Mr BONSON - 2007-08-28
Today, the Chief Minister announced many initiatives under Creating Darwin’s Future. Can you please inform the House on some of these initiatives and how they will benefit the tourism industry?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question. He, and other members of this House, including me, joined the Chief Minister at lunchtime in the launch of Creating Darwin’s Future. It was great to be there, not only with my colleagues, but with many people from the business and investment community in Darwin to hear firsthand of our government’s plan to continue to invest in the capital city to benefit all Territorians. It was a presentation that was very well received. There was an opportunity to talk to many of our business people and key investors in Darwin at lunchtime and everyone I spoke to was effusive in their praise of what was presented at lunchtime.
As Tourism minister, I believe it is further evolution and further investment that is going to make our capital city a really attractive, interesting place to visit, and for people to stay even longer and, of course, spend more money, which creates more jobs for Territorians. This is what this government is about: economic growth, investment, and return on investment, because that leads to jobs, and jobs lead to better economic outcomes and better lives for Territorians.
The centrepiece of the plan is the World War II museum and, as the Chief Minister stated, this is something that has been talked about in Darwin for many years. It is going to happen now. As the years march on, as our World War II veterans, sadly, pass away, the history of what happened in Darwin needs to be brought together in one place. The story needs to be told about what happened so that the contribution of those 243 people who lost their lives can be remembered for eternity in the history of Australia.
It is not only going to be great for tourists coming here, but as minister for Education, with my other hat on, Madam Speaker, children all around Australia will come to Darwin to visit our World War II museum to learn directly what happened here.
As well as the museum, the World War II Heritage Trail, the ribbons of green around and through our city, developing better entry points and general improvements in the CBD will enhance the visitor experience and build on what is happening at the waterfront with the convention centre. All of those delegates who come to Darwin will have a much greater depth of experience in learning about the history of Darwin and the Northern Territory. It is not just a place for tourists; this investment, Building a Better Darwin, is about all Territorians, because all Territorians come to our capital city to enjoy it. This announcement today is going to give a boost to the tourism industry into the future.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question. He, and other members of this House, including me, joined the Chief Minister at lunchtime in the launch of Creating Darwin’s Future. It was great to be there, not only with my colleagues, but with many people from the business and investment community in Darwin to hear firsthand of our government’s plan to continue to invest in the capital city to benefit all Territorians. It was a presentation that was very well received. There was an opportunity to talk to many of our business people and key investors in Darwin at lunchtime and everyone I spoke to was effusive in their praise of what was presented at lunchtime.
As Tourism minister, I believe it is further evolution and further investment that is going to make our capital city a really attractive, interesting place to visit, and for people to stay even longer and, of course, spend more money, which creates more jobs for Territorians. This is what this government is about: economic growth, investment, and return on investment, because that leads to jobs, and jobs lead to better economic outcomes and better lives for Territorians.
The centrepiece of the plan is the World War II museum and, as the Chief Minister stated, this is something that has been talked about in Darwin for many years. It is going to happen now. As the years march on, as our World War II veterans, sadly, pass away, the history of what happened in Darwin needs to be brought together in one place. The story needs to be told about what happened so that the contribution of those 243 people who lost their lives can be remembered for eternity in the history of Australia.
It is not only going to be great for tourists coming here, but as minister for Education, with my other hat on, Madam Speaker, children all around Australia will come to Darwin to visit our World War II museum to learn directly what happened here.
As well as the museum, the World War II Heritage Trail, the ribbons of green around and through our city, developing better entry points and general improvements in the CBD will enhance the visitor experience and build on what is happening at the waterfront with the convention centre. All of those delegates who come to Darwin will have a much greater depth of experience in learning about the history of Darwin and the Northern Territory. It is not just a place for tourists; this investment, Building a Better Darwin, is about all Territorians, because all Territorians come to our capital city to enjoy it. This announcement today is going to give a boost to the tourism industry into the future.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016