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Barkly on top of NT Budget: Paech

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Nyinkka Nyunyu is set for a $7 million upgrade, announced in this week’s Territory Budget.

The works are part of the Territory Labor Government’s $30 million investment in the Arts Trail Regional Galleries Extension Program.

Speaking to the Tennant & District Times, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chansey Paech said works include a new artist studio, upgraded gallery, performance and storage spaces and immersive audio visual displays and experiences that share history, stories, arts and culture.

“The design is complete and the construction tender will be released in the coming weeks,” he said.

“The upgraded centre will be a major attraction for visitors to the town, as well as a social hub that showcases art and culture from across the region.”

Minister Paech said the Nyinkka Nyunyu announcement was just one of the good news Budget stories for the Barkly.

“The Barkly has come out on top of this year’s Territory Budget, with $134 million worth of major works to rollout across the region,” he said.

“There is $79 million for upgrades the Territory side of the Tennant Creek to Townsville road corridor, including sealing, strengthening, widening and road safety improvements.

“This includes upgrades to the Sandover Highway.

“The works will ensure efficient connection of agricultural and mining regions to ports, airports and other transport hubs, with improved access for higher capacity vehicles.”

Minister Paech said a new visitor experience at Battery Hill, worth $3.5 million, would include gold rush and ore mining interpretive displays; and $32,000 had been set aside for Barkly Regional Arts to undertake a street art project.

“Further, Tennant’s industrial area will be boosted with a $9.5 million investment in a new subdivision on Parnttali Road to support the release of new industrial land,” he said.

“The Budget also includes $5 million for headworks infrastructure to support the release of the third stage of Chittock Crescent which will provide new residential land.

“Meanwhile a $3.4 million commitment as part of the Barkly Regional Deal to upgrade the police watch house has been revised to construct a new, larger watch house with contemporary facilities at a total cost of $11.5 million.

“Other Budget investments include $5.8 million extra for the Tennant Creek Visitor Park, taking the total amount allocated to the Barkly Regional Deal project to $10.8 million. This will provide safe, secure and alcohol-free accommodation for visitors from remote communities and outstations.

“And our Government has budgeted $5.6 million in social infrastructure for the Barkly, including $3.2 million for staff accommodation at the Tennant Creek hospital and $1.3 million for new fencing at Murray Downs School and Tennant Creek High School.” 

Tennant & District Times 12 May 2023

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 12 May 2023.

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