Jobcreation, wealth-building and local decision making are at the forefont ofplans for the future of the Gove Peninsula.
ChiefMinister Michael Gunner has met with Indigenous community groups over the pasttwo days to progress several projects that will shape the township over thenext decade, including:
- Announcing a $1.5m capital grant from the Territory Labor Government to support the upgrade of the Gove Port Tourism Precinct. The $1.5m matches a commitment from Developing East Arm Limited (DEAL) and $4.5m from the Federal Governments Aboriginal Benefits Account. Preliminary concept designs include a shade structure, seating and signage, toilets, a new rock wall and jetty. The upgrade is designed to allow safe passage ashore for cruise ship passengers, encourage visits from private yachts and attract additional recreational fishing and tourism charters.
Launchinga 15-episode, online, high definition YouTube series focused on remote fishingand cultural experiences in East Arnhem Land. Produced by Run for the HillsProductions, the Wild North serieswas supported with $160,000 from Tourism NT and will be available weekly fromnext month. The Wild North series follows on from the popular Fishing the Wild series that was broadcast on 7Mate.
EstablishingTerms of Reference for the Gove Peninsula Futures Reference Group. The workinggroup was set up to map out the future of the region after the expected closureof the Rio Tinto mine in 2030.
The primary aim of theworking group is to provide a social and economic transition that benefitsTraditional Owners, businesses, industry and residents. Rio Tinto through theNhulunbuy Corporation currently operate and maintain the township includingessential services and community infrastructure.
Committingto creating an East Arnhem Landowner Prospectus with DEAL and regionalstakeholders. The prospectus will provide a comprehensive overview of industryviability information and data with a list of landowners interested in pursuingdifferent industries on their land.
The prospectus would be usedto attract investors and business and ensure landowners can take advantage ofjob and wealth creating opportunities.
Signinga commitment to establish a Yolgnu Region Local Decision Making (LDM)partnership. The commitment allows the Yolgnu and NT Government to work towardsa full agreement that will give Traditional Owners the ability to makedecisions on a range of topics including health services, housing, business andtourism.
As stated by the ChiefMinister, Michael Gunner
There areexciting things happening on the Gove Peninsula that will mean more jobs forparents, stronger schools for children and better health services.
We are givingtourists more reasons to visit, recreational fishermen more reasons to drop aline and more avenues for industry to flourish.
We are workingto realise the aspirations of Traditional Owners while strengthening theeconomic and social outlook for all residents.
Withprogressive and proactive initiatives underway, the future for the GovePeninsula looks bright.
