe—until 2029
• Community governance framework to drive the implementation of the Barkly Regional
Deal, including a Governance Table
• Long-term reform to government funded and delivered services in collaboration with
the community.
13Current investment in the Barkly region—
Australian Government, Northern Territory
Government and Barkly Regional Council
The Australian Government, the excludes some types of government Improving the efficiency, effectiveness
Northern Territory Government and expenditure, including universal safety and appropriateness of existing
the Barkly Regional Council provide net services such as the National government investment will be a key
substantial government investment to Disability Insurance Scheme, social feature of the Barkly Regional Deal
deliver a range of services in the Barkly security payments and some grants over the next 10 years. The three
region. The following information made under the formula determined by levels of government are committed
provides estimates of the current levels the Commonwealth Grants Commission. to improving the economic and social
and patterns of government service The timeframe of funding also varies conditions of the region to enable
expenditure for the region based on (for example, some funding amounts current and future generations of
available data. are until 2028). The purpose of these children and young people to reach their
estimates is to provide a snapshot of full potential.
Caution needs to be exercised in
current investment levels and patterns
interpreting the estimates because it
at one point in time (as at March 2019).
Australian Government–$212.24M
Health $26.33M
Prime Minister and
Cabinet $83.94M
Education and Training
(including early childhood) $7.17M
$212.24M Social Services $23.66M
Communications and Arts $9.90M
Infrastructure, Regional
Development and Cities
$38.63M Geoscience $22.61M
Some of the services include:
• over $36.3M for road upgrades to support economic growth • $2.3M through ‘Connected Beginnings’ program to integrate
and improve access to communities and export markets early childhood, maternal and child health, and family support
services with schools in Tennant Creek to support 0-5 year old
• $22.6M for Geoscience Australia to map underground
Indigenous children’s school readiness
mineral, energy and water resources
• $2.3M to reduce smoking rates among Aboriginal and Torres
• $4.5M to enable Aboriginal artists to create new work and
Strait Islander people
engage in the art market
• $1.8M to assist with the capture, revival and maintenance of
Aboriginal languages
14 B A R K LY R E G I O N A L D E A LNorthern Territory Government–$231.97M
Housing, community
safety and community Health and education $101.12M
projects $40.36M
Mining and
resources $1.15M
$231.97M
Business, tourism and
infrastructure $79.36M
Children and families $9.98M
Some of the services include:
• $9M for Purkiss Reserve sporting upgrades • $5.5M to accelerate tourism as part of the Turbocharging
Tourism action plan
• $6.3M for new pre-school plus integrated child and
family centre • $5M for a new residential rehabilitation and treatment centre
operated by the Barkly Region Alcohol and Drug Abuse
• $5.5M for Elliott town camp housing investment
Advisory Group (BRADAAG)
Barkly Regional Council–$35.36M
Asset replacement $7.02M
Municipal services $6.53M
Road maintenance $923,000
Office of the CEO
(including governance and
public relations) $943.000 $35.36M
Community Services $10.87M
Administration and finance
(including depreciation)
$4.23M
Elected members $660,000
Regional operations $4.18M
Some of the services include:
• $2.4M for the night patrol program • $527,000 for managing and operating the swimming pool
• $2.3M for youth programs • $272,000 for environmental management services
• $1.2M for parks and gardens maintenance • $30,000 for a community grants program
15Section 2 Overview of the Barkly Regional Deal 16 B A R K LY R E G I O N A L D E A L
Economic Development
A key focus of the Barkly Regional Deal is supporting the economic growth of the region, creating
local jobs and maximising untapped opportunities in the resources, agriculture and tourism
sectors. The deal will target investment decisions to accelerate regional economic development and
strengthen the resilience of the region to respond to future shifts in the economy. This will include
diversifying the industry and employment composition of the region and building the knowledge,
skills and capability of the local workforce.
