The Gove Futures Plan on a Page outlines the objectives and actions which the Reference Group are wanting to achieve in the year ahead. The Plan on a Page will be updated regularly if information changes.
Six individual workstreams have been set up by the Reference Group to support the transition in line with the TO Vision:
Yolŋu & Ŋäpaki together – Identifying, facilitating and actively supporting successful initiatives which contribute to Yolŋu and Ŋäpaki working and living together in harmony.
Land Tenure – Putting in place suitable land tenure that supports investment and developing a master plan for the Nhulunbuy township and related areas which aligns with the TO Vision.
Essential Services – Successful transition of essential services to new authorities and securing and improving enabling infrastructure such as roads, telecommunications, ports and airports.
Community & Government Services – Ensuring core government and community services are sustained and strengthened to ensure Nhulunbuy remains a regional services hub for East Arnhem.
Economic Development & Transition – Maximising the benefits to the region from mine closure work, supporting existing businesses to grow and diversify and facilitating investment in new industries.
Town Governance – Putting in place new arrangements for town governance and municipal services. The below table sets out progress against each workstream in greater detail and articulates how each workstream aligns with the TO Vision.
2023 Plan on a Page
Yolŋu and Ŋäpaki Together
TO Vision Elements
Town, communities and homelands strong together.
Objectives/Actions
Dedicated resources to support workstream.
Identification of a backbone team as part of the ‘Stronger Places, Stronger People initiative'.
Workshop held to identify key areas as a community to live together as Yolŋu and Ŋäpaki as stated in the vision statement.
Land Tenure
TO Vision Elements
A diverse economy.
Nhulunbuy as a services hub.
Rejuvenating Nhulunbuy.
Recognition of TOs.
Objectives/Actions
Consultations with TOs surrounding land tenure models and tenure transition processes completed.
Masterplan consultancy for Nhulunbuy underway.
Identify early diversification of land/assets on minerals title leases.
Develop agreements to lease with Traditional Owners.
Essential Services and Infrastructure
TO Vision Elements
Rejuvenating Nhulunbuy.
Infrastructure ready for the future.
Town, communities and homelands strong together.
Objectives/Actions
Long-term sustainable power distribution, storage and supply - study scope, funding agreed and consultancy underway.
Sustainable essential infrastructure in Nhulunbuy, Prefeasibility study commenced.
Arnhem Fibre Optic Upgrade commenced for Nhulunbuy and Yirrkala.
Central Arnhem Road northern package released.
Gove Port tourism precinct construction commenced.
Community & Government Services
TO Vision Elements
Nhulunbuy as a services hub.
A diverse economy.
Town, communities and homelands strong together.
Objectives/Actions
Planning for regionalisation and strengthening of services in priority areas (education, health, community safety, disability, aged care etc.) for consideration by governments.
NT Government centre and cyclone shelter/recreation projects feasibilities commenced.
Town centre revitalisation supported and progressed (led by NCL).
Social Economic Impact Assessment engagement and consolation for data collection and modelling.
Specific transition projects in partnership with DEAL:
Development and implementation of a housing strategy to meet demand on the Gove Peninsula.
Development and implementation of investment portfolio to support Traditional Owners: viability and market potential of investment opportunities, incl. infrastructure assets available for transfer.
Town Governance
TO Vision Elements
Yolŋu and Ŋäpaki together.
Recognition of TOs Connecting with culture and country.
Objectives/Actions
Terms of Reference settled.
Town Governance modelling: scope agreed and consultant engaged.
TO Vision Elements
Objectives/Actions
