The Territory Labor Government is working with the Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation (LAAC) to negotiate an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) that will open up five new parcels of land for residential, commercial and industrial development.

The provided land will:

• support existing industry,
• promote employment; and
• attract new business investment and development in the Central Australia region.

The package will release five new parcels of land for residential, commercial and industrial development including a new industrial estate south of Alice Springs.

In exchange, the package ensures that Aboriginal Native Title holders will participate in long term economic and social benefits. 

There is no exchange of cash in the deal; instead it focuses on job contracts, training, Aboriginal-led youth programs; cooperative land management and social housing opportunities.

The Territory Labor Government is identifying and fast tracking key projects that will stimulate economic recovery and ensure flow on benefits right throughout the entire Territory.

Quotes from the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler:

“This Indigenous Land Use Agreement will further unlock the potential of Alice Springs, while also recognising the Arrente people.

“Increasing a supply of appropriately serviced land will assist in staving off the effects of economic slowdown, and improve confidence in the economy. It will optimise land allocation, meet end user requirements and provide the right conditions for economic growth.”

Quotes from the Member for Braitling, Dale Wakefield:

“The Territory Labor Government is focused on facilitating and boosting job creating projects in Alice Springs.

“Projects like this create jobs for and into the future, by opening land for tourism, commercial, industrial and residential development.

“Working with Lhere Artepe on this ILUA shows the cooperation between this government and Native Title holders to deliver more development in Alice Springs.”

Quotes from the Member for Namatjira, Chansey Paech:

 “This ILUA means more opportunity for the native title holders of Mparntwe (Alice Springs) in the future development of the town. 

 “I thank Lhere Artepe and its estate groups for working to deliver the best outcomes for jobs and economic development.”

Media Contact: Hannah Farmer 0428 497 154