Grant helps keep Maningrida on track

The waste management facility at Maningrida will soon get a track-type loader to help maintain the site and assist the community with cyclone and disaster mitigation clean-ups.

THE West Arnhem Regional Council will soon take delivery of two major pieces of machinery purchased with help from the Northern Territory Government.

The Council was successful in its applications to the Department of Local Government and Community services for two Special Purpose Grants. One grant, for $185,000, will go towards a Caterpillar track-type loader for Maningrida, while the other $40,000 grant will assist in purchasing a heavy-duty tri-axle tag trailer for use within the region.

WARC Regional Manager Service Delivery Gordon Smith says the Cat loader will be available to assist the Maningrida community in cyclone and disaster mitigation clean-ups.

"The equipment will also provide a healthier community by removing rubbish and maintaining the landfill site in line with the Environmental Protection Act and best practice," Mr Smith said. "There will be ongoing and permanent employment of local community members, and training in operation of plant and equipment."

He said the tag trailer would allow the Council to transport heavy machinery between communities and reduce operational costs.

"The truck that pulls it is based in Gunbalanya, so it will predominantly be used to share assets around Jabiru, Gunbalanya, and Maningrida, but can also be taken by a barge to Minjilang and Warruwi as required," he said.

"The tag trailer will assist us in maintaining roads, parks and open spaces, storm water drainage, landfill and waste management, fire control and community clean-ups." 

The tag trailer is expected to arrive in West Arnhem around the end of July, and the track-type loader in September 2015.