Joint Media Release with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Leader of The Nationals The Hon Michael McCormack MP;  Barkly Regional Council Mayor Cr Steve Edgington and Country Liberals Candidate for Lingiari Jacinta Nampijinpa Price

Young people in the remote Northern Territory town of Elliott will now have a safe place to relax, socialise and take part in community programs, following the refurbishment of the local community hub.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Coalition Government’s $136,505 investment demonstrated its commitment to providing the infrastructure required to support social and community activity in regional Australia.

“By helping to fund the upgrade of Elliott’s community hub, we’re not only providing the resources residents need but also providing economic opportunity,” Mr McCormack said.

“With six construction jobs created and a further six ongoing roles supported, in addition to generating revenue through community events and meetings, projects such as this help to create the thriving regional communities that make this country such a wonderful place to live.”

Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Country Liberals Senator for the Northern Territory, Nigel Scullion, said the refurbishment of the existing community building will provide a venue capable of accommodating catering for functions and holding good-nutrition workshops and cooking classes.

“The new hub will provide a safe environment for young people to relax, socialise and play sports, while also providing a venue for presenting programs about the dangers of alcohol and drug use,” Senator Scullion said.

“Through providing a shaded outdoor area, new lighting, the construction of a basketball court, installation of a water fountain and seats and tables for up to 20 people, anyone who needs a safe place to visit in Elliot will only have to look as far as the local community hub.”

Barkly Regional Council Mayor Steve Edgington, who is also the Chair of Regional Development Australia NT, said the project is an exciting and much needed development as the sporting facilities in Elliott are ageing.

“This upgrade enhances a key recreational hub in the community and will provide a lively meeting place for local residents to come together to have fun and participate in sports,” Cr Edgington said.

“A sport and recreation centre promotes an active, healthy lifestyle, but also provides a sense of belonging and aids the development of life skills and leadership abilities.”

CLP Candidate for Lingiari, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, said the CLP was investing in better community infrastructure for remote and regional Territory communities.

“Providing these wonderful community facilities for the Elliott community will help the youth engage in safe and fun activities as well as teaching them about the dangers of drugs and  the importance of healthy eating,” Ms Price said.

This project was jointly funded with the Coalition Government investing $136,505 and Barkly Regional Council providing $93,136.

This project was funded under the Coalition Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, a $641 million investment designed to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future.

Senator Scullion warned that Labor was fundamentally opposed to funding critical infrastructure like this in rural and remote communities and would abolish programs like the BBRF if they were elected.