Ordinary Council Meeting wrap up

The West Arnhem Regional Council convened for an Ordinary Council Meeting this week, where key discussions and decisions were made to benefit the region.

Councillors received a presentation from the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) President, Hon Kon Vatskalis, and Acting CEO Mary Watson, focusing on topics such as encouraging youth participation in local government. 
The Council also received an overview on the NT Government's Remote Power System Strategy.

A significant agenda item was the approval of the West Arnhem Regional Council (Jabiru Town) By-laws 2024 for public consultation, which will run until 21 October 2024. These new by-laws will replace six existing by-laws, specific to Jabiru.

Council also approved the Funeral and Cemetery Policy, which will serve as an operational guide for the region’s cemeteries under the Burials and Cremations Act 2022. This policy aims to deliver culturally-appropriate cemetery services for families throughout the region.

Council also received a comprehensive overview from the technical services team who have been busy delivering a large volume of projects, many supported by our Local Authorities, throughout the region this dry season.
In Gunbalanya, Local Authority funded projects being finalised include the construction of rest area shelters, additional speed bumps at the office and youth centre and a cold water drinking fountain being installed at the Council office for public use. 
Further upgrades to the Gunbalanya Oval are progressing with resurfacing, line marking and irrigation works in the pipeline. 
In Maningrida, the Airport Road line marking is almost complete and the Maningrida changerooms have broken ground.
There are also many Maningrida Local Authority funded projects underway including new bollards going up at the Cricket Oval, the outdoor gym is nearly complete and the team are in full planning mode for the incredible New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
On the islands, the Warruwi Hall reroof and upgrades are progressing and the Minjilang creche upgrades are now complete.

Council has also been working with the University of Melbourne’s veterinary team to complete the region-wide animal management program for 2024, strongly supported by the Local Authorities, and bringing great benefits to animal health and wellbeing.

All Council meetings are open to the public, with dates and agendas available on the West Arnhem Regional Council website.