Headline initiatives
Development and Regions Fund. The funding will be Barkly Business Hub
used to replace the Youth Links Youth
implementation of Centre in Tennant Creek, build a cycling A one-stop-shop Barkly Business Hub
a regional workforce and walking path from Weaber Road will be established to support regional
strategy to Blain Street and construct a new business creation and growth by
Sport and Recreation Centre in Ali building local business capacity and
The Northern Territory Government helping local businesses capitalise on
Curung. The Barkly Regional Council
will build local capability by providing economic opportunities in the region.
will be contributing $400,000 to these
training and development opportunities The Hub will implement the economic
projects in addition to in-kind support to
in areas of high economic potential growth strategy and support the Barkly
complete the construction projects. This
(mining, construction, essential services, Mining and Energy Services Hub.
investment is expected to support 50 jobs
tourism, road-building, housing-related
during construction and 35 ongoing jobs. Functions will include:
services such as tenancy and property
management, and health services). In addition to stimulating economic * attracting and facilitating new
The strategy will identify current activity during construction, the business investment
employment opportunities and investment will encourage young people
* enhancing and improving the
ensure training options are in line with to engage in healthy activities, build self-
competitiveness of local businesses
employment opportunities in Tennant esteem, enhance community cohesion
Creek and across the region. Existing and support school attendance. The * supporting the growth of small and
training and employment programs youth recreation centres will become a medium sized businesses across
will be strengthened to deliver better hub for youth and community activities key sectors by providing economic
employment outcomes. and workshops around sport, arts and advice, microfinancing and
culture, meetings and music. The cycle mentoring, and
Lead responsibility: path will promote community safety and
Northern Territory Government * removing barriers to investment
encourage more active transport choices.
such as an accelerated Barkly
The Barkly Regional Council will maintain
land tenure process to enable
Youth infrastructure and operate these new facilities.
infrastructure and business
The Australian Government will Lead responsibility: development.
invest $7.6 million in youth-focused Joint Australian Government and Barkly
infrastructure in communities across Regional Council
the Barkly through the Building Better
17The Hub will support capability Construction of a new The facility responds to regional
and skill development for demand for services and ensures
businesses and social enterprises,
alternative to detention provision of services closer to young
including mentoring and secure accommodation people’s homes and family. The Back
training support, and providing facility on Track program will help break
access to government support the cycle of crime by ensuring that
This initiative is part of the Back on
(for example grants, loans and young Territorians become better
Track program and supports the
microfinancing) for small business people not better criminals and
recommendations from the Royal
and enterprise development. Commission into the Detention and young people who do the wrong
Protection of Children in the Northern things face the consequences of their
Existing Australian Government
Territory. It will increase the delivery actions while also being taught skills
funding programs such as the
of local services, create employment to become productive members of
Department of the Prime Minister
opportunities, increase support the community. The program will
and Cabinet’s Indigenous small
for youth in the justice system and involve input and leadership from the
business support services and
enhance the life course trajectory of Barkly community, working together
microfinancing will also be
young people in the Barkly region. to come up with innovative solutions
leveraged by the Barkly Business
to help put kids back on track.
Hub. The Northern Territory The Barkly Alternative to Detention
Government will provide office Accommodation Facility will keep The management and operation
space and access to existing local young people participating in of the new facility will provide
Northern Territory Government Back on Track and other programs new employment opportunities in
business support services. who are either directed to a program Tennant Creek.
by the courts or referred to a program
Lead responsibility: Lead responsibility:
by police, government agencies or
Joint Australian Government and Northern Territory Government
non-government agencies.
Northern Territory Government
18 B A R K LY R E G I O N A L D E A LSupporting initiatives
New housing builds Alpurrurulam aerodrome • Create an investment forecasting
pipeline to track existing and
The Northern Territory Government The Australian and Northern Territory new investment and assist
commits to funding government governments will co-invest to upgrade the Barkly community to plan
employee housing in order to provide the Alpurrurulam (Lake Nash) Aerodrome for future employment and
an immediate economic stimulus and through the Remote Airstrip Upgrade supply chain opportunities
ability to return existing stock to public Program. This upgrade will enhance the
housing to assist with overcrowding in safety and accessibility of the aerodrome • Undertake cost/benefit analyses
Tennant Creek. to support year-round access for of potential economic project
residents, safe aeromedical evacuations proposals to determine viability
Lead responsibility: and the delivery of essential goods and • Support processes for mineral
Northern Territory Government services to the community. resource development in the Barkly
region and related opportunities
Lead responsibility:
Justice infrastructure Joint Australian Government and
for local community economic
investments Northern Territory Government
and employment benefits, and
• Assess and remove barriers to
The Tennant Creek watch-house will
investment. For example, an
be renovated to upgrade facilities to Economic growth strategy accelerated Barkly land tenure process
support families and legal staff to visit
A regional economic growth strategy will enable timely development
prisoners. The Elders at Court program
will be developed for the Barkly region of government infrastructure and
will be reintroduced and videoconference
to encourage private sector growth and business opportunities, and maximise
facilities will be installed in Alpurrurulam
diversify existing businesses, including economic development opportunities
and other priority locations.
harnessing digital opportunities to for Aboriginal land interests,
Lead responsibility: expand the marketplace and address including Traditional Owners.
