We walk alongside Aboriginal leaders to help them realise their vision for their land and community.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Township Lease?
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  Township Leases are a voluntary agreement between Traditional Owners and the Australian Government.   

  With the help from their land council, Traditional Owners can negotiate the terms of the Lease. Traditional Owners also agree on the boundary of the Township Lease.  

  The Township Lease also Includes the buildings, infrastructure and services that are all located on the land of the Township. This can include airstrips, barge landings, schools and clinics as well as land that may be developed in the future. It does not cover the Country outside of the Township Lease including outstations, homelands or land outside the community.  

• How long does the Lease agreement last for?
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  A Township Lease agreement can last for up to 99 years. The length can be negotiated but it will last a very long time, usually between 80 to 99 years.  

• What is the role of the Office of Township Leasing in the Township Lease process?
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  The Office of Township Leasing works to assist the Executive Director in managing Township Leases. Our role is to listen to the ambitions of Traditional Owners and help them realise their vision. 

  When Traditional Owners are considering a Township Lease, OTL will provide all the information necessary to make an informed decision. OTL staff will meet with Traditional owners and township community members to provide all the resources that are relevant to the Township. 

• I am a Traditional Owner. What are the benefits of a Township Lease for me and my community? 
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  Having a Township Lease has a number of benefits for the Traditional Owners and the people who are part of the community.  

  As a Traditional Owner: 

  • You are recognised as owners of the land in the Township 

  • You continue to have a say about how land is used in the Township 

  • You may receive funding to invest in the economic development through an up-front payment when the Township Lease is signed 

  • You receive fair rent in return for people wanting to use your land 

  • You and community members can buy or build your own home in the Township through a long-term home ownership sublease.  
• What does the Executive Director of Township Leasing do?
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  The Executive Director of Township Leasing manages the land covered by a Township Lease in the Northern Territory.  

  In a Township Lease, the land is leased to the Executive Director for up to 99 years for them to manage. The ownership of the land always stays with the Traditional Owners of the land the Township is located. The Township Lease agreement sets out what the Executive Director can and cannot do. 

  The Executive Director works in partnership with members of the consultative forum to make decisions about land use and development in the Township.  

  The Executive Director will regularly visit communities and work with them to achieve their goals and aspirations.

• How do I apply for a Township Lease?
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  Apply for Tenure

  The Development Application will be assessed by the Office of Township Leasing to determine whether:

  • the proposed development provides a benefit to the community;
  • the proposed land use is consistent with the terms and conditions of the Township Lease;
  • any obligations under the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act have been observed; and
  • development and planning approval is required from the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment.

  The Executive Director of Township Leasing will also seek the views of the community through the Consultative Forum and negotiate the terms and conditions of any Sublease in accordance with standard commercial practices.

   

  The Northern Territory Planning Scheme

  The Northern Territory Planning Scheme(Opens in a new tab/window) details how land in the Northern Territory can be used and developed.

  For communities with a Township Lease, all land development plans must be carried out in accordance with the NT Planning Scheme.