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INVEST EAST ARNHEM CONTENTS Introduction 4 Our invitation to you 4 About Developing East Arnhem Limited 5 Welcome to East Arnhem 6 About East Arnhem 6 Living in East Arnhem 7 East Arnhem at a glance 8 Our communities 12 Why East Arnhem? 18 Key industries 20 Existing sectors 21 Emerging opportunities 30 Enabling environment 36 Airports 37 Melville Bay commercial precinct 37 Gunyaŋara (Gove Port) Tourism Precinct 37 Central Arnhem Road 38 Telecommunications 38 Access to land and sea 40 Development processes 42 Power and water 43 Residential and commercial real estate 43 Supporting future investment 44 Investment and business support 46 Key partnerships 48 Government, for-purpose, education and workforce 50 Get in touch 54 Appendix 56 Gove Port tide levels and wharf parameters 56 East Arnhem airlines and flight segments 58 Note regarding COVID-19: References 59 COVID-19 has caused a significant disruption to a range of industries both domestically and around the world, particularly the tourism sector. In this context, the future for some industries remains uncertain, and there may be significant changes in the market. COVID-19 typically presents a higher risk for Aboriginal communities for various reasons. As such, opportunities in East Arnhem must be managed carefully to prevent transmission. 3 ABOUT DEVELOPING EAST ARNHEM LIMITED DEAL was established in November 2014 by its Members, the Northern Territory Government and Rio Tinto, in response to Rio Tinto’s decision to curtail production at its Gove alumina refinery. DEAL is an independent not-for-profit company with a mission to drive economic development in East Arnhem, to promote the resilience of the region and opportunity for its people. DEAL does this by leading collaboration across the region, as trusted partners to businesses, gov- ernments, and traditional owners, by unlocking creative opportunities for development, guided by evi- dence and acting as the front door for investment in the East Arnhem region. Since its establishment, DEAL has been instrumental in securing vital industry and infrastructure investment across the region and supporting economic diversification. Looking to the future, DEAL has a strong vision and aspirations for the East Arnhem region and opportunity that awaits here. OUR INVITATION BUILDING ON PAST SUCCESS Since DEAL’s establishment and the curtailment of Gove Peninsula’s alumina refinery, Nhulunbuy has transitioned from a mining town into a vibrant economic hub. This is a result of entrepreneurial busi- nesses, committed residents and investors, the regionalisation of services, innovative partnerships, and the significant backing of both government and private investment. TO YOU Over the next ten years, East Arnhem will build on the economic success of the region from the last five years. On the Gove Peninsula, the Rio Tinto bauxite mine is approaching its end of life and will close in approximately 2030. With visionary planning, this presents a significant opportunity for industry and economic diversification to lay the foundation for a long-term, sustainable future for the region. The East Arnhem region is ripe for Beyond Nhulunbuy and the Gove Peninsula, the strength of the broader regional East Arnhem econ- omy is critical. Harnessing the economic aspirations of Yolŋu as part of the mainstream economy will investment, with a myriad of untapped be essential to broader regional growth. resources and opportunities to explore. AN OPTIMISTIC VISION With a regional vision for a resilient East Arnhem economy, with Nhulunbuy as a We share an optimistic vision for the future of East Arnhem, which builds on the success DEAL and its prosperous and sustainable regional centre and Yolŋu, the local Aboriginal people regional partners have driven over the last five years. In this vision, East Arnhem is a resilient regional of mainland East Arnhem and Elcho and Crocodile Islands, as partners and lead- economy with profitable businesses across a diverse range of industries with substantial investment ers in economic life, there has never been a better time to explore East Arnhem as and favourable lending environment. As a region, East Arnhem is well connected to various markets your next investment destination. with diverse and inspiring employment opportunities. Economic development in East Arnhem is driven through collaboration and part- Yolŋu, who form 80 percent of the population and own 100 percent of the region’s land and intertidal nership between regional businesses, traditional owners and their communities, zones, underpin this vision as leaders and partners in economic life. Ensuring Yolŋu are empowered governments and other enabling organisations. These concerted efforts towards in economic planning and decision-making is a key focus for DEAL. This includes seeing sustainable an ambitious and optimistic vision for East Arnhem mean there are boundless Yolŋu-run businesses leading development, partnering for success, and providing services across the opportunities to be a partner in this