Caption: Tiwi artist Carol Puruntatameri painting at Pirlangimpi Art Centre, with Viva Energy team and Patricia Puruntatameri, Director Tiwi Port and Marine. This work, depicting the two Tiwi Islands - Melville and Bathurst, is displayed in Viva Energy’s office.
In December 2024 Viva Energy Australia announced an important collaboration with both Tiwi Port and Marine Pty Ltd and the Department of Defence to ensure ongoing operations of the Melville Island Fuel Facility.
The 30-million-litre fuel facility, located 80 km north of Darwin, will play a critical role supporting various industries in the region whilst also enhancing the Defence’s fuel capability and resilience.
Caption: The Tiwi Port and Marine, Department of Defence and Viva Energy teams at Melville Island Fuel Facility.
Through this partnership, Tiwi Port and Marine (an Indigenous-led organisation), will take over the port operations after the previous business was placed in administration and the facility was at risk of closing, which would have had a significant impact on the community.
The deal will see Viva Energy enter a long-term exclusive licence to run the fuel facility, providing certainty for this crucial port business activity, supported by a storage agreement with Defence.
Caption: Viva Energy and Department of Defence tours facilities with Tiwi Port and Marine
While this commercial deal will benefit all parties, self-determination has been a core consideration in its development. The partnership allows Tiwi Port and Marine to acquire the overall port facility, with a portion of future storage revenue going directly to the Tiwi-led organisation once a certain level of storage is achieved.
Traditional Owner and Tiwi Port and Marine Chair, Gibson Farmer Illortaminni, said: “I’m very proud of this new partnership with Viva Energy and Defence.
Working together, the Tiwi people are shaping the island now and into the future, creating jobs and opportunities for our kids and future generations.”
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