Debates Day 3 - Thursday 21 October 2010
Parliamentary Record 15
Debates for 11th Assembly 2008 - 2012; ParliamentNT; Parliamentary Record; 11th Assembly 2008 - 2012
2010-10-21
Made available by the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory
English
Debates
Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory
Darwin
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Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory
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https://hdl.handle.net/10070/277644
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/423637
DEBATES - Thursday 21 October 2010 growth of the Territorys economy and population, presents significant opportunities for Territory businesses. The Northern Territory government is committed to working with Territory businesses to harness these international trade opportunities. In outlining a road map for the Territorys economic future the Territory 2030 strategic plan notes: Real and sustained growth will come from creating a culture of entrepreneurship. We need to unlock the full potential of our position as a bridge with Asia. I continue to quote that as it is the essence of great business practice from the Northern Territory government. This government knows if we are to see an increase in local business winning work from international companies we must support Territory business to grow their operations on home turf. More than $3bn worth of cargo is moved through East Arm Wharf annually, which equates to 500 industries and thousands of jobs. A range of industries use the port to access markets overseas. It is not hard, when you look at Darwin Harbour, to see the wonderful opportunities entering and exiting through that beautiful harbour. Live cattle vessels taking thousands of head of cattle to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia. Those opportunities are permeating into the regions, truly making the gateway to Asia concept a Territory concept for the whole of the Territory - our cattle, minerals, and natural resources. The manganese mine at Bootu Creek is one example, employing a workforce currently over 250 people, continually offering opportunities for the Barkly and Tennant Creek community, advising it will employ 30% of that workforce from Tennant Creek, and encouraging us to get ahead with training to employment with our local people to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities. The oil and gas industry bringing vessels in for repairs and maintenance is always an impressive sight and a wonderful opportunity. I remind the Chief Minister of a dream we share of having Barkly kids working with the best boilermakers in the world in Darwin, returning home to their communities in regional and remote Australia on their shift breaks and spreading the word there are opportunities to be had - it is about growing our own. A world-class marine supply base is a key part of the master plan and will harmonise businesses at East Arm Wharf, playing a vital role in the economic development of the Territory and building on the significant assets which are so important to the Territorys economic future. The supply base will have dedicated marine berths and support facilities for offshore oil and gas developments in the Arafura and Timor Seas and the Browse Basin. The development of a world-class marine supply base and the transfer of existing offshore business to the new facility will generate additional berth space at East Arm Wharf for other key Northern Territory export and import industries such as livestock, bulk minerals, containers, and the expected growth in project cargos, which is welcomed. The proposed marine supply base facility, supported by the existing facilities at East Arm Wharf, will sustain the varying business needs and cargoes as the offshore primes go through their exploration, construction and production phases. This will have a flow-on effect across our industrial sector. It will create new jobs for engineers, marine surveyors, boilermakers, mechanics, electricians and plumbers. The marine supply base will be a cornerstone in the growth of our port and supporting industries. The Land Development Corporation is already doing a great job of developing and selling industrial land in the Darwin Business Park at East Arm. The supply base will further stimulate interest in the strategic land, and the corporation is ready to deal with those new customers. This development builds upon the great work the Darwin Port Corporation is already doing to attract new investment into the Territory. Calls for expressions of interest will close next week, and this will be followed by a detailed proposal phase with a short list of bidders. I welcome this very important announcement and am eager to see its progress to construction in 2012. I have taken the opportunity to visit the Darwin Port Corporation and our East Arm Wharf on a number of occasions. I have taken great interest in this industry of marine supply for our oil and gas. It is a highly efficient, worthwhile and very lucrative industry. It operates with best practice already, and I am certain when we get into the construction phase and deliver a marine supply base in northern Australia, it will be the talk of the country. It will definitely bring more opportunities to the Territory in a new and emerging growth industry, and will provide the much needed opportunities in employment for Territorians, including our Territory youth, spreading the opportunities across the regions. Madam Speaker, I commend the statement. Mr VATSKALIS (Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources): Madam Speaker, I support the Chief Ministers statement. I am interested in the comments made by the member for Port Darwin 6522