WHEN I arrived in the Northern Territory my only vision related to starting a school for a group of children living on a remote cattle station south east of Tennant Creek.
Now as the MLA for Barkly I am honoured to be a member of the Government developing a vision for the Northern Territory into 2030!
What a change it’s been, while working out in the scrub!
As part of the visionary Henderson Government I urge the people of the Barkly to join with the consultation processes directly informing the policy, planning and infrastructure that will forge the Northern Territory’s future society and economy.
The Northern Territory government is engaging Territorians in a long term strategic plan that comprises targets and goals of major importance with a Territory 2030 second round consultation taking place in the Barkly this week in addition to written and electronic responses ongoing.
‘Working Future,’ Territory Growth Towns, the Homelands policy, the Regional Integrated Transport Strategy, the Sport and Recreation policy development and the community consultation around the Barkly Prisoner Outreach Program are examples of such planning for the future.
Information is being circulated in our local paper, via Government agency mail outs and flyers from my electorate office and should you have any questions or problems accessing information then please contact the Barkly Electorate Office.
I encourage community members to take note of the Department of Justice’s expression of interest for a community liaison committee that will work with the Correctional Services Department.
The committee will both inform and promote the successful reintegration of offenders back to their communities through vocational training and employment links.
In the coming months I also urge community members to provide valuable input into the design and development of the Regional Integrated Transport Strategy that will link our regional and remote areas through road, rail, air and sea for improved access to services in our regional towns in addition to the safe and effective transport of Territorians.
It is well known that “failing to plan is planning to fail” and the massive bodies of work undertaken by our Government in planning and new policy development represents a proactive positioning of the Northern Territory’s shape and direction over the next couple of decades.
From my somewhat limited vision for a group of isolated kids on the banks of the Frew River nearly thirty years ago I am now on a team that is moving the Territory forward and the important journey toward 2030 needs your advice.
Check your local paper and have your say because you have a Government that is listening to you!