A petition with more than 700 signatures was presented to Barkly Regional Council yesterday in a bid to improve animal welfare services in town camps.
Local resident Peter Cain said the initiative came after citizens became concerned that the Animal Management Services were provided in town but not local Community Living Areas (CLA).
“We are calling on the BRC to start listening to all ratepayers and engage with the communities,” said Mr Cain.
“BRC needs to engage with an entity with professional expertise and experience to develop and animal management plan in consultation with stakeholders including Traditional Owners and Land Councils.”
One of the petition organisers, Elliot McAdam said residents in CLAs have been paying rates in excess of 30 years.
“Perhaps Council can explain why they can’t provide animal management services in town camps – perhaps the Human Rights Commission might want to be involved if Council can’t sort it out.”
The delegation met with Council yesterday and Mr McAdam was pleased with the outcome.
“The meeting was very constructive and we have a plan to form a group to work with all stakeholders including Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation, Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation, the Land Councils and other stakeholders in the region to service the CLAs.”
This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 19 November 2021.
