Long-time NT public servant Greg Shanahan, who conducted a secret review of the ICAC Act for Labor two years ago, has been appointed the new acting anti-corruption commissioner, with Michael Riches remaining on indefinite leave with full pay, while the long-running investigation into his conduct continues with no end in sight.
A series of CSIRO reports into the development of a multi-user carbon capture, use and storage facility at the proposed Middle Arm industrial precinct estimates the capital cost could be between $7.3 and $7.9 billion, but warned of ‘major uncertainty’ in understanding what additional costs could arise, while an energy peak body said using CCUS to deal with emissions was a “complete fantasy”.
The latest highlights include the Twin Falls gorge at Kakadu National Park re-opening in 2026, Marriott launching its first hotel in Darwin, a new pipeline for Tamboran’s Beetaloo projects, and Tivan’s Speewah awarded major project status by the Federal Government.
Patrick Bellot, a local real estate agent and husband of Mix 104.9 radio personality Katie Woolf, has been appointed chair of the Darwin Waterfront Corporation through a mysterious hiring process that does not appear to have been publicly advertised.
Environmental group Lock the Gate Alliance says it is seeking a Federal Court injunction to halt Tamboran Resource’s fracking operations in the Beetaloo Basin, arguing it needs to be assessed under federal environment laws concerning its water use, before proceeding.
Latest highlights include the NT somehow being named the fourth-best jurisdiction to do business in the country, CommBank opens in Darwin, and Tourism NT teams up with Toyota for an exciting Kakadu adventure itinerary. Also making resource news, the NT Government approved Desoto’s 2025 drilling programs and Prodigy is pursuing gold through an NT mineral lease application.
The company running the Arnhem Space Centre has announced it is abandoning the Northern Territory and moving rocket-launching operations to Queensland, claiming its planned expansion of the Arnhem facility has been met with delays in acquiring approvals from the Northern Land Council.
Santos executive vice president Brett Darley has said the company is reconsidering the potential of gas fracking in the McArthur basin and Beetaloo sub-basin to help fill its Darwin and Gladstone LNG plants, with the company planning “further appraisals” in 2026, it has been reported.
Charles Darwin University has appointed a qualified person as its next Chancellor, with former chief justice Trevor Riley being selected by the university’s council.
The NT Government awarded seven contracts in the last week to a total of over $3.7 million with the largest being awarded to GAMA Healthcare Australia Pty Ltd for Supply and Delivery of Hand Hygiene and Clinical Cleaning and Disinfectant Products for a Period of 60 Months.
The inaugural Darwin Comedy Festival will launch at the Darwin Entertainment Centre from March 6 to 8 next year, headlined by top comedians Celeste Barber, Nazeem Hussain, and Reuben Kaye, along with a line-up of international comedians, emerging talent and local acts.
The NT Independent is providing you with a guide of the cheapest fuel prices across the Northern Territory. See below which service stations offer the cheapest prices on diesel and unleaded petrol.
