Mr BONSON - 2003-05-27
All Territorians are aware that our tourism industry provides support for thousands of jobs throughout the Territory economy. The tourism industry has faced significant challenges with international downturn in tourism activity. Could the minister please inform the House of the government’s initiatives for tourism in the budget?
ANSWER
I thank the member for his question. Madam Speaker, we recognise the importance of tourism for the Northern Territory economy. Indeed, it employs 8000 people directly, and probably just as many people indirectly, and contributes somewhere around $2bn to the economy.
It has been hard times for tourism. Our record over the last three to four months, with an extra $1m into our domestic marketing campaign, $500 000 per annum in international marketing, and $600 000 for an Arafura Games rescue package, speak volumes about the way that we are flexible and responsive to our tourism industry. However, tourism relies on more than marketing. It relies on infrastructure and a whole range of things. I am very pleased in the way that capital works and other programs in this budget have tried to give support to the tourism industry and the issues that have been brought forward to me as Minister for Tourism.
It is true - it is common knowledge - that we did not have a lot of new money to spend. However, what we tried to do was to be very strategic, particularly in our capital works program. The member for Casuarina has outlined how large that capital works program is. We have been very targeted in what we have tried to do there. The member for Casuarina has already mentioned $3m preparatory work for the Darwin convention centre. Everyone in this room, and in the tourism industry and business in Darwin, recognises the importance of a convention centre for Darwin. This government is committed to building a convention centre. When I was in Melbourne for the conference I mentioned earlier, I went and had a look at Jeff’s Shed. It is a very grand structure. Ours will be built for the needs of the Territory and of Darwin, but it will be flexible to allow many events to be held at once. It will be a real attraction for Darwin, with $3m, I believe, well spent.
Another $1m is for site works as part of the Stokes Hill Wharf Precinct redevelopment, another important initiative based around the fact that we want more cruise ships coming to Darwin. There is $0.5m for a camp ground revitalisation project at Litchfield National Park, and another $0.5m for the redevelopment of the day use area at Wangi Falls. Litchfield Park is very important for day trips and for tourism out of Darwin.
Regarding aviation and transport, everyone is aware that, along with the Northern Territory Airports, we have jointly funded a position for an Aviation Development Director. I met with Mr Roberts yesterday and we are continuing to put the business case to airlines. I am quietly optimistic and hopeful of a fairly major and significant announcement regarding Central Australia, that I know the member for Araluen will welcome. I cannot really say much more about it right now …
Ms Carney interjecting.
Dr BURNS: Well, you can mock, member for Araluen, but there are some significant developments on the horizon. I am quietly hopeful about those, as they will benefit the Territory immensely.
The member for Casuarina has mentioned some of the initiatives to do with roads. Most significant, of course, is the $3m for the Mereenie Loop Road. That was the first thing, when I went to Alice Springs and met with CATIA, apart from Virgin Blue - which is being done, and I am looking forward to being on the first flight in there in a week or so - the $3m for the Mereenie Loop Road was a priority of CATIA. We are a government that listens to industry; which is responsive and delivers.
Regarding Owen Springs Station, there are a number of significant developments in management and further development. $235 000 will be spent to develop the Alice Springs Cultural Precinct. There are other initiatives, such as putting a senior heritage officer in Alice Springs to look after the wonderful heritage precinct area there.
I am proud to be a member of this government, a minister in this government, and of the budget that we have brought down today and the way it is benefiting the tourist industry. There is $200 000 for significant heritage assets, including the Adelaide River railway area. Here is one that the member for Macdonnell will like: $100 000 for an upgrade of the rim walk at Kings Canyon. For the member for Daly: $60 000 to upgrade the existing picnic area at Gregory National Park, a wonderful area that I visited over Easter.
I could go on about recreational fishing initiatives regarding infrastructure. I heard the question from the member for Goyder. He should remember that that was an election promise of ours to be fulfilled within the term of this government. Both the Chief Minister and I have given an undertaking on that particular election commitment regarding closure of the Adelaide River. There are issues to work through, but do not forget, we also closed the McArthur River. When we were there for community Cabinet we received very positive feedback about the closure of the McArthur River. We promised the closure of the McArthur River and the Adelaide River, within this term of government.
