Mayor Woods cements the role of Aboriginal Controlled Regional Councils

West Arnhem Regional Council Mayor James Woods says strengthening Regional Councils is the only way forward for effective local decision making and improving outcomes for Aboriginal Communities in the Northern Territory.

The topic of local decision making for Aboriginal Communities was discussed at a Q&A panel session with the Chief Minister Eva Lawler and Leader of the Opposition Lia Finocchiaro at the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) April Conference.

Mayor Woods has spoken publically with local media on the success of the current structure of local decision making which is already in place through the role of Aboriginal Controlled Regional Councils.

“Council and Local Authorities already serve as the voice for our Communities and we are doing what needs to be done every day to deliver better outcomes at the local level,” he said.

While emphasising the successful role local government plays in not just local decision making, but also representation and empowerment of Aboriginal Communities, Mayor Woods says the government needs to implement a common sense approach which embraces and strengthens existing Councils.

“Our Council, which is Aboriginal Controlled already, is proud of our structure, our role and our service to Community. What is lacking is sufficient funding for regional and remote Councils for better service delivery,” he said.

“This is a funding challenge, not a structure challenge.”