Civil works are set to commence on the A$5.5m ($3.39m) Barkly Youth Justice Accommodation Facility at the Peko Road in Tennant Creek, Northern Territory, Australia. 

The project aims to keep young people from Tennant Creek and the surrounding Barkly Region close to their community during legal proceedings. 

The facility will cater to those on police or court-ordered bail, under court-ordered community supervision, or in the youth justice system. 

It is expected to eliminate the need for travel to major centres such as Darwin and Alice Springs. 

Northern Territory Families Minister Ngaree Ah Kit said: “The new Barkly Youth Justice Accommodation Facility will help keep kids connected to country, to family and to community while they navigate the youth justice system - giving them the best chance to improve their future.” 

The Peko Road site is part of the A$100.5m Barkly Regional Deal. 

The Barkly Regional Deal is a ten-year partnership between the Australian, Northern Territory, and local governments. 

It is designed to stimulate economic growth and improve social outcomes, including culture and place-making. 

The funding for the facility includes A$3.55m for the design and construction of an eight-bedroom complex. 

The complex will include en suites and shared spaces for programmes, a kitchen, and staff areas.  

An additional A$2m per year has been allocated to operate the facility once it is operational. 

Northern Territory Government chief minister Eva Lawler: “The safety of our community is paramount.

“The new bail support services will improve bail accountability by providing the support and supervision that young people need to meet their bail conditions.” 

The site is under the ownership of Patta Aboriginal Corporation, the Native Title Holders.  

It is managed through an Indigenous Land Use Agreement overseen by the Central Land Council and was registered by the National Native Title Trust in November 2023. 

Darwin-based Northern Transportables was awarded the tender to fabricate the modular buildings and oversee their installation. 

Construction of these modular buildings is nearing completion, with additional work on landscaping, driveway access, and car parking spaces to follow.  

The facility is expected to be fully complete by mid-2024.