The new local government council for the Groote Archipelago has now been formalised, paving the way for the inaugural election of members.
Supported by a $3 million investment through Budget 2024, the establishment of the Groote Archipelago Regional Council is part of the implementation of the Groote Archipelago Local Decision Making (LDM) agreement which enables a greater level of self-determination for the Anindilyakwa people.
The new council, which will be excised from East Arnhem Regional Council following the election, will manage the Angurugu, Umbakumba and Milyakburra communities.
The East Arnhem Regional Council will continue to provide local government services to six Yolngu communities – Ramingining, Milingimbi, Galiwin’ku, Gunyangara, Yirrkala, and Gapuwiyak.
The Groote Archipelago Regional Council represents the Territory’s tenth regional council, and eighteenth local government council.
An election for the seven-member council will be called for 26 October with the final results to be declared on 8 November.
The change of boundaries of the East Arnhem region, and constitution of the Groote Archipelago region take effect on 1 September.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Chansey Paech:
“The new Groote Archipelago Regional Council marks a significant milestone for the Anindilyakwa Traditional Owners who have lobbied to take back control of local government through the Groote Archipelago Local Decision Making agreement which was signed in 2018.
“This is about returning power to the people, enabling these communities to determine the service delivery models that work best for their region.
“Now the Anindilyakwa people are well on the way to being able to make decisions about matters that affect their lives such as service delivery, jobs, and community representation.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Decision Making Selena Uibo:
“The Territory Labor Government signed our first Local Decision Making agreement with the Anindilyakwa people in 2018 to ratify our pledge to transition agreed service delivery areas to community control.
“The new regional council on the Groote Archipelago follows the implementation of other plans such as housing; economic development; law, justice and rehabilitation; and health and wellbeing.
“This represents the aspirations of the Anindilyakwa for self-determination and place-based approaches to service delivery. As local Member for Arnhem, I am very proud to see this come to fruition.”