Northern Territory Government barriers to growth. The strategy will:
Lead responsibility:
Australian Government
19Maximising Aboriginal opportunities that mining and energy safety for community members and
development may present, and work local emergency services. In addition
employment with local government to provide the it will support agricultural, pastoral,
The Australian Government, Northern infrastructure necessary to attract transport and mining industries better
Territory Government and the Barkly new investors into the mining and manage the impact of rainfall and other
Regional Council will set Aboriginal energy industries. weather events on their businesses.
employment targets across all The process of site selection will
occupational levels, including leadership Lead responsibility: commence in 2019-20 with installation
and management positions within the Northern Territory Government expected to be complete by late 2021-
local workforce, and procurement targets 22.
for goods and services from Aboriginal
Weather radar Lead responsibility:
owned and operated businesses across
the supply-chain. The targets will The installation of a new weather Australian Government (Bureau of
align with the Australian Government radar to provide real-time weather Meteorology) with a funding contribution
Government’s Indigenous Procurement information has been a long-standing from the Northern Territory Government
Policy (2015) and the Northern Territory issue for the Barkly community
since the previous radar was
existing Special Measures policy and
decommissioned in 2015. The
Improvements to the
procurement policies. The targets will be
reported on annually. Australian Government will invest delivery of the
$15.4 million over 21 years Community Development
Lead responsibility: (2021-22 to 2041-42) for the Program (CDP)
Joint Australian Government, Northern acquisition, installation, operation
Territory Government and Barkly and maintenance of a new Doppler The Barkly Regional Council will
Regional Council weather radar in Tennant Creek with a partner with local Community
co-investment of $2.5 million from the Development Program providers to
Northern Territory Government. The ensure alignment of the work program
Barkly Mining and Energy new S-Band weather radar will provide with community priorities and create
Services Hub communities across the Barkly region employment pathways for participants.
Operating from the Barkly Business with more real-time and short-term
Lead responsibility:
Hub, dedicated staff will assist weather information. The local weather
Barkly Regional Council
Barkly businesses to understand the radar will improve road and air travel
20 B A R K LY R E G I O N A L D E A LSocial Development
Improving social outcomes, including reducing overcrowding and improving child safety, is a critical
aspect of the Barkly Regional Deal. Substantial investment and activity has been directed towards
increasing accommodation options and housing supply in the deal—from transitional and crisis youth
accommodation through to affordable housing—in recognition that overcrowding is one of the most
pressing issues in the region. A strong relationship exists between overcrowding and other social
outcomes including child vulnerability (neglect and abuse), educational outcomes, community conflict,
domestic and family violence, youth crime and unemployment. A ‘housing first’ approach has been
adopted for the Barkly Regional Deal because without attempting to reduce chronic overcrowding,
other long-standing social and economic challenges in the Barkly region are unlikely to improve.
Headline initiatives
Government investment and way of working as having ‘… no time, the Barkly Regional Deal is improving
no energy, poor mental wellbeing and and strengthening the local service
service system reform an inability to stretch further’. The Royal system to ensure it responds to local
A consistent and repeated issue raised Commission into the Protection and priorities and needs, and results in
by the Barkly community is the need Detention of Children in the Northern measurable social and economic
to strengthen the collaboration, Territory (2018) (Royal Commission) outcomes across the Barkly region.
coordination and accountability of found the child, youth and family This long-term reform agenda will
government funded and delivered service system across the Northern be implemented over the life of the
services in the region. The region Territory to be disjointed, have gross Barkly Regional Deal and will be
currently receives around $200 million inefficiencies and waste, and be less developed and implemented in the
per year from the Australian and effective at achieving long lasting context of the Coordinated Funding
Northern Territory Governments benefit. This resulted in lower uptake, Framework recommended by the
(based on 2017-18 data) and is access and trust in the services offered. Royal Commission and agreed by
administered through 362 programs The Royal Commission found that the Australian Government and the
and services. Better outcomes can be this inefficiency was largely due to a Northern Territory Government. The
achieved from the existing spend. lack of meaningful opportunities for Barkly region will be a priority location
Aboriginal Territorians to be involved to commence implementation in the
The current service system in the
in the design and delivery of services Northern Territory. This will involve:
Barkly region is fragmented and lacks
that affect them.
