The delay in youth centres in the Barkly region has been a major talking point in the region of late.

A Barkly Regional Council spokesperson said contractors for the Ali Curung Youth Centre, Harvey Developments, just yesterday received development permits from the NT Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, which the contractor submitted weeks ago.

The project was in dire straits, with a funding extension granted until 31 December due to planning issues with the sacred tree in its original plans. The plans were resubmitted to include and protect the sacred tree in the project.

Recent media attention has also been focused on the Tennant Creek Youth Centre, which remains vacant and unused.

The Youth Centre is going grey whilst the crickets are chirping, awaiting occupancy certification from the same department.

To make matters worse, the Federal Government requires 56 days’ notice for its opening to ensure the relevant Ministers can have their shine on the podium.

The spokesperson said the Tennant Creek Youth Centre is ready to open and deliver the services, but red tape and public sector staffing issues within the NT Government department are holding the project back.

“The Tennant Creek Youth Centre is all good to go but we can’t open the much-needed service until we receive the certificate,” he said. 

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 18 August 2023.