More than 20 new infrastructure projects in the pipeline for Red Centre remote communities

More than a dozen Red Centre remote communities will benefit from a share of $28 million in investment. Find out where the funding will flow.

The sign for Yuendumu and Papunya on the Tanami Highway.

New recreational halls, oval upgrades, grandstands, BMX pump tracks and more will soon be built in more than a dozen Red Centre remote communities after more than $20 million in funding was announced for their construction by the federal and Territory governments.

Partnering with Central Desert and MacDonnell regional councils, as well as Central Australian remote communities, the governments announced 23 new projects to the cost of $28 million.

Communities such as Yuendumu, Laramba, Papunya, Ntaria, and more are set to benefit from the second tranche of Central Australia Plan’s $50 million Community Infrastructure Package.

Federal Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney alongside Assistant Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy and Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour.

New cultural centres are planned for Yuendumu and Ti-Tree, oval upgrades are earmarked for Yuelamu and Atitjere, and new BMX pump tracks will be built in Luritja Pintubi and Titjikala.

Engawala will get a new public toilet, Willowra will have its oval relocated, and Pmara Jutunta will have a new community store – with more upgrades planned for communities in both the northern and southern regions of the Red Centre.

Northern Territory Aboriginal Affairs and Local Government Minister Chansey Paech said it was important the federal and Territory governments worked together to deliver these upgrades.

“These projects will be a huge boost to communities across Central Australia and will strengthen our local government councils as well as create job opportunities throughout the region,” he said.

Lingiari MHR Marion Scrymgour said the projects were part of a shared vision for a “better, safer future for Central Australia”.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the next tranche of projects rolling out, with the first tranche of projects already getting up and running, greatly benefiting local residents across Central Australian communities,” she said.

Former federal Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney thanked the community leaders for their help in identifying the projects, while Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Catherine King said the federal government was “investing in better amenity and liveability for Central Australian communities.”