Tennant Creek to get $60 million investment

All three levels of government in the Northern Territory have today signed a statement of intent to invest $60 million as part of a regional deal for the area around the outback town of Tennant Creek.

The national spotlight was thrust on the town, around 1000km south of Darwin, in February, when it was revealed a two-year-old girl was allegedly raped by an adult man.

Former Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, travelled to Tennant Creek in July where he announced a regional agreement would be worked on to increase social and economic opportunities in the area.

Today's signing is described as a step forward to addressing the challenges of disadvantage, according to Federal Minister for Regional Services, Bridget McKenzie.

"A Regional Deal for the Barkly Region will improve quality of life for residents on a number of fronts, by stimulating economic growth and helping to create jobs," Minister McKenzie said.

"Regional Deals are all about the different levels of government working closely with the local community to identify and develop local projects to improve essential services and improve the economy

But Chief Minister, Michael Gunner, was said to have been ambushed about partly funding the $60 million.

9News understands he was only told the NT would be expected to split it a short time before the signing.

Nevertheless, the Chief Minister made the commitment, despite the NT's already being ravaged by debt.