Central Australia tourism heading for growth

An Indigenous tourism business in Central Australia is on track to experience growth thanks to new improvements to essential facilities supported by the Country Liberals Government.

Standley Chasm, owned and operated by the Angkerle Aboriginal Corporation, has received $68,000 in funding to concrete its car park and gravel entrance, provide solid delivery vehicle access, and install drainage.

The grant is from a $1.3 million pool of NT and federal funding for tourism infrastructure and development.

“These essential infrastructure upgrades to Standley Chasm will help enhance the range of Indigenous tourism experiences on offer in Central Australia,” said Tourism Minister Matt Conlan.

“This is more than a car park to Standley Chasm; it’s an investment in their future.

“These upgrades will ensure visitors get a great first impression when arriving at the reserve. Previously, some visitors chose to park outside the entrance gates because they wouldn’t drive across the gravel, or were unable to gain access when the nearby creek was flowing.

“The Corporation has been working for some time to implement a multi-year plan to improve the business and return it to growth. I am pleased to see that this $68,000 in funding has allowed these upgrades to be fast-tracked in time for the peak international travel season in the Centre.”

General Manager Ray Prunty said the infrastructure upgrades and new car park would help the business attract more visitors.

“We could not have attempted this project for many years without this type of funding help by the Government,” Mr Prunty said.

“Our rejuvenation has been welcomed and well supported by the local coach operators, as they can now rely on satisfactory operations here, allowing the on-selling of our facility to their clients for day trips and group catering.

“The upgrades will now allow us to focus on our retail sales and increase profits by improving quality and enhancing the visitor experience here.”

Mr Prunty said the reserve saw a 28 per cent increase in visitation numbers and 70 per cent increase in gross sales value, as a result of improvements they made over the last two years including new walking trails with boardwalks and upgrades to camping facilities and toilets.

Standley Chasm, located 50 kilometres from Alice Springs, is a private flora and fauna reserve and café owned by the Iwupataka Land Trust and is operated by local Aboriginal family members.