Issues such as the high cost of doing business, declining population, and rampant crime will cause the NT economy to fall an estimated $6 billion short of its targeted $40 billion economy by 2030, a new report has found.
NT Business News – March 27
Latest highlights include Darwin still holding the highest rental vacancy rate in the country, Darwin council questioned about a supposedly unfair new procurement policy, and $20 million in venture capital for companies expanding business in the NT. Also, making resource news, new warnings from experts that the cost of Beetaloo gas is unlikely to be competitive.
Airnorth opens new Alice Springs to Perth route
Low-cost carrier Airnorth is the third airline to expand its network in the NT by launching a new Alice Springs to Perth route under the NT Government’s Aviation Attraction Scheme, which aims to attract new players into the local aviation market.
NT’s population decreases marginally in September quarter
The Northern Territory lost 868 people to interstate migration in the September quarter, and the Territory’s estimated population decreased by 60 people to 252,469, but the population only declined because of the departure of US marines, a NT Department of Treasury and Finance economic brief states.
NT Cattlemen’s Association elects new president
Henry Burke has been elected as the new president of the NT Cattlemen’s Association, the ABC has reported.
Workers rescued after vehicle swept away by flooded river at McArthur River Mine
Dozens of workers at Glencore’s McArthur River Mine have been stranded in mine buildings after floodwaters from Cyclone Megan cut access back to the worker accommodation, while two workers had to be rescued from floodwaters after their vehicle washed off an internal road, the company has confirmed.
No accountability: ICAC review reveals major corruption issues at Katherine DIPL office that chief executive did nothing about for years
Department of Infrastructure chief executive Andrew Kirkman knew about serious corruption issues at the department’s Katherine office, including tender manipulation, failure to disclose conflicts of interest and other improper procurement practices since at least 2019, but does not appear to have taken any action, according to a new ICAC “review” that confirmed misconduct in the department.
NT Business News – March 22
Latest highlights include the first Mini Woolies program opening in the Territory and a $2.5 million tender awarded to GHD to draft, design and document the upgrade to the Mereenie Loop in Central Australia. Also making resource news is graphite and gallium being added to NT’s list of critical minerals, Rio Tinto’s Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) applying for another 10-year lease at the controversial Jabiluka uranium project, and Kingsland Minerals confirmed to be sitting on a colossal graphite deposit at its Leliyn project.
Urban Rampage blast ASIC’s decision to ban Centrepay payment option for Indigenous customers
Urban Rampage, which operates retail stores in Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek, Katherine, and Alice Springs, said the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s decision to hold the company’s Centrepay facility indefinitely is having a disastrous effect on its First Nations customers.
Blacktip shortage stops gas being piped to Queensland
Gas flow from the Northern Territory to Queensland stopped in early February and pipeline operator Jemena has told customers it did not expect it to resume until at least June because of reduced supply from the Blacktip gas field the ABC reported.
NT Government tenders released – March 19
In the last week the NT Government has released 10 tenders, including Construction of an Impermeable Gravel Hardstand and Associated Works in Katherine Sewer Ponds.
NT Business News – March 18
Latest Business News highlights include a multi-rail corridor flagged that would include the NT, Santos awarding Darwin LNG project construction to UGL, and NT’s most awful suburbs for rental stress revealed. Also, making resource news is the Rinehart-backed Arafura mining company receiving $840 million in taxpayer aid for the NT project, and Core Lithium CEO quits amid downturn of battery metal prices.