Following theTerritory Labor Governments announcement yesterday that a Ship Lift will bebuilt in the NT, Chief Minister Michael Gunner has today met with the Northern AustralianInfrastructure Facility (NAIF).
MrGunner met with Chair Khory McCormick while in Queensland for the Council ofAustralian Governments (COAG), with Mr McCormick confirming the due diligenceprocess to consider a loan for the project is well underway.
TheTerritory Labor Government has committed $100m for the $400m project at EastArm and will seek the additional funding through either the NAIF or the FederalGovernment.
TheTerritory Government has prioritised the Ship Lift project, and appointed ahigh-level Project Steering Group to drive construction and enable it to beoperational in 2023.
Therecently established Investment Territory team will lead the Project SteeringGroup.
Seniorexecutives and technical consultants from across a range of key NT Governmentagencies are part of the Project Steering Group. Government will movequickly to appoint a dedicated project director.
The Ship Liftwill bring $260 million into the NT economy every year. It willcreate about 100 jobs during the construction phase, lead to an expansion ofthe ship building and repairs and maintenance industry, and generate around 400direct and indirect ongoing jobs during its operation.
Mr Gunner lastnight met with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for NorthernAustralia Matt Canavan to stress the importance of the Federal Governmentdirectly investing in the project given its value in providing locally basedmaritime service capability to Royal Australian Navy and Border Force patrolboats stationed in Darwin Harbour.
Quotesfrom the NT Chief Minister, Michael Gunner:
The TerritoryLabor Government announced yesterday that we will build a Ship Lift in the NT a project that will bring $260 million into our economy and create over 500jobs during construction and operation.
I have metwith the NAIF and they have agreed that the strategic importance of the ShipLift is critical, enabling infrastructure for Northern Australia and thenation.
