A New Journey Together
In 2021, the Traditional Owners of the Gove Peninsula, with the support of the Gove Peninsula Futures Reference Group (The Reference Group) released A New Journey Together - Traditional Owners Vision for the Future of Nhulunbuy and the Gove Peninsula. PDF (2.1 MB)
Read the Gove Peninsula Futures Reference Group Joint Statement – Traditional Owner Vision PDF (116.1 KB)
This vision is vital in shaping the post mining future of the region and will provide the foundations for the Yolŋu land owners, businesses, residents and industry to work together to achieve a positive future for the region.
The vision outlines 8 priority areas the Traditional Owners wish to see achieved for the Gove Peninsula beyond mining and principles for the transition:
- Recognition of Traditional Owners
- Yolŋu and Ŋäpaki together
- Connecting culture and country
- A diverse economy
- Nhulunbuy as a services hub
- Rejuvenating Nhulunbuy
- Infrastructure ready for the future
- Town, communities and homelands strong together.
Listen to the Yolŋu Mathu translation audio MP3 (1.4 MB)
Gove Peninsula Futures Reference Group
The Reference Group was formed in 2019 with members from Traditional Owner organisations of Rirratjiŋu Aboriginal Corporation and Gumatj Corporation Ltd, together with the Northern Territory Government, Commonwealth Government, Rio Tinto and the Northern Land Council.
Rio Tinto's bauxite mining on the Gove Peninsula is due to cease towards the end of the decade. When Rio Tinto's lease ends, this land will be returned to the Traditional Owners. There will be changes and challenges over the coming years as the Gove Peninsula transitions from mining, but this place is special and the people are strong and we are using this moment to create new opportunities across the Gove Peninsula.
To support a positive transition, the Reference Group is currently working collaboratively through a number of potential transitional issues and facilitating the planning for a positive post mining future for the benefit of Yolŋu land owners, local communities, business and industry.
Read the Statement on the future of the Gove Peninsula PDF (350.9 KB)
Listen to the Yolŋu Mathu translation audio MP3 (1.1 MB)