Mr McADAM - 2002-02-27
Will the minister provide the House with details of the employment opportunities arising from the railway?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, party Whip and member for Barkly for his question because his home town, of course, and his electorate of Barkly has benefited and stands to benefit further from the project.
The construction phase thus far with ADrail has seen 570 jobs in place and as construction moves into full swing immediately post-Wet season, that figure is expected to grow to around 900 mid-year, coming down to around 800 in November. Now, that is jobs created directly by the project itself, but also additional jobs with Austrack, Morris Corporation and Roche Mining.
The sleeper factories in Katherine and Tennant Creek operational thus far are employing around 80 people with the balance, a majority of those in Katherine. But as Tennant Creek moves toward full production that will increase to about 100 people between the two plants.
Preference will be given to employment of Territorians with the necessary skills, and ADrail-sponsored Aboriginal employment and training has been coordinated through both the Northern and Central Land Councils. So far, 60 apprentices signed up for the rail project, 57 currently being signed up by Austrak, and it is estimated that Morris Corporation will require 12 apprentices for hospitality training in the current calendar year.
The Department of Employment, Education and Training has allocated $600 000 for 2002, on top of its normal recurrent funding and user choice apprenticeship funding to ensure that training needs for the railway are met as they become due. The Department of Employment, Education and Training will continue to work with other Northern Territory government departments and Commonwealth departments to jointly fund specific courses as they are required as the rail rolls out.
This is a big project; 900 jobs come June is going to be a great result for the Territory and the project itself will be something for all Territorians, and visitors to the Territory alike, to watch with a growing anticipation as the tracks roll out each end, eventually to join, not all that far into the future.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, party Whip and member for Barkly for his question because his home town, of course, and his electorate of Barkly has benefited and stands to benefit further from the project.
The construction phase thus far with ADrail has seen 570 jobs in place and as construction moves into full swing immediately post-Wet season, that figure is expected to grow to around 900 mid-year, coming down to around 800 in November. Now, that is jobs created directly by the project itself, but also additional jobs with Austrack, Morris Corporation and Roche Mining.
The sleeper factories in Katherine and Tennant Creek operational thus far are employing around 80 people with the balance, a majority of those in Katherine. But as Tennant Creek moves toward full production that will increase to about 100 people between the two plants.
Preference will be given to employment of Territorians with the necessary skills, and ADrail-sponsored Aboriginal employment and training has been coordinated through both the Northern and Central Land Councils. So far, 60 apprentices signed up for the rail project, 57 currently being signed up by Austrak, and it is estimated that Morris Corporation will require 12 apprentices for hospitality training in the current calendar year.
The Department of Employment, Education and Training has allocated $600 000 for 2002, on top of its normal recurrent funding and user choice apprenticeship funding to ensure that training needs for the railway are met as they become due. The Department of Employment, Education and Training will continue to work with other Northern Territory government departments and Commonwealth departments to jointly fund specific courses as they are required as the rail rolls out.
This is a big project; 900 jobs come June is going to be a great result for the Territory and the project itself will be something for all Territorians, and visitors to the Territory alike, to watch with a growing anticipation as the tracks roll out each end, eventually to join, not all that far into the future.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016