region’s innovative and exciting future. With region. unrivalled support for investors and dedicated facilitators to assist in making con- nections in the region, we invite you to be part of our regional development jour- Learn more about how to be part of this exciting future and the support DEAL can provide on page 46, ney. or at our website developingeastarnhem.com.au. If you are interested in exploring opportunities for your business or have innova- tive ideas for development, get in touch with the friendly team at Developing East Arnhem Limited (DEAL). We are ready and willing to assist with any enquiries you have and can facilitate introductions within the region, as well as provide assis- tance and advice based on our industry expertise and local knowledge. 4 5 The lifestyle in East Arnhem is WELCOME TO unlike anywhere else in Australia. EAST ARNHEM ABOUT EAST ARNHEM The East Arnhem region is one of the last pristine, natural environments on earth. Most major services are found in the town of Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula, which supports a network of regional com- munities and homelands. The regional hub of Nhulunbuy is located on the north-eastern tip of the Gove Peninsula and is flanked by the Yolŋu communities of Yirrkala and Gunyaŋara. This regional economic hub is 600 kilometres east of Darwin (approximately 1,000 kilometres by road) with regular non-stop flights from both Dar- win and Cairns. The East Arnhem region is 33,606 square kilometres1 and is entirely Aboriginal land. The East Arnhem mainland and adjacent Elcho and Crocodile Islands are managed by the Northern Land Council on behalf of Yolŋu traditional owners. Since the establishment of Nhulunbuy in the 1960s to service bauxite mining on the Peninsula, Nhu- lunbuy has become the fourth largest regional town by population in the Northern Territory.2 Equipped with a district hospital, schools, shops and restaurants, local investment has turned the town into a LIVING IN EAST ARNHEM vibrant community with a high standard of services. The focus for the next 10 years is to diversify industry and provide opportunities for residents and future growth beyond the cessation of Rio Tinto’s East Arnhem’s lifestyle, aesthetics and economic potential make it a haven for prospective investors. mining operations around 2030. East Arnhem has a spectacular landscape, with rugged coastlines, remote islands, and alluring biodi- There are several unique characteristics that make East Arnhem a competitive location for diverse verse habitats of national and scientific significance. From the pristine shores of its coastal beaches industry investment, living and working, not least of which is the long history associated with min- to the iconic red dirt of its inland environment, new residents and investors find a warm welcome from ing operations, which has seen significant infrastructure investment at a level and scale not typically a community ready for economic innovation and growth. found in other comparative locations. The lifestyle, infrastructure and services, the landscape and the community are unique benefits to East Arnhem is in close proximity to thriving APAC markets, giving it a geographical advantage and those seeking to invest in our region. These are the attributes that attract and retain the region’s highly facilitating international trade. The natural deep-water port in Melville Bay, which is the second deep- skilled and versatile workforce and, in turn, gives you the scope to establish and grow your business est in the Northern Territory, also boasts a strong geographical advantage as the next natural link or industry future. between closest major ports in Cairns and Darwin. Sport and recreation are a big part of the lives of people in Nhulunbuy and the wider region. There is The region is also steeped in a history of trade and entrepreneurship. For thousands of years and prior a diverse range of regional and town-based competitions, recreational activities and facilities, with to Federation, Yolŋu traded with the Macassan people from Sulawesi, Indonesia who were seeking camping, boating, and four-wheel driving popular activities for residents. Fishing is also a major draw- trepang (sea cucumber), which they valued as a medicine and as a food. In return for access to certain card for the region, with East Arnhem offering some of the best sports and recreational fishing in the fishing areas, Yolŋu received goods such as cloth, tobacco, rice and knives. world. East Arnhem is now looking to the future, a future of which you could be a part. Many exciting new To learn more about living in East Arnhem, please visit ncl.net.au/welcome-to-nhulunbuy industries are aspiring to call this part of Northern Australia home. East Arnhem is uniquely positioned To learn more about the abundance of recreation and tourism activities in East Arnhem, please visit for growth with valuable resources, with priorities around diversifying industry, advancing new oppor- eastarnhemland.com.au tunities and pursuing the long-term sustainability of the region.