Township Leases

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A Township Lease is an innovative form of land tenure that allows Traditional Owners to maximise the economic potential of their land without compromising the land’s ownership, which remains Aboriginal owned. A Township Lease is long term and is a voluntary agreement. Traditional Owners advise the Executive Director on land management and development matters through the Consultative Forum, which is central to the Township Lease.

Township Lease Models

A Township Lease is a voluntary, long term lease over a Township on Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory.

Benefits of a Township Lease

A Township Lease brings in a simpler land administration system which can benefit the whole community.

Review of the Township Lease

Every Township Lease allows for a review of the Head Lease by the parties and the Consultative Fo

Current Township Leases

The Executive Director currently holds four Township Leases that cover five communities

New Township Leases

A Township Lease is a voluntary agreement, and negotiations only begin if Traditional Owners have expressed an interest in doing so.

Protecting Sacred Sites and Culture

The Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act protects sacred sites on all land in the Northern Territory and is administered by the Aboriginal Area Protection Authority (AAPA)

The Consultative Forum

The Township Lease Consultative Forum is a group of Traditional Owners which is initially nominated by the local land council, who advise the Executive Director of Township Leasing.