Plant and equipment, building improvements, fencing, construction works and IT upgrades are amongst infrastructure and services that will be funded by the latest round of the Territory Labor Government’s Local Government Special Purpose Grants.

The program offers local government councils the opportunity to improve community infrastructure and delivery outcomes.

More than $1.95 million has been invested into the latest round of the biannual grants with priority given to councils with limited revenue raising abilities.

In all, 17 grants were approved with highlights including $89,442 to the Barkly Regional Council to purchase a new tipper truck for use at the Alpurrurulam community; $360,000 over three years to the Katherine Town Council towards an innovative, shared-services waste management coordinator position for the Big Rivers region; and $25,000 to the Litchfield Council to plan and design shared library services with the City of Palmerston Council.

Further, the verandahs at the Jirnani Crèche in Wurrumiyanga will be enclosed and secured with a grant to the Tiwi Islands Regional Council worth $86,886 and the Wagait Shire Council will use a $34,889 grant to install an electronic records management system and purchase new IT equipment.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development, Gerry McCarthy:

“The scope for local government and municipal councils to deliver essential infrastructure and services across the Territory will be boosted by these grants.

“Regional and remote councils with lower rate bases, will benefit the most from these grants.

“By increasing the capacity and sustainability of local governing bodies, we are extending opportunities for job creation which is the Territory Labor Government’s number one priority.”

• See attached file for a complete list of grants in this round.

Media contact: Jasmin Afianos - m: 0419 361 127 e: jasmin.afianos@nt.gov.au