$1.7 million Battery Hill upgrade ensures ‘stories that matter’ to NT keep being told

The visitor attraction in Tennant Creek is experiencing another gold rush this year to help upgrade its ageing facilities.

The Battery Hill Gold Mining and Heritage Centre looks back at the 1930s Australian gold rush.

A Tennant Creek tourist attraction is going to receive a huge cash injection to help upgrade its facilities and digital content.

The Battery Hill Gold Mining and Heritage Centre, which looks back at the 1930s gold rush, has been earmarked for a $1.7 million investment.

The attraction on Peko Road includes museums, mine tours and several exhibits.

A $1.2 million contract has been awarded to McMahon Services Australia to deliver modern facilities to the visitor centre.

Another $500,000 has been signed with Tourism Central Australia to refresh digital content and new storytelling for the Battery Hill Interpretation Project.

The project will help curate the site’s collections, develop digital content and upgrade signage.

Tennant Creek Battery Hill Mining Centre.

It is hoped these new upgrades will enhance the visitor experience and help grow economy in the Barkly region.

The chief executive for Tourism Central Australia, Danial Rochford, said he hoped it would also encourage people to stay longer in Tennant Creek.

Headframe on Battery Hill. Picture: Tennant Creek Regional Tourist Association

“We are excited about this project’s ability to improve the visitor experience at the Battery Hill Gold Mining and Heritage Centre,” he said.

“One of the biggest benefits will be keeping people in Tennant Creek longer, which means more money flowing into the Barkly economy.

“We are so appreciative of the Government backing Barkly tourism in this manner.”

‘Investing in the stories that matter’

Works on upgrading the visitor centre are expected to start later this year.

These will run alongside the interpretation project.

Member for Barkly and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Steve Edgington, said the projects will help the centre to continue to showcase Barkly’s rich heritage.

Mr Steve Edgington MLA, Member for Barkley. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“These projects clearly demonstrate our government’s commitment to delivering for regional Territorians,” he said.

“We’re investing in the stories that matter to this great region and building infrastructure that respects our past while shaping a stronger future.

“This will create real economic benefits while celebrating Barkly.”

Marie-Clare Boothby, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, said the works show the Government’s commitment to the Rebuilding the Economy 2025 Strategy.

“Unlocking regional growth is a key pillar of our Rebuilding the Economy strategy, and this is another example of us getting on with the job,” Ms Boothby said.

“Our Government is making real progress on these projects because they deliver real value for the Barkly region – economically and as part of our long-term vision for Territory tourism.”