Top End

The Top End region encompasses the northernmost section of the Territory, an area of 112,295km².

Of the 17,900 residents living across the region, approximately 74% are Aboriginal with a large proportion under the age of 24. Only 7% are aged 65 or older.

With almost three-quarters of residents identifying as Aboriginal people, and with the majority of land across the region classified as Aboriginal land, traditional Aboriginal landowners play a critical role in the development of the region and its industries, infrastructure and services.

Additionally, the implementation of Local Decision Making policy across the region is providing a new working relationship between Aboriginal communities and government agencies to support self-determination.

Download Northern Territory Government regions map with place names PDF (410.7 KB)

West Daly (Thamarrurr) region

LDM Statement of Commitment signed on 13 November 2018.
The Commitment brings together Aboriginal controlled organisations representing communities from the West Daly (Thamarrurr) region including Wadeye, Nganmarriyanga, Peppimenarti, Emu Point and Wudikupildiya, as well as the West Daly Regional Council.
The parties to the Commitment will work towards developing a LDM Multi‑Agency Partnership (MAP) Agreement.
West Daly region Statement of commitment PDF (1.8 MB)
Mulyung Aboriginal Corporation - Local Decision Making Agreement 2022-2026 PDF (10.4 MB)

Green River Aboriginal Corporation (GRAC)

LDM Multi‑Agency Partnership (MAP) Agreement and Implementation Plan for the Nauiyu community is in the final stages of development.
This Agreement will be based on the social and economic priorities identified by the community and raised with the NT and Commonwealth governments.
GRAC Local Decision Making Agreement 2022-2026 PDF (9.5 MB)

Tiwi Islands region

The NT Government is engaged with the Tiwi Land Council, Tiwi Islands Regional Council and Tiwi Skin Group around LDM. Discussions are focused on exploring the Tiwi’s aspirations and how LDM can help to achieve them.
The parties are considering developing a Statement of Commitment to guide the LDM process.

Other LDM initiatives (across Top End region)

The NT Government continues to support the Traditional Owners’ vision to transition Jabiru to a tourism and regional services hub for Kakadu National Park and the West Arnhem region. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) PDF (1.8 MB) between the Commonwealth and NT governments, Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation and Energy Resources of Australia on the Future of the Jabiru Township was signed on 14 August 2019. The MoU sets out each party’s commitment to realising the Traditional Owners’ vision.
Memorandum of Understanding
Gunbalanya School transitioned from Department of Education control to an independent school. The Gunbalanya Community Independent Public School Board is made up of community members.
In Gunbalanya, the Gunbalanya Lore and Justice Group formed in early 2019 due to a rise of youth crime in the school holidays. The membership consists of Gunbalanya leaders with cultural authority and has a strong focus on working with Bininj youth and key organisations to implement a culturally respectful Youth Diversion program.
In Maningrida, the Narmalaya Law and Justice Group has been re-established with membership including community leaders and Jungia/custodians. The Group has a particular focus on the Aboriginal Justice Agreement and youth diversion programs.
The Department of Education will establish Local Engagement and Decision Making (LEaD) committees in remote community schools over the next three years. In 2019, 34 committees are expected to be set‑up and another 20 in 2020. A committee has been established in Belyuen, while another is in the final stages of being established in Batchelor.