Job creation, wealth-building and local decision making are at the forefont of plans for the future of the Gove Peninsula.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner has met with Indigenous community groups over the past two days to progress several projects that will shape the township over the next 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 is in addition to a $2m commitment from Developing East Arnhem Limited (DEAL) and $4.5m from the Federal Government’s 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.

• Launching a 15-episode, online, high definition YouTube series focused on remote fishing and cultural experiences in East Arnhem Land. Produced by Run for the Hills Productions, the Wild North series was supported with $160,000 from Tourism NT and will be available weekly from next month. The Wild North series follows on from the popular Fishing the Wild series that was broadcast on 7Mate.

• Establishing Terms of Reference for the Gove Peninsula Futures Reference Group. The working group was set up to map out the future of the region after the expected closure of the Rio Tinto mine in 2030.

  The primary aim of the working group is to provide a social and economic transition that benefits Traditional Owners, businesses, industry and residents. Rio Tinto through the Nhulunbuy Corporation currently operate and maintain the township including essential services and community infrastructure.

• Committing to creating an East Arnhem Landowner Prospectus with DEAL and regional stakeholders. The prospectus will provide a comprehensive overview of industry viability information and data with a list of landowners interested in pursuing different industries on their land.

  The prospectus would be used to attract investors and business and ensure landowners can take advantage of job and wealth creating opportunities.

• Signing a commitment to establish a Yolngu Region Local Decision Making (LDM) partnership. The commitment allows the Yolngu and NT Government to work towards a full agreement that will give Traditional Owners the ability to make decisions on a range of topics including health services, housing, business and tourism.

Quotes from the Chief Minister, Michael Gunner

“There are exciting things happening on the Gove Peninsula that will mean more jobs for parents, stronger schools for children and better health services.

“We are giving tourists more reasons to visit, recreational fishermen more reasons to drop a line and more avenues for industry to flourish.

“We are working to realise the aspirations of Traditional Owners while strengthening the economic and social outlook for all residents.

“With progressive and proactive initiatives underway, the future for the Gove Peninsula looks bright.”

Media contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192.