Two significant private investment projects in the Territory have reached major milestones and creating jobs for Territorians.
Seafarms Group Limited has awarded its first contract for on-ground earthmoving work to Territory enterprise Allan King & Sons Construction Pty Ltd (AKSC).
AKSC have recently formalised a Consortium Agreement with Traditional Owner Company, Legune Construction Ltd, an agreement designed to maximise local employment for construction works on Legune Station.
Work is expected to start onsite at Legune Station this week, marking the commencement of early works for the $1.45 billion prawn aquaculture project, Project Sea Dragon.
Darwin based company Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec (WGA) have also recently been appointed as project engineering contractor.
Site inspections will also be conducted in coming months, ahead of major infrastructure works to commence in 2019, creating up to 1500 jobs.
The Westin Darwin Hotel is also progressing, with local contractors invited to bid for project-enabling work packages including the construction of the Seawall onsite.
Landbridge developers of the Hotel has been working collaboratively with the Northern Territory Industry Capability Network to assess local capability and identify potential local contractors and suppliers.
More than 180 Territory businesses have expressed their interest in working on various parts of the project through ICN Gateway, a tool used by the Industry Capability Network to match business, skills, capabilities and projects.
The project is expected to create up to 500 jobs for Territorians during construction and a further 150 jobs ongoing in operation.
Construction of the $200 million project is anticipated before the end of the year.
QUOTES FROM CHIEF MINISTER MICHAEL GUNNER
Creating local jobs is the number one priority of this government, and one of the best ways to create jobs is through private investment in the Territory.
The Territory Labor Government is doing significant work to attract more private investment into the NT by facilitating projects such as these, and by letting the world know we are open for business, through events like Facing North in Canberra and our recent trip to China.
We will invest over $56 million in roads to support Project Sea Farms, including
$32.2 million to upgrade Gunn Point Road;
$7 million to provide an access road to Point Ceylon, Bynoe Harbour site;
$17.5 million upgrade the Keep River Plains Road to ensure year round access between Kununurra and Legune Station.
Along with our $100 million investment in the Darwin CBD, the Territory Labor Government is also investing $17 million in public infrastructure to support the project, which includes a 200m Skywalk to connect the Luxury hotel to the CBD.
