Iconic new entry statements will soon welcome visitors to Tennant Creek, following the release of the construction tender, which has brought the project a step closer.
The Territory Government allocated $2 million in Budget 2018 to design and construct entry statements that reflect the unique culture and heritage of the Barkly region town.
This funding adds to the $5.5 million investment in tourism infrastructure to revitalise and improve the visitor experience as part of the Territory Government’s record $103 million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package.
Extensive consultation was undertaken to involve the community in the design and location of the entry statements, which resulted in the selection of ‘Nyinkka’ as the centrepiece of the structure.
‘Nyinkka’ is the Warumungu word for the Spikey-Tailed Goanna.
The contract to create the ‘Nyinkka’ sculpture was awarded to Bennet Design Pty Ltd in April 2018 and is expected to be completed in August 2018.
The dual entry statements will welcome the nearly 100,000 visitors who stay in Tennant Creek each year at both the northern and southern entrances.
Following the award of the tender, construction is expected to commence in late September 2018 and be completed by the end of 2018.
Source: NT Government