The first meeting of the Hodgson Downs Local Authority on the 20th August has marked the completion of the establishment of 10 Local Authorities in the Roper Gulf Regional Council.
The Northern Territory Government’s Regional Governance Review in 2013 directed Local Government to establish Local Authorities in their regions to represent local communities in planning and local issues.
Roper Gulf has a been a leader in establishing Local Authorities and first meeting of the Hodgson Downs Local Authority (known also as Minyerri) completes the list of Roper Gulf Regional Council’s Local Authorities to be established.
At the start of the meeting Manager of Governance, Jyoti Pudasaini, gave an overview of Local Authorities and welcomed the members, Samuel Swanson, Johnathon Walla, Susan Sammy, Maryanne Vincent and Ken Muggeridge on behalf of the Roper Gulf Council.
Mayor Tony Jack congratulated all involved for getting the Hodgson Downs Local Authority established and for completing the process of establishing all 10 Local Authorities.
“Establishing ten Local Authorities and making them sustainable is a huge task but our Council and communities have achieved this when many others are still just getting started.
Roper Gulf Regional Council can now boast 10 Local Authorities that give communities a direct voice to council. Local Authorities give local communities an important opportunity to be involved and influence local decision making.
I encourage people to develop a strong voice for their community by being involved in their local Authorities both as members or by talking regularly with their local members,” he said.
Hodgson Downs located approximately 250kls south west of Katherine is in the Never Never Ward. The town of about 450 persons is served jointly by Roper Gulf Regional Council and the Alawa Aboriginal Corporation.
For further details please direct your enquiries to Michael Berto, CEO Roper Gulf Regional Council on 08 8972 9000.
ENDS