IT'S time for Tiwi Islanders to take control of their own destiny, an elder says.
Elders on the islands, 80km north of Darwin, formed a land council in 1979 with the goal of taking control of their own affairs.
In the meantime they've watched the establishment of the Torres Strait Regional Authority.
But despite Tiwi aspirations for a similar authority, a local council still controls housing, healthcare, schooling, infrastructure and planning.
Elder Marius Puruntatameri says the idea has been discussed on the Tiwi Islands for 30 years.
"We were thinking about it then, we're still talking about it now," the softly spoken elder told AAP.
For Mr Puruntatameri, the duplication and wasted money is most frustrating.
"Everyone's just doing their own thing, there's no unity," he said.
"A lot of people out here are working for themselves instead of our people."
The elders have renewed their push for a regional authority as the Northern Territory reviews local governments.
"We've never stopped believing Tiwi people should be responsible, should be trusted," Mr Puruntatameri said.
"We'll never stop talking about it.
"Sure we'll have our problems, there will be ups and downs.
"But we can learn and we will learn."
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