Barkly Council mayor Steve Edgington happy with how his council have dealt with and emerged from challenges

HALFWAY through his council’s four year term, Barkly regional Mayor Steve Edgington is proud, despite a period of significant struggle in Tennant Creek

Tennant Creek mayor Steve Edgington overlooks the town

HALFWAY through his council’s four-year term, Barkly regional Mayor Steve Edgington is proud, despite a period of significant struggle in Tennant Creek.

Mr Edgington said the establishment of the Barkly Regional Deal, which will see a number of projects established including a 15,000ha solar farm, was the greatest achievement his council had made.

“Under the Barkly Regional Deal, there are a number of projects that will lead to greater investment, attracting industry to create jobs,” he said.

“It’s fantastic to see Sun Cable have recognised Tennant Creek as one of the best locations in the world to establish a solar farm.”

Mr Edgington said it was a remarkable turnaround given a series of events in his first year in charge, tearing apart the reputation of the region.

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“(We received) highly sensitive media attention and of course that media attention was well justified in February 2018, we hit national headlines as result of an alleged rape of a two-year-old child in Tennant Creek which also highlighted a number of other issues,” he said.

“It was a time we needed to pull together as a community and we did.”

With two years remaining in council’s term, Mr Edgington has already set the foundations for a brighter future.

“Over the next 10 years we have a plan to improve social and economic outcomes,” he said. “(That is) to make sure the Barkly is the best place in the Territory to live, work, visit and invest in.”