23 April 2015 ABC News
The Northern Territory Opposition has dumped former leader Delia Lawrie from its front bench and installed Lynne Walker as the new deputy leader.
After the first Caucus meeting since his successful leadership challenge, Northern Territory ALP leader Michael Gunner on Thursday unveiled his new-look team.
As expected Ms Lawrie, who has been under a cloud since a Supreme Court judge recently criticised her actions during an inquiry last year, was [...]
April 2015 Boyd Robertson Newsport
Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch stopped in at Wonga Beach on Wednesday to open Daintree Barramundi Fish Farms as focus turns toward aquaculture in Far North Queensland.
Although Daintree Barramundi Fish Farm has already been operating for three years, Mr Entsch ‘officially opened’ the business to mark its success.
The farm’s barramundi regularly pick up awards from national food shows and are also in high demand as breeding stock.
The [...]
24 April 2015 Mrs. Gina Rinehart
Members of Parliament, distinguished guests, friends,
It’s lovely to see so many friends and smiling faces here at Parliament House – especially terrific after such a tough week for Sydney with this weather.
And, on the eve of Anzac Day and this most important milestone in Australian history, I would like to acknowledge the bravery and sacrifices that have occurred, along with some thoughts to better prepare us for [...]
24 April 2015 Mrs. Gina Rinehart
Members of Parliament, distinguished guests, friends,
It’s lovely to see so many friends, and smiling faces here at Parliament House – especially terrific after such a tough week for Sydney with this weather.
And, on the eve of Anzac Day and this most important milestone in Australian history, it is right to acknowledge the bravery and sacrifices that have occurred, along with some thoughts to better prepare us for [...]
16 April 2015 Eric Johnston The Australian
The development of northern Australia presents a “great opportunity” for Australia to help feed growing demand for food globally, according to Keith DeLacy, a former treasurer of Queensland.
Mr DeLacy, who is proposing a $2 billion sugar and cattle project, said the fundamentals for the region were in place, including water, land and sunshine. However, the lack of infrastructure that was crimping development.
“We’ve got an obligation, of [...]
10 April 2015 AAP
The Northern Territory government has made six budget announcements this week, including funding for a new special-needs school, more police and a boost to tourism.
The Country Liberals’ third budget will be unveiled on April 28.
Treasurer Dave Tollner has already flagged that it will be “responsible and frugal” but with a “significant” infrastructure spend.
A $31.5 million new school with places for 120 middle and senior students with special [...]
20 March 2015 Carmen Brown ABC Rural
Commercial prawn farmers are hopeful a parliamentary inquiry into northern aquaculture will help drive investment and expansion across the industry.
The inquiry was announced by the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia yesterday, and will focus on new projects, products, markets and innovation.
President of the Australian Prawn Farmers Association, Matt West, welcomed the move, but said the focus should be on expanding existing businesses, rather than commercialising [...]
18 March 2015 ATN
Improved truck access to the Port of Townsville in Queensland has taken a step closer, with work beginning on the final section of a key road project in the state.
Construction has started on the last stage of the Townsville Ring Road between Shaw Road and Mount Low to alleviate local congestion and improve road freight movements.
The final piece of the road project involves an 11.5km section crossing the Bohle [...]
18 March 2015 Vicky Validakis Australian Mining
The first Indigenous-owned and operated mine in the Pilbara has been approved by the WA government.
Australian Aboriginal Mining Corporation is seeking to mine 2-4 million tonnes of iron ore at its Extension project 70 kilometres north-west of Newman.
The mine would require supporting infrastructure, including an access road, internal roads, ore crushing facilities and an accommodation camp.
The Environmental Protection Authority found that minimal impacts of the [...]
The program will cover the critical issues facing the area from north of the Tropic of Capricorn, spanning Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland; an area of approximately three million square kilometres with a population of around one million people.
It will engage with the drivers of growth including agriculture, mining, energy, tourism and other emerging sectors. The strategic importance of the North with its geographic proximity to Asian markets presents both challenges and opportunities [...]
