Anmatjere Library and Knowledge Centre. Ti Tree, Central Australia.

Location and Environment

The Anmatjere region is centred around the township of Ti-Tree, approximately 200 kilometres north of Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway. It covers an area of approximately 4,000 square kilometres.

The region is on the edge of the Tanami desert. Soils are red in the west, with red mixing with black and sandy soils in the east. The ladscape is stunning, with hills, rocky outcrops and tall open scrubland. Rainfall is low.

The most common form of title is pastoral lease. Lease terms limit tenure to pastoral activities only, so that any new significant venture on the land, could end the lease as it stands

The land around Ti-Tree is Aboriginal freehold and is owned by the Ahakeye Land Trust. Two other areas are subject to native title claim; an area around Alcoota, and Pine Hill, an area south and adjoining the Ahakeye Land Trust.

Underground water is a significant natural asset.The Ti-Tree Ground water basin underlies several properties to the south of the Ti-Tree township. Good quality water is also available at Utopia and Willowra.

People and Community

The total population of the region is low and estimated at just over 2000 people. The majority of the population [78%] are Aboriginies. On a kilometre per person basis, the population density is 0.56 people per square kilometre

Ti Tree township was established late last centuary as a watering point for cattle being driven overland to markets in Queensland and to other areas within the Northern Territory.

Since this period, the town has changed from a simple refuelling stop during WW II, to an emerging regional centre which serves the needs of the outlying communities.

There has been continued interest from local and interstate grape growers/horticulturalists in establishing new ventures within the region. The Anmatjere's peoples representatives are keen to negotiate with other interests and potential stakeholders to facilitateeconomic ventures that will stimulate the broad social development of the region.

Based on the 1996 census, the median age of the population is 24. People in the region face high unemployment levels – 14% overall, but up to 50% in some communities. To some extent, participation in CDEP disguises the true unemployment situation. Many people have low formal education. Of those people over 15, that is the potential workforce, 30% either did not attend school at all, or left before they reached 14 years of age. Approximately 60% of the
population speak ‘Anmatjere’ as a first language, within the geographic confines of the region.
Most people are employed as labourers. The largest employment source in the region is government, followed by the health/community services sector. Under the proposals of the regional development plan, non-government employment of Aboriginal people will grow.