$4.8 Million in New Precinct Planning Grants for Northern Territory Communities

Regional Development Australia Northern Territory (RDA NT) proudly congratulates the latest Northern Territory recipients of the Australian Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) – Stream One, with over $4.8 million in funding awarded to support the planning and design of strategic community infrastructure projects in remote and regional NT.

The latest round will deliver funding to three proponents across the East Arnhem and Big Rivers regions:

Funded Projects – August 2025 Round

Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation
Gapuwiyak Industrial and Commercial Precinct – $770,000
Funding will support planning for a business precinct in the Gapuwiyak community with consideration of an industrial and commercial hubs, and short-to-medium-term staff accommodation.

Charles Darwin University
Big Rivers Region Bush Foods, Botanicals & Community Precinct – $2,450,664
Funding will support Charles Darwin University to consult, design and develop a shovel-ready scope of works to establish a Bush Foods, Botanicals; Community Precinct at CDU’s Katherine Rural Campus.

Katherine Town Council
Katherine and Big Rivers Multipurpose Sport and Recreation Precinct – $1,607,918
This project will support planning the development of a multipurpose regional sports, recreation, and community precinct linking the existing Katherine Aquatic Centre and surrounding sporting facilities.

RDA NT Chair, Kon Vatskalis, said:
“These investments reflect a strong understanding of the needs and potential of regional Northern Territory communities. Whether it’s improving local economies, supporting traditional knowledge industries, or strengthening community infrastructure, these precincts are vital foundations for long-term regional growth. RDA NT is proud to support local organisations and councils through programs like rPPP, providing guidance from early concept development through to successful funding.”

These projects build on earlier NT rPPP funding commitments announced in January, which included:

Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation
Nitmiluk Tourism Services Precinct – $4,000,000
Supporting master planning to upgrade critical tourism infrastructure in Nitmiluk National Park.

Northern Territory
Central Australian Regional Community Precincts – $4,725,000
Supporting planning for six new multi-purpose community precincts across Papunya, Ti Tree, Ntaria, Atitjere, Santa Teresa and Yuendumu.

Together, these projects demonstrate a shared commitment to evidence-based, locally driven solutions that address key social and economic challenges in the Northern Territory.

The Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program is an Australian Government initiative to support the development of precinct-scale infrastructure that enhances livability, fosters economic opportunity and creates stronger regional partnerships.

RDA NT plays a proactive role in working with project proponents offering strategic advice, supporting partnerships, and guiding applications to strengthen the impact of projects throughout the Territory.

Read the official announcement:
https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/mcbain/media-release/more-regional-precincts-across-australia-receive-rppp-funding