The Territory Labor Government is creating jobs for locals by investing $10 million over the next two years delivering on its election promise to upgrade sporting infrastructure, including ovals, in remote communities throughout the NT.

The NT Government is working in partnership with Regional Councils to ensure this funding supports community priorities and delivers improved sporting infrastructure.

Funding of $2.8 million has been granted to the East Arnhem Regional Council for sporting infrastructure projects.

Minister for Tourism, Sports and Culture, Lauren Moss said Territorians in remote communities love their sport, and communities deserve to have good sports facilities that encourage participation.

The $2.8 million investment will fund:

• Basketball roof and oval lights at Galiwinku
• Basketball roof and oval lights at Millingimbi/Yirrwi
• Oval lights and refurbished irrigation at Gapuwiyak.

Local contractor NT Electrical has been awarded the lighting contracts in Galiwinku, Gapuwiyak and Millingimbi/Yirrwi with works set to start shortly and be completed during March 2019.

In Galiwinku and Millingimbi/Yirrwi contracts for the basketball court rooves have been awarded to Timber and Steel Constructions with works expected to be completed mid-year.

The tender for the Gapuwiyak irrigation works will be released towards the end of February 2019.

Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss

“We continue to invest in the Territory’s community assets because we know they build vibrant communities, boost the economy and create local jobs.

“We want to see more Territorians in remote communities participate in sport to improve health and well-being outcomes, and well maintained sporting facilities including ovals with good facilities, will promote participation.”

Quotes by Acting President of East Arnhem Regional Council, Kaye Thurlow

“As most are aware, participation in sport in remote communities is a way of life. This announcement provides support to our continued work towards building strong and safe communities, and furthering the wellbeing of people and culture by providing suitable infrastructure to support our community based programs. The improved sports facilities can be utilised at night not only for sports but an extended social and civic events calendar which will be of great benefit to the communities in East Arnhem Land.

“Council is proud to be contributing upwards of $500,000 to the completion of these projects, and thanks the NT Government for their support through the sporting infrastructure upgrades project funding, making these works possible.”

Media contact: Trish Grimshaw 0401 119 242