LGANT calls to be included in reconstruction commission as the economy rebuilds

THE Local Government Association of the NT is calling to be included in the Northern Territory’s economic recovery plan, with hopes of providing long term jobs for Territorians

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THE Local Government Association of the NT (LGANT) is calling to be included in the Northern Territory’s economic recovery plan, with hopes of providing long term jobs for Territorians.

Despite not being included in the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission’s first report, LGANT chief executive Sean Holden said local authorities had the power to establish jobs and sustain communities if given the right support.

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“LGANT believes that there is an enormous opportunity to expand local economies in regional and remote communities in particular,” he said.

“To generate economic development with an emphasis on local jobs done by local people is critical.”

Mr Holden said LGANT could employ 3000 Territorians and become the largest employer of Indigenous people in remote and regional areas, and would receive and expend more than $500 million in the Northern Territory annually.

LGANT has found seven initiatives to stimulate the Territory economy, including bringing major projects forward, an emphasis on creative industries cultural, accessible and heritage tourism and the establishment of a red tape reduction task force.

LGANT is also calling for the development of a local procurement and tender ready capability program, a regional qualifications, skills and training audit and leveraging a high level of connectivity for business and communities to ensure the best local workers are rewarded.

Mr Holden said councils could create projects that would provide work for many Territorians.

“Any NT economic development plan must identify major projects but the quickest and most sustainable way forward is to stimulate local economies and this is where local government councils can play a major role in engaging local suppliers, reducing red tape and building critical infrastructure.”

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With 17 different local council’s Mr Holden said no blanket solution could be provided.

“All seventeen councils across the NT need economic development plans that capitalise on our unique communities,” he said

“It’s time to look broader to opportunities in Tourism for example like destination and product development and in more niche areas such as the creative industries, cultural, accessible and heritage tourism.”

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