Investing on the Tiwi Islands
Tiwi people are keen to boost economic development on the islands and, after extensive consultation, the Land Development Corporation - the Northern Territory Government’s Business Division - has a reached an agreement with the Tiwi Land Council and Tiwi Aboriginal Land Trust to attract private investment.
The Land Development Corporation can provide support to investors, including engagement with Traditional Owners, assistance with Government process and technical advice. It will support and facilitate the lease process for investors through the formal and informal arrangements it has negotiated with the Tiwi Land Council and Traditional Owners.
Under the agreement with the Land Council and Land Trust the Land Development Corporation, if approved by the Traditional Owners, may lease selected land for up to 99 years, on a commercial basis with a fair market value for rent. The agreement enables the Corporation to attract and facilitate investment through a range of business models that may be suitable, including private ownership or a joint venture with Tiwi people.
There are a range of opportunities available on the Tiwi Islands including:
- Tourism and Residential
- Aquaculture
- Agriculture
- Industrial
The aim is to create jobs and wealth on the Tiwi Islands through well-managed, sustainable economic development.
In the past, access to services has been a major barrier to economic development on the Tiwi Islands. In 2017, the Power and Water Corporation commenced work to provide power along the major transport networks, including the installation of a solar array to feed into an upgraded power station at Wurrumiyanga and construction of an overland powerline to Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi, with plans to extend to Pickataramoor and Tiwi College - a total distance of 115 kilometres. The project includes state-of-the-art technology enabling the powerline to be taken 40 metres under the Apsley Strait. This work was completed in 2018. The lease for the solar array at Wurrumiyanga was the first signed under the Tiwi Island Framework Agreement between the Tiwi Land Council, Tiwi Aboriginal Land Trust and the Land Development Corporation.