'Regional Deal' talks push forward

Mayor Steve Edgington has invited two Federal Ministers to Tennant Creek to progress the Barkly Regional Deal.

Posted: Friday, 17 August 2018

Building on from the Prime Minister’s recent trip to Tennant Creek, the Mayor and Councillor Kris Civitarese met with the Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government, Dr John McVeigh, the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator Nigel Scullion, and the Minister for Social Services, Dan Tehan, in Canberra today (Thursday, 17 August) to discuss the Barkly Regional Deal.

Minister McVeigh said during the meeting that the issues facing Tennant Creek and the Barkly region as a whole spread across Federal, Territory and Local Governments, and a three-tiered solution was needed. 

“The Federal Government is keen to work together with the Territory and the Barkly Regional Council to develop a fair dinkum plan that cuts through the red tape to deliver real solutions to local residents,” said Dr McVeigh.

“Today’s discussions were frank, open and honest and that’s how we intend to continue going forward.” 

 Mayor Edgington has now offered to host a visit from Dr McVeigh and Senator Scullion in Tennant Creek to continue discussions about establishing the Barkly Regional Deal. 

 “With responsibility for Territories and Local Government as well as Regional Development, I will help coordinate a multi-portfolio solution to deal with social, housing and employment issues in Tennant Creek and the Barkly region,” said Dr McVeigh.

“We’ll set short and long-term goals with an immediate focus on tackling social issues – housing and over-crowding, better education outcomes and community safety, especially related to child protection.

“We want to get on with the job with as much speed as possible.”

Mayor Edgington and Cr Civitarese welcomed the visit by Dr McVeigh and Senator Scullion.

“This is a major step forward by the Australian government to ensure that we get on with the job of establishing the Barkly Regional Deal,” said Mayor Edgington.

“There’s already collaboration in Tennant Creek, but the development of a detailed plan around social and economic development will be much more effective in making the Barkly a better place to live, work, visit and invest in.”