transparency despite the dedication • Assessment and review of the
and commitment of the local workforce. In response to the findings of the effectiveness, efficiency and
This has resulted in service gaps, Royal Commission, on 14 March 2019 appropriateness of existing
duplication, and in some cases, the the Australian Government tasked government funded and delivered
delivery of ineffective services. This the Productivity Commission with services (currently underway)
is compounded by the practical examining ways to improve funding
• Local community involvement in
challenges of delivering services in arrangements across and within
the planning, design and monitoring
a remote location with high levels the Australian Government and
of current and future government
of entrenched economic and social the Northern Territory Government
investment
disadvantage. Frontline government and the services delivered via these
service providers describe their default funding arrangements. A priority for
21• Strengthening the different types of accommodation Government funding will be used
coordination and integration options—such as permanent camping for the consultation, design and
of frontline services sites, dormitories and cabins—that construction phases (capital works)
can flexibly respond to demand and all ongoing operational funding
• Improving the coordination
throughout the year. The model will be provided by the Northern
of government funding to the
will identify options to maximise Territory Government. Potential
non-government sector
efficiencies and reduce costs, including land options will be canvassed
• Adopting an outcome-based accessing existing services from the with Aboriginal Hostels Limited
approach to service current Aboriginal Hostels Facility (adjoining vacant land) and the
planning, delivery and (for example, meals) and integrating Barkly Regional Council.
performance reporting to both service offerings, including a
improve the accountability potential redevelopment of the existing Lead responsibility:
of government funding. Aboriginal Hostels Limited property as Joint Aboriginal Hostels Limited,
part of a larger Visitor Northern Territory Government and
Lead responsibility: Park complex. Barkly Regional Council
Joint Australian Government and
Northern Territory Government The Tennant Creek Visitor Park will
be a joint venture between Aboriginal Crisis youth support—safe
Hostels Limited, the Northern places and accommodation
Tennant Creek Visitor Park Territory Government and the Barkly
Regional Council, with the objective The Northern Territory Government
As part of the Barkly Regional Deal,
to transfer operational management will increase the level and type of
a dry and secure Tennant Creek
to a community housing provider youth support services provided in
Visitor Park will be constructed for
or another provider two years after the Barkly region. This will include
transitional and seasonal visitors
the business model is viable (for the co-design of a service model in
from outlying communities and will
an operator) and affordable (for consultation with non-government
provide a range of accommodation
residents). The service design model organisations, Traditional Owners,
options. The consultation and
will be developed in consultation Aboriginal language groups and the
design phase will investigate the
with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal local community.
feasibility of designing a scalable
(or expandable) model with language groups across the region
Lead responsibility:
and the local community. Australian
Northern Territory Government
22 B A R K LY R E G I O N A L D E A LSupporting initiatives
Trauma informed care to Aboriginal Hostels Limited in June the identified needs and service gaps in
2018 to repurpose the former student the Barkly region. A phased approach
The Northern Territory Government boarding facility into a 42 bed multi- will be undertaken that includes a
recognises the need for a purpose accommodation facility for series of gateway decisions, including a
multidisciplinary trauma response public housing waitlist clients, renal feasibility study in 2019-20.
for children and young people in the and medical patients, out-of-town
Barkly region. A service model will be visitors and rough sleepers. Lead responsibility:
developed, working with identified Joint Australian Government and
stakeholders to design and implement Lead responsibility: Northern Territory Government
a model that addresses physical Aboriginal Hostels Limited
health, developmental, cognitive and
mental health assessments in a safe
Social and affordable
and culturally appropriate way. The Student boarding housing private-public
model of care is expected to include accommodation partnership
holistic assessment, intensive case In response to low student enrolment A public-private partnership proposal
management and early intervention, and attendance rates, and the with a community housing provider
coordination of support for families large numbers of children and (Venture Housing Company) will
and carers (including respite) and young people left unsupervised at support the construction of 20 units of
outreach services. night, the Australian Government social and affordable housing. This will
will provide capital funding for the include 10 safe houses for younger and
Lead responsibility:
construction of a 40 bed student older Aboriginal women experiencing
Northern Territory Government
boarding accommodation facility for housing stress (rent set at 25 per cent of
students in Tennant Creek and outlying income not including Commonwealth
Multi-purpose communities. The Northern Territory Rent Assistance) and 10 affordable
accommodation facility Government will be responsible for the houses for Aboriginal families with low
ongoing operations and management to moderate incomes (rent set at less
As part of the Barkly Regional Deal, a of the facility, including intensive case than 75 per cent of market rate). The
one year (2019-20) affordability trial management, wrap-around social matched grant contribution from the
will be conducted to reduce the current support services and the provision Australian Government and Northern
nightly tariff to maximise occupancy of suitable land. Governments will Territory Government represents
rates for residents on low incomes, in undertake community consultation 40 per cent of the total construction
particular medical patients sleeping to inform the design of the student costs of the $4.94 million turn-key
rough. Existing Australian Government accommodation facility and a broader housing development. The housing
funding (under the Indigenous school attendance strategy to ensure development involves a partnership
Advancement Strategy) was provided the suite of measures is responsive to between the community housing
23provider, philanthropic donations their homes or assisting them to access facilities exist outside Tennant Creek.
