Articles

There are some differences between township leases either held by the executive director or a community entity.

Here is a summary of how they are similar and how they are different.

"I want to empower my people by providing choices, choices that we in the bush have never had before."

The grandfather of township leasing.

In 2025 Kardu Diminin, the traditional owners of the land the township of Wadeye is built on, formally requested to partner with the office of township leasing for a township lease.

Breaking new ground to make lasting change within their community, Kardu Diminin ventured to create their own pathway.

Approaching OTL for a township lease, the Wadeye traditional owners had questions. What must happen before a township lease is formally requested? How should a request be made? The Kardu Diminin were determined to create a new future, and in doing so they became potential role models for many communities who are sure to follow in their footsteps.

Kardu Diminin’s journey deciding to request a township lease has enriched the OTL consultative process and in many ways, will impact OTL’s approach in partnering with traditional owners to support their deciding whether the township leasing model is right for them.

This article shares the story of how township leasing began and Mr Walter Kerinaiua Senior’s vision to empower his people with choices. Through this vision, Mr Kerinaiua started a legacy for his people and all traditional owners across the Northern Territory.

At the heart of this legacy is the township lease signed by the Mantiyupwi family, and their town of Wurrumiyanga; the lease that continues to lead the way in showing the power of the township leasing model.

OTL's engagement principles set out the guidelines for a mutually beneficial long term relationship between a prospective land developer and traditional owners. They are based on the free, prior and informed consent and expect open and transparent communications and negotiations from all parties.