The Central Land Council has moved into a purpose-built building in Alice Springs, consolidating five offices located around the town into one.
The CLC began operating from the new building on Monday (May 18), having spent much of the previous week making the move.
Land management, finance, records, the regional services unit and other sections previously located at the old head office have relocated to the new building, which is just across the road at 27 Stuart Highway.
The CLC had been in its previous head office at 33 Stuart Highway for 25 years but growth in the government programs it delivers and the services it offers to the 24,000 Aboriginal people living throughout its 750,000 square kilometre region created the need for a new building.
Increased interest by mining companies in a variety of minerals has created greater demand on the CLC’s mining section and in more recent years, changes in the level of acquisition of land and the requirements of managing land has expanded the role of its land management section.
There’s also been growth in the CLC’s community development programs that focus on fostering job opportunities, improving conditions in communities and developing educational programs.
The cost for design, construction and fit out of the building was about $10 million dollars and is being sourced from the Aboriginal Benefits Account and the sale of the CLC’s old premises.
The land was purchased using a refund of payroll tax from the NT Government which the CLC wasn’t required to pay after successful court challenges by the NLC and Tangentyere Council.
Former Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs Amanda Vanstone approved the initial funding from the ABA and it was supported by the subsequent Minister Mal Brough.
The CLC’s new building will have the Northern Territory’s first Green Star four star design rating, which requires significant energy and water efficiencies.
The CLC apologises to everyone who has been inconvenienced by the construction of the new building and the move into it, but it’s hoped the improved service delivery it’ll allow will far outweigh those difficulties.