(facilitated by Bank Australia), private timely and affordable residential care is This creates a number of challenges,
company (T&J Contractors) and the a priority for the Barkly region. including making it harder to attract
Australian Government and Northern In addition to Australian Government and retain qualified staff with families
Territory Government. The potential funded residential and home care to the region. Restricted availability
for the National Housing Finance and programs, aged care services are of child care for foster parents also
Investment Corporation to provide delivered to older Aboriginal and Torres means some children have to leave
financing assistance in the form of Strait Islander people close to their their community to be placed in foster
concessional loans, grants, equity home and community through the care in Alice Springs. The Australian
investments (or a combination) will be National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Government is investing additional
investigated as part of this process. Islander Flexible Aged Care Program. funding into the new Child Care
The 2018-2019 Budget committed to Package to provide more support
Lead responsibility: expand the National Aboriginal and for more families. This will bring the
Joint Australian Government and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Australian Government’s child care
Northern Territory Government Care Program by $105.7 million from subsidy outlays over the next few
2018-19 to 2021-22 in remote and years to almost $10 billion a year. The
Community sports very remote Australia, to support new package includes a Child Care
culturally safe aged care for older Safety Net which aims to give the most
The Australian Government will Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander vulnerable children a strong start,
support reactivating and building people close to home and community. while supporting parents into work.
community involvement in local sports Funding rounds under this program Under the Safety Net, the Community
across the Barkly region. The Barkly expansion commenced in 2018, with Child Care Fund makes $110 million
region has a proud sporting tradition of further rounds planned in 2019 and available per annum for five years from
producing successful sports people and 2020. Governments will work with the 2018-19 to increase early learning and
bringing people together. This initiative Barkly community to tailor any new child care participation, particularly in
will build on sporting infrastructure investment to local need. disadvantaged communities. As part
investments in the Purkiss Reserve of the Barkly Regional Deal, the three
upgrade, Elliott football oval, and the Lead responsibility: tiers of government will work with the
Ali Curung sports and recreation centre. Joint Australian Government and Barkly community and prospective
Northern Territory child care providers to increase early
Lead responsibility: learning and child care participation in
Australian Government
Child care places the Barkly region.
Lead responsibility:
Aged care services in The child care centre in Tennant
Creek has 50 approved places and Australian Government, Northern
the Barkly region has reported limited availability. In Territory Government and Barkly
Improving the wellbeing of older addition, very few formal child care Regional Council
people by supporting them to stay in
24 B A R K LY R E G I O N A L D E A LCulture and Place-making
Celebrating and strengthening the Barkly region’s culturally diverse communities and its distinctive
heritage are important features of the Barkly Regional Deal. Investments and initiatives under the
Barkly Regional Deal are designed to enhance community governance, support local Aboriginal
cultural leadership and strengthen community safety and relationships. The Barkly Regional Deal
will help revitalise towns and communities by improving local amenities, investing in community
infrastructure and promoting local events and cultural attractions to attract business growth and
tourism. These initiatives will strengthen the Barkly region as a great place to live, work and visit.
Headline initiatives
Barkly Local Community Local community governance a population of approximately 560
people, has experienced a number of
Projects Fund The Barkly Governance Table will volatile conflicts and riots over the last
The Australian Government, Northern oversee the implementation of the 10 years.
