Mr HAMPTON - 2006-11-30
The construction industry has received the strong support of the Martin government. Can the Treasurer advise the House if this support extends across the Territory to centres outside Darwin? In particular, can the Treasurer advise the House on the state of the construction industry in Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Stuart for his question. As a government, we have strongly supported the construction industry. It has received $2.7bn in cash since we were elected in 2001. That is the biggest construction program the Northern Territory government has ever promoted. We support the industry. It is important as an economic driver right across Territory economic activity. It generates jobs, pulls in skilled workers from around Australia, and puts money into the economy in a way that spins-off into other areas of accommodation, retail, and so on.
We also support the construction industry right across the Territory as a means of developing economic growth in the regions and growing communities, in particular, Alice Springs. As a result of the support through our capital works program, the growth in jobs, and improvement in general economic conditions in Alice Springs, has seen a significant lift together with an increase in private sector construction growth. At the moment, there is strong construction growth in the Alice region.
Just this month, we have awarded roads tenders worth more than $15m:
$13.3m for the Namatjira Drive, Red Centre Way sealing project, the Mereenie Loop. This is an enormous project which will deliver a new 48 km stretch of two-lane, sealed road. That will have an immediate effect on tourism;
In construction, there is more than $30m in current works right now:
Alice Springs Hospital Ward 4 renal unit upgrade, $1.6m which is almost complete;
We are soon to announce a successful tender for an upgrade to the Alice Springs Hospital staff accommodation;
upgrade of Flynn Drive Renal Unit at $1m; and
$1m for middle schools work at Centralian Secondary College.
Upcoming works are the $8.1m commitment to the Aquatic Centre; $800 000 to the drag strip; the $2.2m Stuart Lodge redevelopment with the contract awarded to locals, Probuild; and the $1.75m Keith Lawrie Flats redevelopment with the contract awarded to locals, Patrick Homes.
Backing that confidence from government through its capital works program, the private sector has also started or planned a number of exciting projects: the Melanka Backpacker Lodge redevelopment; the shopping centre expansion at Yeperenye; the Sitzlers Quest serviced apartment block; Imparja’s new digital broadcasting studios – I saw the hole the other day; and the Alice Springs Plaza redevelopment. Every one of those projects, government and private sector combined, are pooling skills, pooling new jobs and promoting vigour and growth in the Alice Springs economy.
Ms CARNEY: Having been elevated to silk, perhaps the minister will answer this question. Minister, across Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, that is south of Darwin – Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs…
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Stuart for his question. As a government, we have strongly supported the construction industry. It has received $2.7bn in cash since we were elected in 2001. That is the biggest construction program the Northern Territory government has ever promoted. We support the industry. It is important as an economic driver right across Territory economic activity. It generates jobs, pulls in skilled workers from around Australia, and puts money into the economy in a way that spins-off into other areas of accommodation, retail, and so on.
We also support the construction industry right across the Territory as a means of developing economic growth in the regions and growing communities, in particular, Alice Springs. As a result of the support through our capital works program, the growth in jobs, and improvement in general economic conditions in Alice Springs, has seen a significant lift together with an increase in private sector construction growth. At the moment, there is strong construction growth in the Alice region.
Just this month, we have awarded roads tenders worth more than $15m:
$13.3m for the Namatjira Drive, Red Centre Way sealing project, the Mereenie Loop. This is an enormous project which will deliver a new 48 km stretch of two-lane, sealed road. That will have an immediate effect on tourism;
In construction, there is more than $30m in current works right now:
Alice Springs Hospital Ward 4 renal unit upgrade, $1.6m which is almost complete;
We are soon to announce a successful tender for an upgrade to the Alice Springs Hospital staff accommodation;
upgrade of Flynn Drive Renal Unit at $1m; and
$1m for middle schools work at Centralian Secondary College.
Upcoming works are the $8.1m commitment to the Aquatic Centre; $800 000 to the drag strip; the $2.2m Stuart Lodge redevelopment with the contract awarded to locals, Probuild; and the $1.75m Keith Lawrie Flats redevelopment with the contract awarded to locals, Patrick Homes.
Backing that confidence from government through its capital works program, the private sector has also started or planned a number of exciting projects: the Melanka Backpacker Lodge redevelopment; the shopping centre expansion at Yeperenye; the Sitzlers Quest serviced apartment block; Imparja’s new digital broadcasting studios – I saw the hole the other day; and the Alice Springs Plaza redevelopment. Every one of those projects, government and private sector combined, are pooling skills, pooling new jobs and promoting vigour and growth in the Alice Springs economy.
Ms CARNEY: Having been elevated to silk, perhaps the minister will answer this question. Minister, across Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, that is south of Darwin – Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs…
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016