$8m pledge for iconic Alice Springs and Tennant Creek tourist attractions

A Coalition Government has pledged $8 million for two key Central Australian tourist attractions. Find out which ones.

CLP Lingiari Candidate Lisa Seibert, Federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton and Shadow Indigenous Australians Minister Jacinta Nampijinpa PricePicture: Gera Kazakov

Country Liberal Party Candidate for Lingiari, Lisa Seibert has received a commitment from a future Coalition Government of $4 million towards a new RSL museum at the Alice Springs National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

It will be a dedicated, purpose-built facility that attracts heritage and military history enthusiasts, veterans, school groups, and general tourists — bringing more people to Alice Springs.

The Coalition has also pledged $4 million for stage 2 of the Battery Hill Gold Mining and Heritage Centre in Tennant Creek.

The stage 2 funding will include refurbishing key buildings, implementing new exhibitions, and enhancing visitor experiences, including the mine tunnel tour — one of Tennant Creek’s signature attractions.

Road Transport Historical Society CEO, Nick Prus, said the investment in the new museum is essential to preserving Australia’s transport and military history in a way that is engaging, accessible, and fitting for the significance of these stories.

The National Road Transport Hall of Fame is considering leaving Alice Springs after several acts of vandalism. November 22 2017. Photo: EMMA MURRAY

“The new RSL Museum will attract more visitors to Alice Springs, boost local tourism, and provide a dedicated space for veterans, school groups, and history enthusiasts to connect with our nation’s heritage,” Mr. Prus said.

Ms Seibert, said she was thrilled to secure funding for the projects.

“The new RSL museum will provide a more immersive and engaging experience for visitors, making it a standout attraction within the National Road Transport Hall of Fame,” Ms Seibert said.

21Sep97 Battery Hill mine at Tennant Creek. /Mines

“At the same time, the upgrades to the Battery Hill Gold Mining and Heritage Centre will help keep visitors in Tennant Creek for longer, supporting local businesses and jobs.

“This announcement proves the Coalition Government stands with the people of Lingiari — investing in regional tourism projects that will increase visitor spending, extend stays, and strengthen the Northern Territory’s tourism capacity.”

CLP senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price also welcomed the investments, saying they will play a crucial role in preserving and honouring the rich history of both Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.

“This will also encourage more visitors to stay in the Territory longer, which is exactly what we want for Central Australia,” Senator Nampijinpa Price said.

“By supporting these projects, we’re ensuring that future generations can connect with the stories of our veterans and pioneers while also boosting economic opportunities for local communities.”