Mrs FINOCCHIARO - 2015-02-25
Can you please update the Assembly on the progress with the government’s proposed discount fuel outlet in Berrimah?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Drysdale for her question. She is keen to hear about the reduction in fuel prices in the Territory and what we are doing to ensure they stay at the lowest levels possible.
A discount fuel stop in Berrimah is one step closer, with the Territory government shortlisting four companies for the proposed Truck Central development. The four shortlisted applicants have been approved to prepare a detailed proposal for a design that incorporates a truck stop, fuel station, 24-hour restaurant and rest fatigue facilities within the 16 ha development. They have until 31 March to submit their formal ideas after an initial expression of interest process was conducted late last year.
We are working with the Land Development Corporation to stimulate greater competition in the fuel market by offering this critical parcel of land adjacent to the high-traffic intersection of Tiger Brennan Drive and Wishart Road. It is part of the new Transport Industry Precinct which occupies a parcel of land of 70 ha. Truck Central and the Transport Industry Precinct are strategically located at the heart of greater Darwin’s arterial road network in the centre of a 14 km radius which encompasses the CBD, the northern suburbs, Palmerston and the rural areas.
The key condition for any successful proponent wanting to lease this prime land is commitment to being a price leader on fuel. The four shortlisted proponents have all made commitments in this regard. The selection of the preferred applicant and negotiation of final commercial terms will be undertaken and finalised in the second quarter of 2015, allowing the Truck Central development, including key earthworks, to begin in mid-2015.
Contrary to the member for Nightcliff’s bleating over fuel prices yesterday, figures from the Australian Institute of Petroleum released this week show that unleaded fuel across the Territory is now, on average, 40.1c per litre cheaper than it was a year ago. That is down almost 25%. The gap between Territory and interstate fuel prices has also narrowed since the government convened its fuel summit in October last year. The average difference between the Territory and the rest of the nation is now 11.5c per litre. One year ago, Territory prices were 20.3c per litre higher.
We continue to tackle this complex issue head on. Labor was not willing to tackle fuel prices. The fuel stop is another way the Country Liberal Party is working to provide downward pressure on the cost of living in the Northern Territory. It is positive to see the Country Liberals government take action on reducing fuel prices in the Territory and we will continue to do so.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Drysdale for her question. She is keen to hear about the reduction in fuel prices in the Territory and what we are doing to ensure they stay at the lowest levels possible.
A discount fuel stop in Berrimah is one step closer, with the Territory government shortlisting four companies for the proposed Truck Central development. The four shortlisted applicants have been approved to prepare a detailed proposal for a design that incorporates a truck stop, fuel station, 24-hour restaurant and rest fatigue facilities within the 16 ha development. They have until 31 March to submit their formal ideas after an initial expression of interest process was conducted late last year.
We are working with the Land Development Corporation to stimulate greater competition in the fuel market by offering this critical parcel of land adjacent to the high-traffic intersection of Tiger Brennan Drive and Wishart Road. It is part of the new Transport Industry Precinct which occupies a parcel of land of 70 ha. Truck Central and the Transport Industry Precinct are strategically located at the heart of greater Darwin’s arterial road network in the centre of a 14 km radius which encompasses the CBD, the northern suburbs, Palmerston and the rural areas.
The key condition for any successful proponent wanting to lease this prime land is commitment to being a price leader on fuel. The four shortlisted proponents have all made commitments in this regard. The selection of the preferred applicant and negotiation of final commercial terms will be undertaken and finalised in the second quarter of 2015, allowing the Truck Central development, including key earthworks, to begin in mid-2015.
Contrary to the member for Nightcliff’s bleating over fuel prices yesterday, figures from the Australian Institute of Petroleum released this week show that unleaded fuel across the Territory is now, on average, 40.1c per litre cheaper than it was a year ago. That is down almost 25%. The gap between Territory and interstate fuel prices has also narrowed since the government convened its fuel summit in October last year. The average difference between the Territory and the rest of the nation is now 11.5c per litre. One year ago, Territory prices were 20.3c per litre higher.
We continue to tackle this complex issue head on. Labor was not willing to tackle fuel prices. The fuel stop is another way the Country Liberal Party is working to provide downward pressure on the cost of living in the Northern Territory. It is positive to see the Country Liberals government take action on reducing fuel prices in the Territory and we will continue to do so.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016