Top End Region

The Top End Region (the region) encompasses the subregional areas of West Daly (Thamarrurr), Jabiru/Kakadu, Tiwi Islands, West Arnhem and rural and unincorporated areas surrounding the Greater Darwin Region including Wagait, Belyuen and Coomalie.

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.

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

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

West Daly (Thamarrurr) Region

The West Daly (Thamarurr) Region LDM Statement of Commitment (the Commitment) was signed on 13 November 2018.
The Commitment brings together Aboriginal controlled organisations representing communities from the West Daly (Thamarrurr) Region including Wadeye, Nganmarriyanga (Palumpa), Peppimenarti, Emu Point and Wudikupildiya, as well as the West Daly Regional Council and the NT Government.
The parties to the Commitment will work towards developing a LDM Multi‑Agency Partnership (MAP) Agreement.
West Daly (Thamarrurr) Region Statement of commitment PDF (1.8 MB).

Mulyung Aboriginal Corporation

The Mulyung LDM Agreement (the Agreement) signed on 4 August 2022.
The Agreement brings together Mulyung Aboriginal Corporation and the NT Government.
The parties to the Agreement have identified strategic priorities including homeland transition, housing, health and education.
Mulyung LDM Agreement PDF (10.4 MB)
The Agreement’s associated Implementation Plan were signed on 17 July 2024.
Mulyung Implementation Plan PDF (630.9 KB).

Mutchirr Corporation Limited

The Mutchirr LDM Agreement (the Agreement) signed on 25 June 2024.
The Agreement brings together Mutchirr Corporation Limited, West Daly Regional Council and the NT and Australian governments.
The parties to the agreement will work towards developing Implementation Plans for strategic priorities including culture and heritage, caring for Country, health, economic development opportunities and leadership and governance.
Mutchirr LDM Agreement.

Green River Aboriginal Corporation

The Green River Aboriginal Corporation LDM Agreement (the Agreement) was signed on 26 July 2022.
This Agreement is based on the cultural, social and economic priorities identified by the community and raised with the NT and Australian governments.
GRAC LDM Agreement PDF (9.5 MB).
The Agreement’s associated Implementation Plans were signed on 18 July 2024.
GRAC Implementation Plan - Community Health and Wellbeing PDF (835.6 KB).
GRAC Implementation Plan - Economic Development Opportunities PDF (439.6 KB).
GRAC Implementation Plan - Community Housing PDF (433.7 KB).

West Arnhem

The Maningrida Local Decision Making (LDM) Agreement PDF (1.4 MB) was signed on 28 May 2024 and it is a strong start to a very long road which will address many items for the betterment of Maningrida and surrounding homelands.

The agreement has been developed through an extensive consultation process with Maningrida community leaders and decision-makers and was first approved by Cabinet on 23 June 2023.

The LDM highlights and provides recognition of existing Local Leadership and Governance Structures; Preservation of Culture, Language and Heritage; Information sharing; Law, Lore and Justice; Housing; Homelands; Inclusion and support for people with disabilities.

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.
The Mantiyupwi Local Decision Making (LDM) Agreement PDF (1.6 MB) was signed on 30 July 2024.
The Mantiyupwi LDM was developed through an extensive consultation process with Mantiyupwi community leaders and decision-makers and was approved by Cabinet on 16 July 2024.
In late 2022, Mantiyupwi was the first family group approached to meaningfully implement formal partnerships and shared decision-making progress under Priority Reform 1 (formal partnerships and shared decision-making) of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
This LDM will achieve a preferred governance model that is reflective of traditional and cultural decision-making processes and practices within the Tiwi Islands.

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.
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.