Territory Energy Link: Why Tennant Creek's Central Role is Non-Negotiable

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Tennant Creek, NT – Monday 28 July 2025 - The Barkly Regional Council today issued a strong call to action, urging the Northern Territory Government, Infrastructure Australia, and all stakeholders to reinstate Tennant Creek as a core component of the Territory Energy Link (TEL) corridor. The Council asserts that bypassing Tennant Creek risks squandering decades of strategic planning and undermining critical regional development.

 

"Our region is not only poised to support the Territory economy but is fast becoming an engine room for the Nation," said Barkly Regional Council Mayor, Sid Vashist  "As the Territory Energy Link corridor moves into its feasibility phase, it’s critical we ensure Tennant Creek remains central to this vision."

 

Originally conceptualised as the Tennant Creek to Darwin Infrastructure Corridor, the TEL's focus has shifted to run from near Elliott to the Middle Arm Precinct in Darwin. While the proposed 670km multi-user, multi-asset infrastructure corridor is visionary, enabling gas, water, optical fibre, hydrogen, and future-facing services, the decision to bypass Tennant Creek raises significant concerns.

 

Why Tennant Creek Must Not Be Left Out:

 

·        Logical and Historical Hub: Tennant Creek has long been envisioned as a mines and energy hub, connecting Australia’s north-south (Adelaide–Darwin) and east-west (Queensland–NT–WA) freight and energy corridors. It already hosts critical infrastructure, including rail, roads, and communications, making it uniquely positioned to support a hub-and-spoke model for resource distribution across Northern Australia.

 

·        Critical Intersections: Tennant Creek connects the Stuart Highway (north-south) with the Barkly Highway (east-west), two of Australia's most vital freight routes. Excluding Tennant Creek risks disconnecting this national infrastructure artery and losing future east-west integration, such as the Mt Isa–Tennant Creek rail proposal and Beetaloo to QLD energy export pathways.

 

·        Surge in Investment Confidence: Tennant Creek is currently experiencing significant investment from industry, exploration companies, government, and social infrastructure providers. Diverting the TEL now sends a negative signal, risking confidence, reducing private capital flow, and undermining long-term commitments in education, health, housing, and community services.

 

·        Essential Service Hub for Energy & Resource Projects: The Beetaloo Sub Basin and surrounding resource zones will require a central logistics, service, and maintenance hub. Tennant Creek offers the workforce potential, transport accessibility, and Indigenous partnerships to support this, and is better positioned to provide foundational infrastructure for hydrogen, gas, and minerals processing and services.

 

·        Cost vs. Opportunity: While realigning to Tennant Creek may appear to carry short-term cost implications, the long-term benefits – including economic resilience, diversification, private sector leverage, and Indigenous employment – offer exponential returns. The Council warns against repeating past mistakes of underinvesting in enabling infrastructure across regional Australia.

 

The Barkly Regional Council urges the Northern Territory Government, Infrastructure Australia, and all levels of industry, investors, Traditional Owners, and the private sector to have their say.

 

"Let us not lose the futurist and strategic vision of this corridor," the Council stated. "This is a once-in-a-century opportunity to shape our Territory’s infrastructure blueprint. Tennant Creek should not just be near this corridor — it must be part of it. Let’s not cut out the heart of the Centre. Let’s back the Barkly."

 

Specifically, the Council is calling for:

 

·        Reinstatement of Tennant Creek in the core alignment of the Territory Energy Link.

·        Detailed assessment of a Tennant Creek–Elliott connection within the feasibility process.

·        Modelling of Tennant Creek as a hub-and-spoke node, supporting regional growth,

  workforce training, and service delivery.

·        Transparent community and stakeholder consultation to avoid decision-making that lacks

  Barkly representation.

 

***

About Barkly Regional Council: Barkly Regional Council is responsible for fostering sustainable development and delivering essential services to over 8,000 residents across 322,713 square kilometres in the Northern Territory.

 

Contact: Lis Clough Admin & Media Officer, Barkly Regional Council

Lis.clough@barkly.nt.gov.au Tel: 0408 139 908

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New Remote Community Shade Structure Brings Relief and New Opportunities

By Lis Clough • December 16, 2025
ALPURRURULAM, NORTHERN TERRITORY – Barkly Regional Council is thrilled to announce the successful completion and opening of a brand-new shade structure over the Alpurrurulam community court, transforming the space into a safer and more versatile hub for residents. This significant project was made possible with $313,514 from the Australian Government under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program. This investment once again highlighting the strong partnership between the Council and the Australian Government to improve remote community facilities. For four years, the court has been a popular, yet exposed, area. The lack of shade severely limited its use, particularly during the intense heat of the day. The new structure, which began construction on November 6, 2025, and was completed on November 30, 2025, provides much-needed relief. This significant upgrade establishes the court as a true multipurpose area for the community. Beyond its traditional use for basketball, the newly shaded court will now serve as a vital meeting place and a dedicated area for various Sports and Recreation programs. A key feature of the new structure is the installation of solar lights. This addition is especially important, as it will allow children and residents to safely play basketball and participate in other activities during the cooler evenings, making the facility accessible even on the hottest days when daytime use is difficult.  "This new shade structure is more than just a physical upgrade—it’s an investment in community wellbeing and opportunity. My hope is that by creating a safer, cooler, and more friendly space, that we’re enabling our young people to come together, stay active, and enjoy social connections. The addition of solar lighting means this facility can be used well into the evening, which is a game-changer for our communities. I’m proud of the collaboration between Barkly Regional Council and the Australian Government that made this possible, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for years to come." said Barkly Regional Council Deputy Mayor, Valda Napurrula Shannon. Barkly Regional Council is responsible for fostering sustainable development and delivering essential services to over 8,000 residents over 322, 713 square kilometres across the Northern Territory.
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