Groote Archipelago Regional Council elections delayed by five months following calls for ward representation
The first ever election for a remote island council has been cancelled just days before polls were due to open. See why the 11th hour delay will change the shape of the future local government.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The election of the first ever Groote Archipelago Regional Council has been pushed back five months following disagreement over the future local government’s internal structure.
The new Local Government Minister Steve Edginton announced the election, which was set for Friday, needed to be delayed until March 15, 2025.
Early and postal voting in the island electorate has been open since October 14, while remote voting polls were set to open this Monday.
The NT electoral commission said 22 candidates put up their hands to fill the seven open vacant positions, however Mr Edginton said the community was now calling for a ward representation system.
Mr Edgington said there was a “strong community sentiment” that the council should have designated positions for each region on the Groote Archipelago.
“(I) want to make sure the establishment of the council is built on a strong foundation of fairness, inclusivity, and representation,” he said.
“(I’m) committed to returning local control through local government, so that Aboriginal people have a direct say on what they need in their communities.”
Mr Edgington said there would be “robust” community consultation about the structure of the future council in November, discussing if there was support for wards, their boundaries, and how many councillors were needed.
The 11th-hour election delay comes more than two years after the prospective council was announced, breaking away from the nearby East Arnhem Regional Council.
The annexation of the archipelago was the result of years of lobbying from Anindilyakwa traditional owners who wished to take back control of local government affairs for their communities, including Angurugu, Umbakumba and Milyakburra.
EARC has agreed to continue providing most services to Groote Archipelago residents until June 30, 2025, allowing the new council to build up its capacity and hire staff.
Given the five month delay in establishing the Groote council, it is expected the service agreement contract will need to be extended.
The EARC has previously voiced concerns about the adequacy of funding for Groote council, with the former NT government committing $3m per annum towards its formation and operation alongside additional commonwealth support.
More Coverage
Originally published as Groote Archipelago Regional Council elections delayed by five months following calls for ward representation
Students receive ‘vital’ remote healthcare training
Trauma management, resuscitation and care of infants was the focus for 30 students who will go on to support remote communities across the Territory.
Woman airlifted after being attacked and left outside hospital
Police allege a woman was dumped in front of the Alice Springs Hospital after being brutally assaulted by a weapon. Read the latest.