The future of the proposed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia (ATSIAGA) in Alice Springs hangs in the balance as federal financial backing appears uncertain. Northern Territory Treasurer and Infrastructure Minister Bill Yan announced that the federal government is hesitant to support the project in its current form and location.
Mr. Yan told ABC Alice Springs that without the promised $80 million from the federal government, the project would be financially unviable. The Northern Territory government had pledged an additional $69 million to the initiative. “If the Commonwealth doesn’t put up their $80 million and are not going to support it, then effectively, it’s dead in the water,” Mr. Yan stated. “I can’t go to the territory taxpayer and say I’m going to have to borrow … to deliver on this project.”
Federal Government’s Position
In response to Mr. Yan’s concerns, a spokesperson for Federal Minister for Regional Development Catherine King indicated that the federal funds “remain on the table.” However, the spokesperson noted that changes made by the NT Country Liberal Party government to the project’s scope have led to a “variation request” that is still under consideration.
“The Albanese government’s funds remain on the table, any decision to cancel this project rests with the NT government,” the spokesperson stated.
Historical Context and Design Controversies
The ATSIAGA project was initially announced in 2017 by the former NT Labor government, with plans to construct the gallery on Anzac Oval. This location quickly became a point of contention as traditional owners claimed it was a sacred site. Despite recommendations from a committee to build the gallery at the Desert Park, the government released a design for Anzac Oval in 2023, highlighting its open layout and four-level atrium.
However, the CLP government, which took office later, proposed significant changes, including reducing the gallery’s size and relocating it to the Wills Terrace car park. This move has drawn criticism from local residents and federal member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour, who argue that the new site is inadequate for a gallery of national significance.
Local Impact and Reactions
Tourism Central Australia CEO Danial Rochford expressed deep disappointment over the potential loss of the gallery. “This is a project that the tourism industry has seen as a beacon of light, a beacon of opportunity,” he said. “To hear the news today, words just cannot describe the emotions that we’re feeling.”
Mr. Yan also mentioned that Ms. Scrymgour had been advocating for the gallery to be relocated “south of The Gap” in Alice Springs, a move he believes would diminish the benefits to the central business district.
Implications and Future Prospects
The uncertainty surrounding the ATSIAGA project raises significant concerns about the future of cultural tourism in Alice Springs. The gallery was expected to be a major draw for visitors, potentially boosting the local economy and enhancing the cultural landscape of the region.
As discussions continue, the project’s fate remains in the hands of both the federal and NT governments. The outcome will likely have lasting implications for Alice Springs, affecting not only tourism but also the broader community’s cultural and economic development.
Moving forward, stakeholders and community members await a final decision, hoping for a resolution that honors both the cultural significance and economic potential of the proposed gallery.
