MacDonnell Regional Council Calls for Infrastructure Investment to Support Closing the Gap Initiatives
14 February 2025
MacDonnell Regional Council welcomes the Prime Minister’s announcement of $842 million in funding to support Closing the Gap initiatives. However, while increased investment in services and programs is vital, it must be matched with funding for the essential infrastructure that allows these initiatives to succeed through Northern Territory Remote Aboriginal Investment.
“It is fantastic to have well-funded organisations and programs in our remote communities, but there is a huge concern if we do not have the infrastructure to support them,” said Roxanne Kenny, President MacDonnell Regional Council. “Without safe and reliable roads, better street lighting, floodway infrastructure, and proper footpaths, our communities will continue to be left behind.”
Councils like MacDonnell Regional Council are best placed to deliver infrastructure improvements, but we need funding to bring remote communities up to the standard expected in all regional and remote towns across Australia. Investment is urgently needed to improve:
- Road access to remote communities, including bitumen roads and concrete driveways
- Footpaths, kerbing and pedestrian-friendly spaces
- Bitumenised internal roads.
- Better street lighting for safety and security
- Floodway infrastructure to ensure year-round access
- Beautification of common areas to create more liveable and vibrant communities
MacDonnell Regional Council has already done the groundwork, with all communities surveyed and infrastructure needs costed. Now, we need the funding to make these improvements a reality.
“The Northern Territory’s local government councils are too often forgotten in national funding discussions. We are ready to deliver these essential projects, but we need support from the Federal Government to make it happen,” Roxanne Kenny, President MacDonnell Regional Council, added.
MacDonnell Regional Council calls on the Australian Government to ensure that funding for Closing the Gap includes critical investment in infrastructure, ensuring that remote communities are not just serviced but are supported to thrive.
For media enquiries, please contact media@macdonnell.nt.gov.au