Monday, February 10, 2025

New ward structure for Groote Archipelago Regional Council

The Northern Territory Government has announced a new ward structure for the Groote Archipelago Regional Council (GARC), which is says will offer fairer and more localised representation to residents.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development. Steve Edgington said it was an exciting time for communities across the region and particularly for the Groote Archipelago Region in the lead-up to their first council election.

Previously comprised of one ward, GARC will now have three wards representing distinct areas of the archipelago – West Ward, Central Ward and East Ward – as a result of strong community sentiment.

“The new ward structure is an important step in making sure the establishment of the council is built on a strong foundation of fairness, inclusivity, and representation,” said Mr Edgington.

“In addition, it will create opportunities for local community members to have a more active role in community development and decision-making processes.”

He said the introduction of additional wards ensured all communities in the Groote Archipelago Region (GAR) were represented in local governance, including residents in smaller communities, such as Milyakburra.

On 18 October last year, in response to strong community feedback, Mr Edgington postponed elections for the new GARC until 15 March 2025 to allow time for detailed community consultations on the council’s governance and representative structure.

“The residents of the Groote Archipelago Region spoke, and the CLP Government listened as we worked with Aboriginal people to empower the community to have a greater say and provide a structure that reflects what the community wants,” said the Minister.

“Now it’s the turn of community members to put their hands up by becoming candidates and running for council.”

Supported by GARC and Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC), extensive community consultation was undertaken on the Groote archipelago to ensure proposed ward boundaries aligned with local community and cultural considerations. Consultations were enhanced through Aboriginal interpreters, ensuring community voices were heard.

GARC Constituting Member, Michael Malouf AM welcomed the new structure announcement.

“This is on the basis that there was strong feedback from all communities on Groote for the new Council to be established in the right way from the beginning with the three wards,” said Mr Malouf.

Anindilyakwa Land Council Chairperson, Cherelle Wurrawilya said: “My people have fought hard for many years to see the return of Local Government to Anindilyakwa communities, and we welcome this decision to empower Anindilyakwa voices by establishing a new ward structure, to ensure that the new council is established the right way from the beginning.”

The resulting three-ward structure for GARC will comprise of two elected representatives from the East Ward and West Ward, and three elected representatives from the Central Ward.

“I encourage all residents of Groote Archipelago Region to make sure they are registered to vote and that their details are up to date,” said Mr Edgington.

Nominations will open on 31 January for the 15 March election. For more information, visit the NTEC website.

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