Alice Springs Town Camps have taken a major step towards taking control of their own affairs with the signing of a Local Decision Making (LDM) Agreement with the Northern Territory Government.
The LDM Agreement provides Alice Springs Town Camps an opportunity to resume control of:
- housing,
- municipal and essential services,
- infrastructure,
- service delivery and
- community development.
As part of the agreement, the Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation, together with the 16 town camp communities have identified the key priorities for their families and Town Camps, outlined in a Wellness Framework.
The Framework sets out the broad priorities for the Town Camps with the first identified priority being community control of housing management and maintenance.
The transition to community controlled housing will remove layers of intermediate management and speed up the process of getting repairs completed.
The return of decision making to Town Camp Residence will provide the necessary backbone for ensuring kids are healthy, connected and well educated and have every opportunity ahead of them.
The Alice Springs Town Camps Local Decision Making Agreement is co-signed by the Chief Minister on behalf of the NT Government, and Mr Walter Shaw, TCAC CEO; and TCAC Board members Mr Geoff Shaw, TCAC President; Ms Maxine Carlton, Vice President; Mr Benedict Stevens, Director; and the 16 Town Camp Presidents.
Overall the agreement enables Town Campers to decide what to prioritise, what programs and services they require and how those services should be implemented and operated.
As stated by Chief Minister Michael Gunner:
"The Territory Government is determined to restore local decision making to remote communities.
"We know that building, supporting and investing in strong Aboriginal governance is necessary to ensure local people drive local solutions and protect culture.
"We know that self-determination is the ultimate way to maximise the best outcomes for communities and create economic independence."
