NT Budget 2025-26: National Aboriginal art gallery headlines budget for Central Australia

The national Aboriginal art gallery is the biggest line item for Central Australia in this year’s Northern Territory budget, which otherwise includes renewed funding for several infrastructure, recreation, and development projects in the region. SEE THE DETAILS.

Budget 2025-26 includes $123.5m for delivery of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery.

The national Aboriginal art gallery is the biggest line item for Central Australia in this year’s Northern Territory budget, which otherwise includes renewed funding for several infrastructure, recreation, and development projects in the region.

Budget 2025-26 includes $123.5m for delivery of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery, although there is still no timeline for when it will be delivered.

The total $169m infrastructure spend for Alice Springs also includes $14.8m for a new library, $14.1m for the Gillen multi-sports precinct, and $8.9m to establish a new multicultural centre.

Treasurer Bill Yan is also the local member for Namatjira, and said the budget was “investing heavily in the heart of Central Australia”.

“This budget delivers real funding, infrastructure and support to restore safety, services and confidence in the heart of Australia, Alice Springs,” he said.

“That is why this budget delivers $168.7m to bring back liveability, pride and community safety, delivering projects that support children, strengthen communities and brings back the liveability of this great town and what it is known for.”

Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and Treasurer Bill Yan. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Key infrastructure projects for Alice Springs:

• $123.5 million for delivery of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery
• $14.8 million to construct a new Alice Springs Town Council Library, expanding public services and enriching community spaces
• $14.1 million for a multi-sports precinct in Gillen
• $8.9 million to establish a new multicultural centre to celebrate and support Alice Springs’ diverse cultural landscape
• $5.7 million for a new regional Skate and Play Precinct at Newland Park with $4 million from the Commonwealth
• $4.8 million towards a new Tourism Central Australia headquarters and Visitor Information Centre to help strengthen local tourism
• $450,000 for free pool access at the Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre during summer holidays, Saturday afternoons and all-day Sunday

The budget also includes $14m to construct enabling infrastructure (such as power, water, sewerage and roads), site preparation, demolition and remediation to develop up to 120 social housing dwellings at the St Mary’s site.

Works for the project are expected to commence mid year, with plans to preserve the historic chapel, mural, and other items of cultural significance.

The program of land release includes $11 million for headworks infrastructure and subdivision works to support the development of Kilgariff residential land; $9.4 million for infrastructure to mitigate flooding in town; $1.2 million to remediate Alice Springs lots at the Shell depot site; and $0.9 million for subdivision works at Sienna Village.

While infrastructure took a cut overall, key road commitments remain in the budget, including $289 million to upgrade and seal 150km of the Tanami Road; $161 million for continuing works on the Outback Way to upgrade various sections of the Plenty Highway and the Tjukarura Road; and $8.9 million for upgrades to Schwartz Crescent and Stuart Highway intersection.

Funding to establish a multi-day walking track in Watarrka National Park also remains in the budget, with $5.5 million.

Braitling MLA and Environment Minister Josh Burgoyne also spruiked the $2m committed to pilot an emergency communications centre based in Alice Springs.

“These digital improvements will deliver on our promises to reduce crime and restore our lifestyle by getting first responders there quicker and ensuring we can save lives,” he said.