Mr SETTER - 1995-08-22
The flood resistance of the upper Finniss River crossing, which provides access to Litchfield National Park, has been of concern to the tourism industry and park users in general. As one who used to fish in that area, I know full well what the bridge is like. It is merely a single-lane, fairly short bridge over a very narrow part of the river and, during times of flood, the river rises and prevents access to the park. What measures is the government taking to improve access to Litchfield National Park at that crossing in times of flood?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am sure the answer to this question will be of special interest to yourself, as the local member, and also of special interest to the students and teachers from the Batchelor Area School who are in the gallery. It is a fact that the upper Finniss River crossing can cause considerable problems for access to Litchfield National Park during the wet season.
Page 797
It has been a matter of contention in the tourism industry for some time, especially with the Tourist Commission now promoting visitation to the Northern Territory by increasing numbers of people during the wetter months, and it is vital in that context that the major attractions, such as Litchfield National Park, remain open.
To that end, my department has just issued a contract to the value of $712 000 to Steelcon Constructions of Darwin for the design and construction of a bridge and access roads at that crossing. Although this bridge will not guarantee access at all times, it is estimated that it will be out less than once in 10 years. That will be a vast improvement on the current situation.
Mr Coulter: It has been out on 22 days since last January.
Mr PALMER: In January and February this year, I think access was out for in excess of 20 days.
Mr Poole: On 22 days, to be precise.
Mr PALMER: The Minister for Tourism tells me it was out on 22 days. This construction will replace the existing bridge ...
A member: Culvert.
Mr PALMER: Or culvert - however you choose to describe it. It should be finished by December of this year to take advantage of the forthcoming tourist boom during the coming wet season.
Page 798
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am sure the answer to this question will be of special interest to yourself, as the local member, and also of special interest to the students and teachers from the Batchelor Area School who are in the gallery. It is a fact that the upper Finniss River crossing can cause considerable problems for access to Litchfield National Park during the wet season.
Page 797
It has been a matter of contention in the tourism industry for some time, especially with the Tourist Commission now promoting visitation to the Northern Territory by increasing numbers of people during the wetter months, and it is vital in that context that the major attractions, such as Litchfield National Park, remain open.
To that end, my department has just issued a contract to the value of $712 000 to Steelcon Constructions of Darwin for the design and construction of a bridge and access roads at that crossing. Although this bridge will not guarantee access at all times, it is estimated that it will be out less than once in 10 years. That will be a vast improvement on the current situation.
Mr Coulter: It has been out on 22 days since last January.
Mr PALMER: In January and February this year, I think access was out for in excess of 20 days.
Mr Poole: On 22 days, to be precise.
Mr PALMER: The Minister for Tourism tells me it was out on 22 days. This construction will replace the existing bridge ...
A member: Culvert.
Mr PALMER: Or culvert - however you choose to describe it. It should be finished by December of this year to take advantage of the forthcoming tourist boom during the coming wet season.
Page 798
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016