Territory Government and Barkly Barkly Regional Deal and advance other
economic and social development As part of the Barkly Regional Deal,
Regional Council will establish a
priorities in the region over the next ongoing mediation support will
targeted community grants program to
10 years. Funding will be used to be provided for Aboriginal people
deliver local projects in communities
establish a ‘backbone team’ to provide across the region. The mediation
and Aboriginal homelands outside
secretariat, advisory and support model will be co-designed with
Tennant Creek. The aim of the fund will
services to the Governance Table. community members and informed
be to improve liveability, strengthen
by other highly effective mediation
local leadership and implement local
Lead responsibility: and community justice models that
solutions in line with community action
Joint Australian Government and are designed and delivered by local
plans. This could include infrastructure
Northern Territory Government Aboriginal community members.
such as men’s sheds, sporting
A key component of the model will
change-rooms and other community
involve training and empowering
development activities. Community mediation local community members to resolve
Community decision-making under Long-standing community conflict conflict peacefully to strengthen
the fund will support local capacity, exists between some groups in the community safety and relationships,
governance and leadership in remote Barkly region. The reasons for the and to divert community members
communities and contribute to conflicts are varied and complex, from the criminal justice system.
a shared vision for the region. and include the history of European
Program guidelines for the Barkly settlement of the region when various Lead responsibility:
Local Community Projects Fund will unrelated language groups were Joint Australian Government and
be developed with the Barkly grouped together in missions and Northern Territory Government
Governance Table. reserves; intergenerational trauma;
the consequences of poverty and
Lead responsibility: material deprivation; alcohol and
Joint Australian Government, Northern substance misuse; unemployment
Territory Government and Barkly and inter-family disagreements.
Regional Council The community of Ali Curung, with
25Supporting initiatives
Arts Centre in Elliott Update Council website Marketing and promotion
The Northern Territory Government will about Aboriginal history The Barkly Regional Council will
conduct a feasibility study to assess The Barkly Regional Council will work promote the Barkly region, including
the commercial viability of establishing in partnership with Traditional Owners using online and social media
an Arts Centre on the Stuart Highway and language groups across the region platforms, with a focus on attracting
with a focus on attracting visitors and to provide information on the Council business growth and tourism.
developing economic opportunities website about the rich Aboriginal and
in the region. mining history of the region. Lead responsibility:
Barkly Regional Council
Lead responsibility: Lead responsibility:
Northern Territory Government Barkly Regional Council
Supplementary Australian
Government investment
The Australian Government is investing in a number of supplementary initiatives in the Barkly region
that support the objectives of the Barkly Regional Deal. They include:
Supporting development Roads of Strategic Stronger Places, Stronger
of the Beetaloo Importance (ROSI) People
The Australian Government will The Australian Government will invest The Australian Government will invest
invest $1.9 million to work with local $162.3 million to upgrade the Alice up to $2 million over five years from
stakeholders in the Barkly region to Springs to Darwin corridor, which 2019-20 as part of the Stronger Places,
develop a strategy identifying how runs along the Stuart Highway, and Stronger People initiative to support
increased gas activity in the Beetaloo $70 million to upgrade the Northern the operation of a local project team
sub-basin can yield significant Territory component of the Tennant that is accountable to the community-
economic benefits for Aboriginal Creek to Townsville corridor, which led Barkly Governance Table. The
peoples in the Barkly region and the runs along the Barkly Highway. The initiative involves partnering by
Northern Territory. The strategy is upgrades extend to feeder roads on communities, governments, service
part of a broader three year $8.4M these corridors. The Roads of Strategic providers and investors to deliver on
Australian Government investment Importance (ROSI) investments in the a locally designed vision and plan of
to accelerate the future development Northern Territory will ensure that action to create better outcomes for
and production of gas in the Beetaloo key freight roads efficiently connect children, families and communities.
sub-basin, including a feasibility study agricultural and mining regions to Co-investment will be provided by the
and support for the Northern Territory’s ports, airports and other transport Northern Territory Government.
strategic regional environmental and hubs. The initiative will deliver works
baseline assessment. such as road sealing, flood immunity, Lead responsibility:
strengthening and widening, pavement Department of Social Services
Lead responsibility: rehabilitation, bridge and culvert
Department of Infrastructure, Regional upgrades and road realignments. This
Development and Cities will open up corridors to provide a
more reliable road network, improve
access for higher capacity vehicles,
better connect regional and Indigenous
communities, and facilitate tourism
opportunities.
Lead responsibility:
Department of Infrastructure, Regional
Development and Cities
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