The Federal Government has announced more than $24 million in funding for a number of community and infrastructure projects across the Northern Territory.
As the lead up to the federal election begins to swing into gear, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, was in Katherine on Thursday morning, spruiking the funding announcement as Labor attempt to hold on to the crucial and sprawling seat of Lingiari.
"The Australian Government is investing in the Northern Territory supporting partnerships and projects that provide long-term benefits to communities," Minister King said.
"We remain dedicated to working for all Australians by delivering infrastructure that increases community cohesion, liveability and accessibility."
$7 million in funding will be used to enable the infrastructure needed to construct up to 730 homes, as well as parklands, in the Katherine East Neighbourhood Centre.
Furthermore, $4 million from the government's Precincts and Partnerships program will be earmarked as part of a masterplan to upgrade infrastructure as part of the Nitmiluk Tourism Services Precinct in the region and is centred on Jawoyn history and culture, with the goal to develop multipurpose and accessible infrastructure to help contribute to better social, cultural, and economic outcomes.
"I am confident the development of a masterplan for the Nitmiluk Tourism Services Precinct will broaden the community's understanding and appreciation of Jawoyn history and culture, and strengthen social, cultural and economic outcomes for this precinct," Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour said.
In Central Australia, the Ngurratjuta Service Hub will be expanded as part of a $4.8 million dollar grant from the Growing Regions Program, with the aim to provide employment, education, and family support and services, as well as a new climate-controlled facility to help store and preserve the nationally significant art collection on site.
The Urapuntja Community Splash Park will see $1.1 go to splash pads and a number of interactive features, including a bucket dumper, ground sprays and water cannons, and an eight-seater picnic shelter.
The Central Australian Regional Community Precincts, including Ti Tree, Atitjere, Santa Teresa, Papunya, Yuendumu and Ntaria, will receive $4.7 million for planning and design, whilst road safety has been highlighted as a priority, with $1.9 million earmarked for the Willowra main access road and $800,000 for safety upgrades to the Gorrie Road railway level crossing near Mataranka.
Ms Scrymgour said she remained committed to "ensuring the future growth and sustainability of remote communities and regional centres across my electorate of Lingiari".
"I welcome the funding announced today for delivering safer roads, more homes and increasing the liveability of these communities through improved recreational and social infrastructure," she said.
The announcement came just one day after opposition leader Peter Dutton was in the Red Centre, alongside Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, to back the NT government's calls for federal support in Alice Springs.
Despite being a traditional Labor stronghold, Lingiari is seen as one of the seats the Coalition believe they will win at this year's federal election.
