Australia's first ever Regional Deal has been signed for the Barkly region in the Northern Territory.
The $78.4 million deal, with investments from all levels of government, includes 28 "new initiatives" to address regional issues such as overcrowding and child safety.
It comes more than a year after the alleged rape of a two-year-old girl in Tennant Creek, the main township of the Barkly region.
Police also revealed in February 2018 there were more than 714 cases of child sexual abuse between 2013 and 2017.
Tennant Creek Police Station. The area has been under the spotlight for child protection issues. Source: AAP
Federal Minister for Regional Services Bridget McKenzie said she is proud of the Northern Territory community for declaring "this is not the future we want for our children".
"Rallying together this community after the incident of child abuse in February 2018 ... takes courage and honest reflection," she said.
The federal government is committing $45.4 million to initiatives in the area, including a new Doppler weather radar, a business hub, and additional housing, while the state government has put forward $30 million.
"Regional Deals such as Barkly support the government's commitment to deliver strategic investment and create a stronger regional Australia for generations to come," Ms McKenzie said.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion said the "transformational" Regional Deal will support local Aboriginal leaders "in recognition of their ongoing connection to country as traditional owners and custodians of the lands".
City Deals have been signed in Townsville, Launceston, Western Sydney, Darwin, Hobart, Geelong and Adelaide, but Barkly in the NT is the first ever Regional Deal.
