New ward structure for Groote Archipelago Regional Council

By PETER ROWE

The NT Government has announced a new ward structure for the Groote Archipelago Regional Council (GARC) which it says will offer fairer and more localised representation to residents AND restore control to Aboriginal communities.

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

The Groote Archipelago lies about 50 kilometres offshore from the Northern Territory mainland and about 630 kilometres from Darwin.

Previously comprising 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.

Mr Edgington 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.

“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,” Mr Edgington said.

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

In October elections were postponed to allow time for detailed community consultations on the governance and representative structure.

“The residents of the Groote Archipelago Region spoke, and the 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,” Mr Edgington added.

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

GARC Constituting Member Mr Michael Malouf AM said the community welcomed the 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,” Mr Malouf said.

Anindilyakwa Land Council Chairperson Cherelle Wurrawilya said her people had fought hard for many years to see the return of Local Government to Anindilyakwa communities.

“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,” she said.

The new three-ward structure 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,” Mr Edgington said.

Nominations will open on 31 January for the 15 March election.