Borroloola safe-house gets the go-ahead

The Northern Land Council has endorsed an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) between traditional land owners in Borroloola and the NT Government, allowing the construction of a women’s safe house in the town.

The ILUA was given the go-ahead by council members at the NLC’s 84th Full Council Meeting that took place at the South Alligator Resort from 7 to 10 April.

The Native Title agreement is unique, as it allows the development of the safe house to proceed, while retaining native title rights and interests of traditional owners for the future.

The ILUA is between traditional owners and the Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Centre and will run for 25 years.

At the end of this term, native title will still exist and further negotiations regarding the land can occur.

NLC Chairman Galarrwuy Yunupingu said the outcome was a win-win solution for both parties.

NLC Chairman Galarrwuy Yunupingu

Territory Housing has allocated $400,000 towards the construction of the shelter which will provide 24 hour care for women and their children with facilities for up to 10 adults and five children – including those visiting from other communities or interstate – to stay for up to two weeks.

When complete, the shelter’s staff will consist of a permanent Coordinator and two assistants, all with First Aid training.

A key aspect of the project is the intention to build the shelter between the Borroloola Police Station, the local Norforce headquarters, and a Night Patrol block currently occupied by the Women’s Centre and health clinic.

Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Association General Manager Sylvia Francis

With concerns over land tenure now resolved, work will commence on the facility in the next few weeks with the shelter expected to be ready for occupation in January 2004.

Mrs Francis

ATSIC and the NT Government have committed funds towards the operational cost of the shelter.

Galarrwuy Yunupingu