$8 million investment for Gove Port precinct set to increase East Arnhem Tourism

$8 million is being invested to upgrade marine and landside infrastructure at the Gunyaŋara (Gove Port) Tourism Precinct to enable growth in the East Arnhem region with an Aboriginal-organisation - Gumatj Corporation Limited - to play a key role.

This $8 million project, which includes a $2 million investment from DEAL, will be delivered in partnership with Gumatj Corporation, the Northern Territory and Australian Governments, and will see new marine and land infrastructure developed adjacent to the Gove Boat Club to support existing tourism operators, and attract new yacht and cruise tourism operators to the region.

The works will include a new breakwater with vehicle and pedestrian access, and a new floating jetting to provide access for larger commercial and recreational vessels.

There will also be new land infrastructure developed including upgrades to parking, a new ablution block and shade structures, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The works, anticipated to be complete by the end of 2023, will support existing tourism and marine operators, including local Yolŋu tourism operators, while providing further incentives for additional businesses to grow in East Arnhem.

The new facilities will help support North East Arnhem Land build a prosperous future and is helping Traditional Owners to realise their aspirations, while strengthening the economic and social outlook for residents across the region.

Djawa Yunupingu, Chairman at Ŋarrariyal Aboriginal Corporation shares “as decision-makers of land use and leasing decisions for this area, we are very excited to have the land tenure tools via our 99 year Township Lease to facilitate and support this project in the most efficient manner. This upgrade fits into the Ŋarrariyal Master Plan as tourism is a key focus for the directors and I. We see better tourism facilities not only as an opportunity to create more Yolŋu employment and business opportunities but as a chance for the East Arnhem region to build the tourism industry and diversify our economy.”

Local Yolŋu businesses will have the opportunity to participate in the delivery of the project and the construction works are expected to provide local Indigenous employment and skills development.

The tenders for the construction will be released before the end of 2022 and will be split into three packages to maximise opportunities for local Indigenous businesses to be involved.

This project has included several years of planning, with both Governments working in partnership with local stakeholders, enterprises and industry bodies to ensure the project delivers practical upgrades that meet the community’s needs.

Once the upgrades are complete, the Gove Boat Club will be responsible for operation of the new facilities, with support and collaboration with the Ŋarrariyal Aboriginal Corporation, Gumatj Corporation, DEAL and the Northern Territory Government.

NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles notes “the Gove deep water port is a key enabler for economic development in East Arnhem Land. The Territory Government has supported this project from inception and we are excited to be amongst the funding partners for the tourism precinct upgrades and providing project management for its delivery.

“By providing better facilities for recreational users, charter vessels and expeditionary cruise ship operators, the Gove Port will be strongly positioned to welcome a new level of tourism visitation and investment.

“This project is a key action under the recently launched East Arnhem Tourism Destination Management Plan and the East Arnhem Regional Economic Growth Plan, and will be delivered in line with the Territory’s new Aboriginal Procurement Policy, ensuring there are significant opportunities for local Aboriginal enterprise and employment.

“This project, along with broader commercial port and road investments in the region, are critical to growing and diversifying the East Arnhem economy over the years ahead.”

DEAL Chief Executive Paul Dobing adds “DEAL has been an enthusiastic supporter of this project from the beginning and we look forward to seeing the port upgrade facilitating growth in existing industry participation, as well as enticing new market enterprises and diversifying the commercial and tourism related offerings across East Arnhem.”