Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler

New Tennant Creek Entry To Make A Statement

Victor P Taffa

Iconic new entry statements will soon welcome visitors to Tennant Creek, following the release of the construction tender, which has brought the project a step closer.

“These entry statements will provide local jobs, while providing visitors and tourists alike a striking welcome to Tennant Creek and an additional incentive to explore what the town has to offer.” Minister for Infrastructure Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler said.

Northern Territory Government allocated $2 Million in Budget 2018 to design and construct entry statements that reflect the unique culture and heritage of the Barkly region town.

“Tennant Creek residents are proud of their community, so it’s fantastic to see this project come to fruition.” Member for Barkly Gerry McCarthy said.

This funding adds to the $5.5 Million investment in tourism infrastructure to revitalise and improve the visitor experience as part of the Northern Territory Government’s record $103 Million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package.

Extensive consultation was undertaken to involve the community in the design and location of the entry statements, which resulted in the selection of ‘Nyinkka’ as the centrepiece of the structure.

‘Nyinkka’ is the Warumungu word for the Spikey-Tailed Goanna.

“Upgrades to the visitor centre will create a central hub to feed into interpretive and interactive experiences. This investment will also improve facilities for tourist vehicle and van arrivals, including new parking and amenities encouraging coach and caravan stop overs.” Acting Minister for Tourism and Culture Natasha Fyles said.

Contract to create the ‘Nyinkka’ sculpture was awarded to Bennet Design Pty Ltd in April and is expected to be completed this month.

Dual entry statements will welcome the nearly 100,000 visitors who stay in Tennant Creek each year at both the northern and southern entrances.

Following the award of the tender, construction is expected to commence in late September and be completed by the end of 2018.