Mr McCARTHY - 2008-09-17
Can the minister update the House about the work under way to profile the Katherine economy?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Barkly for his question. It is certainly a good question on Katherine, a great place in the Territory. The Katherine Economic Profile will, for the first time, provide us with a clear snapshot of the Katherine region economy. The project will give the Northern Territory government and the Katherine community the hard data, and will provide a point for future discussions and partnerships to grow the regional economy.
My Department of Regional Development is continuing the work begun by the former Department of Business, Economic and Regional Development.
The Katherine project follows on from the success of the Alice Springs Economic Profile released earlier this year, which showed strong confidence in the Alice Springs economy. The member for Macdonnell and myself are very happy that tomorrow we will be seeing the opening of Target in Alice Springs. I believe that does demonstrate the level of confidence.
I am very pleased to report that the initial data coming through is showing strong business confidence in Katherine as well, and an upbeat business outlook ...
Mr Westra van Holthe: What about the businesses that are closing?
Mr HAMPTON: More than 168 local businesses have taken part, member for Katherine, in the face-to-face surveys, which will give us information about the local labour market and structure; performance; and, the confidence of businesses in the region. More businesses will be contacted to provide further information next week. I thank all those who are contributing to this important work.
I also acknowledge the great work done by the Katherine Economic Development Committee. They are a fine example of local people finding local solutions and ideas. The Katherine Economic Survey is due to be released later this year and will provide the hard data for the Northern Territory government and the local community to plan for the region’s future development.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Barkly for his question. It is certainly a good question on Katherine, a great place in the Territory. The Katherine Economic Profile will, for the first time, provide us with a clear snapshot of the Katherine region economy. The project will give the Northern Territory government and the Katherine community the hard data, and will provide a point for future discussions and partnerships to grow the regional economy.
My Department of Regional Development is continuing the work begun by the former Department of Business, Economic and Regional Development.
The Katherine project follows on from the success of the Alice Springs Economic Profile released earlier this year, which showed strong confidence in the Alice Springs economy. The member for Macdonnell and myself are very happy that tomorrow we will be seeing the opening of Target in Alice Springs. I believe that does demonstrate the level of confidence.
I am very pleased to report that the initial data coming through is showing strong business confidence in Katherine as well, and an upbeat business outlook ...
Mr Westra van Holthe: What about the businesses that are closing?
Mr HAMPTON: More than 168 local businesses have taken part, member for Katherine, in the face-to-face surveys, which will give us information about the local labour market and structure; performance; and, the confidence of businesses in the region. More businesses will be contacted to provide further information next week. I thank all those who are contributing to this important work.
I also acknowledge the great work done by the Katherine Economic Development Committee. They are a fine example of local people finding local solutions and ideas. The Katherine Economic Survey is due to be released later this year and will provide the hard data for the Northern Territory government and the local community to plan for the region’s future development.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016