NT chief minister's Garma town promise on land rights anniversary

Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has pledged that the town of Nhulunbuy will remain in Aboriginal hands following the closure of its primary employer, a Rio Tinto bauxite mine, in 2029. This commitment was made during her first appearance at the Garma Festival, addressing anxieties surrounding the town's future.

Currently, Rio Tinto holds the lease for Nhulunbuy. However, an "in-principle" agreement will facilitate the transfer of this lease to the local Rirratjingu clan once Rio Tinto concludes its operations. Chief Minister Finocchiaro stated that this new model will ensure "long-term, traditional-owner-led tenure" that supports an open town with tradable titles and encourages future investment.

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We have supported Rirratjingu, who have clearly said that they want long-term sub-lease arrangements when Rio Tinto concludes its operations in 2029.

"This agreement will provide confidence and certainty for home ownership, business investment, and lending and finance, so that the full potential of this region and its people can be achieved," Finocchiaro said. She emphasized the decision's structural and symbolic importance for the region's future.

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This agreement will provide confidence and certainty for home ownership, business investment, and lending and finance, so that the full potential of this region and its people can be achieved. The importance of this cannot be glossed over. It is structurally and symbolically critical to the future of this region and acts as a cornerstone decision on which the future will be laid.

Wanyubi Marika, chairperson of the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation, expressed encouragement regarding the progress in securing the region's future. He affirmed the corporation's commitment to collaborating with members, the Northern Land Council, and the NT government to ensure cultural endurance through economic strength and social cohesion.

In addition to land rights, Finocchiaro announced a joint initiative with the Rirratjingu and Gumatj clans to enhance fuel security in the region post-mining. This effort follows the Commonwealth's commitment of $3.2 billion to establish an Australian Fuel Security Reserve, and the Chief Minister is urging the federal government to designate the Gove Peninsula as a critical hub for this reserve.

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We will continue to work with our members, the Northern Land Council, the NT government, and others to ensure our culture endures through economic strength and social cohesion.