Please advise:

1. What measures have been undertaken by the Northern Territory Government since 1 January 2009 to develop the Northern Territory side of the Ord Stage II.

2. What infrastructure requirements, including power and roads, have been identified as being necessary to take advantage of the Ord Stage II expansion in the Northern Territory.

3. In the 2009/10 budget, how many resources, including financial contributions and personnel have been allocated to the Ord Stage II project.

4. Has the questions of native title been resolved and, if not, at what stage are the negotiations.

5. Has the question of a quarantine exclusion zone been resolved and, if not, at what stage is the determination.

1. What measures have been undertaken by the Northern Territory Government since 1 January 2009 to develop the Northern Territory side of the Ord Stage II?

Ord Stage I and II encompasses development within Western Australia (WA). The Territory Government has commenced an initial social and economic assessment of a possible Northern Territory Ord Expansion (NTOE) project.

2. What infrastructure requirements, including power and roads, have been identified as being necessary to take advantage of the Ord Stage II expansion in the Northern Territory?

Ord Stage II is contained within WA. The NTOE project is at an early stage, and therefore considerations do not include planning for power and roads.

3. In the 2009-10 budget, how many resources, including financial contributions and personnel have been allocated to the Ord Stage II project?

Ord Stage II is contained within WA.In 2009-10, the costs of the NTOE project were met within existing resources of the Department of Resources and other agencies involved.

4. Has the questions of Native Title been resolved and, if not, at what stage are the negotiations?

Native Title has been resolved for the Ord Stage II.

5. Has the question of a quarantine exclusion zone been resolved and, if not, at what stage is the determination?

A Northern Territory Inter-Departmental Working Group has been established to work with the WA Government on the Ord River development, including future opportunities that may become available to the NT.

It is this Group that will work cooperatively with WA Officials aided by specialist staff in assisting general issues surrounding cross boarder movement of product.

The proposed Ord Stage II is contained exclusively within WA. No request has been received from the WA Government for a quarantine exclusion zone for Ord Stage II.