Northern Territory

THE Northern Territory Government last week announced that it is set to undertake a Territory-wide planning study to prioritise and develop vital infrastructure investment in regional areas to help support resource-related economic development.

Transport Minister Peter Styles said the Territory was open for business and was committed to building a prosperous economy that would continue to secure local and national infrastructure investment.

NORTHERN Territory Lands, Planning and Environment Minister, Peter Chandler, this week announced a Request for Proposals to develop the first stage of a housing subdivision in Katherine East, approximately 270 kilometres south-east of Darwin.

The 19-hectare Katherine East Stage 1 site is expected to deliver more than 100 new lots. It forms part of a 52-hectare site identified by the government for development that could potentially create land for between 400 to 500 new dwellings.

THE Northern Territory Government will soon call for proposals to develop the first stage of the new Alice Springs suburb of Kilgariff, which will deliver at least 100 new lots to the market and aims to boost housing affordability and create job opportunities.

Chief Minister Adam Giles said the government is seeking expressions of interest from developers for the 13.8 hectare Stage 1 site to deliver a minimum of 100 lots with job opportunities for local residents and businesses.

THE Northern Territory Government's 2013-14 Budget is a responsible budget that builds a future for all Territorians and ensures that the Territory maximises the benefits from the expected economic growth it is about to experience, according to Treasurer David Tollner.

Mr Tollner, who this week handed down the Country Liberals' first Budget since gaining power in August 2012, said the government had inherited a projected $5.5 billion debt from the former Labor government and was now acting responsibly and pursuing a deficit reduction strategy.

DARWIN International Airport (DIA) is set to commence work on its $60 million upgrade later this month, which includes a $42.5 million terminal expansion project, after finalisation of the design and construct contract with developer Watpac.

The terminal expansion will result in the terminal increasing from 16,000 to 27,000 square metres and include additional departure lounge areas, improved baggage systems and security screening areas, an expanded check-in area and upgraded facilities for international travellers.

FREE Wi-Fi was this week launched on all public buses in Alice Springs, as part of government plans to provide a modern, convenient public bus system and support demand for quick access to information.

The technology has been installed on Alice Springs' five public buses at a cost of just under $50,000 for the first 12 months, including support and maintenance. The subsequent annual cost of internet access, support and maintenance for each bus is expected to be approximately $2,500.

NORTHERN Territory Lands, Planning and the Environment Minister Peter Chandler last week announced the appointment of Professor Lawrence Nield as Northern Territory Government Architect.

Mr Chandler described Professor Nield as a leading practitioner and academic and a person of national eminence who will provide exceptional advice for the development, design and standards of the Territory's urban environment and public spaces.

NORTHERN Territory Housing Minister David Tollner will this week call for Expressions of Interest from the private sector for the construction of hundreds of affordable homes across the Northern Territory.

The announcement is part of the government's commitment to increase affordable housing options for key workers in the Northern Territory, such as teachers, nurses, health workers and hospitality staff, and to bridge the gap between public and private housing.

NORTHERN Territory Transport Minister Adam Giles this week announced that five more free Wi-Fi connected buses will go into service across Darwin by the end of March, in addition to the five Wi-Fi enabled buses already announced.

Mr Giles said Wi-Fi is also being introduced on all Alice Springs public buses from next month and is already available at Darwin, Palmerston and Casuarina bus interchanges, as part of an effort to attract workers back onto the public transport system.

NORTHERN Territory Chief Minister Terry Mills and Minister for Lands, Planning and the Environment Peter Chandler last week announced the appointment of five experts to the new Planning Commission.

It follows the appointment last year of former Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Gary Nairn, as Chair of the new independent planning body, which has been tasked with cutting red tape, speeding up procedures and identifying land for development.

TRANSPORT Minister Adam Giles last week said the Northern Territory Government is continuing to invest in improving the Territory's public transport system, with free Wi-Fi to be provided for public bus commuters at Darwin, Palmerston and Casuarina bus interchanges from mid-February.

Mr Giles said the initiative was about building a modern, convenient public transport system, adding that he is keen to consider other projects to enhance the services provided with the public bus network.

POLITICIANS and policy makers must take a bold new approach and develop a number of plans for the Northern Territory in order to secure its future, according to the Property Council of Australia.

The Property Council's NT Executive Director, Raquel Nicholls-Skene, made the call while launching the organisation's election advocacy agenda in the lead-up to the Northern Territory election, to be held this Saturday.