ANSWER
I thank the member for his question. Madam Speaker, we recognise the importance of tourism for the Northern Territory economy. Indeed, it employs 8000 people directly, and probably just as many people indirectly, and contributes somewhere around $2bn to the economy.
It has been hard times for tourism. Our record over the last three to four months, with an extra $1m into our domestic marketing campaign, $500 000 per annum in international marketing, and $600 000 for an Arafura Games rescue package, speak volumes about the way that we are flexible and responsive to our tourism industry. However, tourism relies on more than marketing. It relies on infrastructure and a whole range of things. I am very pleased in the way that capital works and other programs in this budget have tried to give support to the tourism industry and the issues that have been brought forward to me as Minister for Tourism.
It is true - it is common knowledge - that we did not have a lot of new money to spend. However, what we tried to do was to be very strategic, particularly in our capital works program. The member for Casuarina has outlined how large that capital works program is. We have been very targeted in what we have tried to do there. The member for Casuarina has already mentioned $3m preparatory work for the Darwin convention centre. Everyone in this room, and in the tourism industry and business in Darwin, recognises the importance of a convention centre for Darwin. This government is committed to building a convention centre. When I was in Melbourne for the conference I mentioned earlier, I went and had a look at Jeff’s Shed. It is a very grand structure. Ours will be built for the needs of the Territory and of Darwin, but it will be flexible to allow many events to be held at once. It will be a real attraction for Darwin, with $3m, I believe, well spent.
Another $1m is for site works as part of the Stokes Hill Wharf Precinct redevelopment, another important initiative based around the fact that we want more cruise ships coming to Darwin. There is $0.5m for a camp ground revitalisation project at Litchfield National Park, and another $0.5m for the redevelopment of the day use area at Wangi Falls. Litchfield Park is very important for day trips and for tourism out of Darwin.
Regarding aviation and transport, everyone is aware that, along with the Northern Territory Airports, we have jointly funded a position for an Aviation Development Director. I met with Mr Roberts yesterday and we are continuing to put the business case to airlines. I am quietly optimistic and hopeful of a fairly major and significant announcement regarding Central Australia, that I know the member for Araluen will welcome. I cannot really say much more about it right now …
Ms Carney interjecting.
Dr BURNS: Well, you can mock, member for Araluen, but there are some significant developments on the horizon. I am quietly hopeful about those, as they will benefit the Territory immensely.
The member for Casuarina has mentioned some of the initiatives to do with roads. Most significant, of course, is the $3m for the Mereenie Loop Road. That was the first thing, when I went to Alice Springs and met with CATIA, apart from Virgin Blue - which is being done, and I am looking forward to being on the first flight in there in a week or so - the $3m for the Mereenie Loop Road was a priority of CATIA. We are a government that listens to industry; which is responsive and delivers.
Regarding Owen Springs Station, there are a number of significant developments in management and further development. $235 000 will be spent to develop the Alice Springs Cultural Precinct. There are other initiatives, such as putting a senior heritage officer in Alice Springs to look after the wonderful heritage precinct area there.
I am proud to be a member of this government, a minister in this government, and of the budget that we have brought down today and the way it is benefiting the tourist industry. There is $200 000 for significant heritage assets, including the Adelaide River railway area. Here is one that the member for Macdonnell will like: $100 000 for an upgrade of the rim walk at Kings Canyon. For the member for Daly: $60 000 to upgrade the existing picnic area at Gregory National Park, a wonderful area that I visited over Easter.
I could go on about recreational fishing initiatives regarding infrastructure. I heard the question from the member for Goyder. He should remember that that was an election promise of ours to be fulfilled within the term of this government. Both the Chief Minister and I have given an undertaking on that particular election commitment regarding closure of the Adelaide River. There are issues to work through, but do not forget, we also closed the McArthur River. When we were there for community Cabinet we received very positive feedback about the closure of the McArthur River. We promised the closure of the McArthur River and the Adelaide River, within this term of government.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016