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Aboriginal Investment NT has approved its inaugural loan of $1.5 million to the Maningrida Progress Association Incorporated (MPA), to help address critical workforce accommodation shortages in West Arnhem Land.
Aboriginal Investment NT delivers first loan of $1.5 million for Maningrida
MANINGRIDA, NT – Aboriginal Investment NT has approved its inaugural loan of $1.5 million to the Maningrida Progress Association Incorporated (MPA), to help address critical workforce accommodation shortages in West Arnhem Land.
Located 500 km east of Darwin on the Arafura Sea coast, Maningrida supports a population of 2,600 people across the main township and 30 surrounding homeland centres. For years, severe housing constraints have made it difficult to attract and retain essential remote workers — particularly in healthcare and construction.
Ian McLay, CEO, Maningrida Progress Association said:
“Thanks to Aboriginal Investment NT, the $1.5 million injection will allow MPA to expand its local motel accommodation, directly addressing the housing bottleneck and paving the way for sustained economic growth.”
Nigel Browne, CEO of Aboriginal Investment NT, said:
“Aboriginal Investment NT is grounded by community priorities and focused on backing Aboriginal Territorians to build their own capital and assets. This loan shows we are listening to the community.
By underwriting Maningrida Progress Association’s commercial motel model, we are helping ensure the community receives better essential services while opening doors to accelerate future local projects.”
Backed by an initial capital base of $680 million, Aboriginal Investment NT operates under best-practice governance with broad-ranging powers to make strategic, place-based investments that deliver clear social and economic returns for Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory.
As a community-led, not-for-profit association, MPA’s core mission is to elevate living standards, strengthen local enterprises, and enrich the cultural life of Aboriginal peoples across West Arnhem Land.
Joseph Diddo, Board Chair, Maningrida Progress Association said:
“Operating in Maningrida’s capacity-constrained power environment, MPA is collaborating with the Power and Water Corporation to support community growth without straining the local grid. To achieve this, MPA is investing in an intelligent, large-scale solar and battery system that dynamically adjusts to grid conditions—protecting network stability while delivering reliable power to the new accommodation.”
View Aboriginal Investment NT’s Strategic Investment Plan here.
