Mr KURRUPUWU - 2016-05-24
Could you please advise the House what Territorians can expect in the 2016-17 infrastructure program?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for the question. He understands what it is like to have a good, solid infrastructure plan, as they do on the Tiwi Islands.
The Country Liberal government is about jobs and the community as a whole. We want everybody to prosper. Great infrastructure will ensure prosperity for all Territorians. Three major projects we are working on as part of this year’s budget, as well as next year’s, are the Palmerston hospital, which we know is on time and on budget; upgrading school infrastructure with $68.5m as part of the Boosting our Economy package …
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The minister is incorrect; it is Palmerston Regional Hospital.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, member for Nelson. It is not a point of order.
Mr CHANDLER: Madam Speaker, he is right and I am wrong; it is the Palmerston Regional Hospital. It is major infrastructure – a game changer for Territorians, particularly those living in Palmerston and the rural area. They are very important people in the rural area. We are also completing the Tiger Brennan Drive duplication. These projects are being delivered now and in the future.
It is about jobs, community and prosperity. We have a plan, unlike the other side. We have over $1bn worth of projects awarded across the Territory, and as part of Budget 2016-17 the Northern Territory government will provide a total infrastructure payment of $1.68bn. There are many jobs in that and many prosperous Territorians.
We have strategically invested $300m to establish the Northern Territory Infrastructure Development Fund to attract a further $1.2bn from external investors. That is good economics. The fund will achieve positive economic outcomes for Territorians while producing a commercial rate of return to the funds invested.
Budget 2016-17 includes $1.4bn in capital works, including $78m for minor new works and $216m for repairs and maintenance.
We are continuing to invest in education. The budget includes $21.2m to support the construction of a Catholic primary school in Zuccoli. We already know that the opposition does not like the non-government sector. Many mums and dads send their children to non-government schools and will be very interested to know the approach of this Labor opposition.
An amount of $10m has been allocated to stage one of the Taminmin College master plan for a new two-storey building with eight science classrooms and eight general learning areas, which is wonderful news for Humpty Doo.
Budget 2106-17 invests $400m in housing and related works to provide upgrades to new houses in remote communities – the government employee housing to support service delivery in the bush.
The answer is too long because there is so much good news. This government is focused on the economy and on the people of the Northern Territory and their future, whether they are babies or they are 90.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for the question. He understands what it is like to have a good, solid infrastructure plan, as they do on the Tiwi Islands.
The Country Liberal government is about jobs and the community as a whole. We want everybody to prosper. Great infrastructure will ensure prosperity for all Territorians. Three major projects we are working on as part of this year’s budget, as well as next year’s, are the Palmerston hospital, which we know is on time and on budget; upgrading school infrastructure with $68.5m as part of the Boosting our Economy package …
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The minister is incorrect; it is Palmerston Regional Hospital.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, member for Nelson. It is not a point of order.
Mr CHANDLER: Madam Speaker, he is right and I am wrong; it is the Palmerston Regional Hospital. It is major infrastructure – a game changer for Territorians, particularly those living in Palmerston and the rural area. They are very important people in the rural area. We are also completing the Tiger Brennan Drive duplication. These projects are being delivered now and in the future.
It is about jobs, community and prosperity. We have a plan, unlike the other side. We have over $1bn worth of projects awarded across the Territory, and as part of Budget 2016-17 the Northern Territory government will provide a total infrastructure payment of $1.68bn. There are many jobs in that and many prosperous Territorians.
We have strategically invested $300m to establish the Northern Territory Infrastructure Development Fund to attract a further $1.2bn from external investors. That is good economics. The fund will achieve positive economic outcomes for Territorians while producing a commercial rate of return to the funds invested.
Budget 2016-17 includes $1.4bn in capital works, including $78m for minor new works and $216m for repairs and maintenance.
We are continuing to invest in education. The budget includes $21.2m to support the construction of a Catholic primary school in Zuccoli. We already know that the opposition does not like the non-government sector. Many mums and dads send their children to non-government schools and will be very interested to know the approach of this Labor opposition.
An amount of $10m has been allocated to stage one of the Taminmin College master plan for a new two-storey building with eight science classrooms and eight general learning areas, which is wonderful news for Humpty Doo.
Budget 2106-17 invests $400m in housing and related works to provide upgrades to new houses in remote communities – the government employee housing to support service delivery in the bush.
The answer is too long because there is so much good news. This government is focused on the economy and on the people of the Northern Territory and their future, whether they are babies or they are 90.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016