The Territory Labor Government is developing Tennant Creek as the mining services hub of the NT and creating jobs for Territorians through safety works at several legacy mines in the region. The works are also improving safety for visitors.
Another round of legacy mine works in the Tennant Creek region have now been completed, with Aboriginal-owned Territory company Piening Holdings carrying out the works at Lone Star, Enterprise and Kunjarra Quarry (aka The Pebbles).
The historical sites, which are of great significance to the areas heritage, can now be included in any future tourism trails in the area.
Works at Lone Star, Enterprise and Kunjarra Quarry have included backfilling open mines, installing grates over abandoned openings, constructing fences and stabilising the ground.
Mining in the Tennant Creek area began in the 1930s, and most of the legacy mine sites predate the requirement for operators to rehabilitate mines.
The safety works are funded through the Mining Remediation Fund, created through a 1 per cent levy placed on mining securities.
As noted by Member for Barkly, Gerry McCarthy:
The Territory Labor Government is developing Tennant Creek as the mining services hub of the NT, and safety works being undertaken at several legacy mines in the region are creating jobs and improving safety for visitors.
So far $950,000 has been spent on 11 projects in the Tennant region, with work on 10 projects going to Territory businesses.
Sites close to Tennant Creek have been listed as a priority as there is evidence of people visiting these sites.
As the local member, I continue to advocate for further legacy mine projects that will continue to deliver local jobs, promote community safety and enhance industry outcomes.
