1 August 2022
A significant aspect of Closing the Gap in East Arnhem Land is the creation of new industry, jobs and business on country.
Announced over the Garma Weekend, the Territory Labor Government has released the East Arnhem Regional Economic Growth Plan - a collaborative 10 year plan which sets ambitious goals for economic and jobs growth across the 33,000 square kilometres of the region.
The East Arnhem Regional Economic Growth Committee, with the support of key NT Government agencies, has developed a 10 year road map for regional economic growth with the ambitious aim of creating up to 4000 new jobs for the local labour force and to grow the regional economy by 40 per cent, or $400 million, by 2032.
The Plan identifies a number of priority areas to address over the next decade including:
Increase supply of industry housing across the region, including in the service centres in Nhulunbuy and Groote Eylandt;Effective industry and community transitions in the mining centres on the Gove Peninsula and Groote Eylandt including the identification of the future land tenure for Gove Peninsula beyond mining;Accelerated upgrades and sealing the Central Arnhem Road in line with the recently released priorities of the Northern Territory Infrastructure Plan and Pipeline;Improved digital connectivity in the region, including co-funded industry initiatives to address network resilience;The delivery of commercial and tourism port infrastructure at the Gove Port to support diversified industry; andImproved education and workforce development outcomes to maximise local jobs and business development.
At the heart of the plan is a principle that economic prosperity is not in itself the destination. Instead economic growth is seen as an enabler for Yolŋu and Anindilyakwa to thrive and live sustainably in two worlds and on country for many generations to come.
To view the plan visit here
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
"East Arnhem is a highly prospective region. With pristine waters, stunning landscapes, abundant natural resources and rich unbroken cultures, East Arnhem is set to be one of the Territory's fastest growing regions in the decade to come.
"The region is entering a period of transition from a long established resources based economy to a more diverse economy.
"The Northern Territory Government is backing this plan and looks forward to working collaboratively with the Australian Government, Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal business, investors and Land Councils and Traditional Owners to address the identified challenges and opportunities to grow the regional economy for the benefit of all in the region, the Territory and the nation.
"Importantly the Territory's 2022 Budget includes a range of measures which advance priority areas of the Plan including $10 million for co-investment in the Gove Port, $2.1 million to support the Gove Peninsula Futures initiative and up to $120 million for upgrades of the Central Arnhem Road."
Quotes attributed to the Chair of the Regional Economic Growth Committee, Klaus Helms:
"Our Committee is made up of Yolŋu and Anindilyakwaorganisations, regional and local business, leaders, Land Councils, all tiers and government and Traditional Owner groups and has worked collaboratively to develop the East Regional Economic Growth Plan plan over the last year.
"Our Plan sets out our vision and principles for regional development, baseline data and targets, priority growth sectors and clear actions to enable and accelerate East Arnhem's economic growth and participation over the next decade.
"It's an ambitious plan which aims to ensure there is opportunity for all in the region and to attract new industry and partners to create prosperity. We are focussed on enabling Yolŋu and Anindilyakwa people to live sustainably on county for generations to come."
"We welcome the Territory's support and we now call on industry, governments and the wider community to get behind this Plan"
Northern Territory Government
