2022 federal budget: Territory projects get big bucks, but delivery remains unclear

A new youth engagement hub, veterans shelter and health clinic were in the federal budget, and all eyes are now on the delivery. Here’s the progress so far.

With billions splashed in the Territory’s federal budget share, the spotlight is now on our politicians to deliver.

However several projects, even those valued in the order of a few million dollars, are yet to get a locked-in timeline.

A new youth engagement hub, veterans accommodation centre and a health clinic are among the projects without a clear deadline, as well as the whopping $1.5bn investment into Middle Arm.

Solomon MP Luke Gosling said after securing the biggest infrastructure spend of all states and territories besides Victoria, the ball was now in the Territory government’s court to firm up plans for many of the investments.

The NT News has looked into the progress of several small but important projects for the Top End.

Solomon MP Luke Gosling said it was one of his highest priorities to support at-risk Territorians in the budget. Picture: Supplied

Youth Engagement Hub

Federal investment: $5m

Progress: NT Government to choose location

A drop-in centre to keep kids off the streets and provide safe transport home is set to be built in Darwin’s northern suburbs.

It is expected to cater to more than 80 young people and provide access to positive mentors.

Mr Gosling said the Youth Minister Lauren Moss now needed to choose one of two proposed locations.

“The hub is one of my highest priorities,” Mr Gosling said.

“It will be for kids going the wrong way and who may not have family support and mentors around them, to give them a place where they can be supported.

“We want it built as soon as possible.”

While the federal government is funding the $5m build, the NT government will handle operations.

“The NT government welcomes this commitment in the federal budget and recognises the importance of this project for the northern suburbs,” Ms Moss said.

“The project is progressing well and there will be an announcement forthcoming.”

Private Scott Travis Palmer, who grew up in Katherine, tragically lost his life on operational service in Afghanistan in June 2010. Picture: Supplied

Scott Palmer Centre

Federal investment: $3.6m

Progress: To be complete in 12-18 months

A centre to provide at-risk Territory veterans with short-term accommodation, services and community support has been committed to in the budget.

The rate of homelessness in the Territory is 12 times the national average and former Defence members are overrepresented in that cohort, commonwealth data shows.

The Scott Palmer Centre, to be built in Marrara at the former Darwin North RSL site, will include six units operated by the Council of Australian Veterans.

“We’re also committing $1m to co-locate the Darwin Men’s Shed at the centre,” Mr Gosling said.

“The culture we want to build is one of helping those who have served our country.”

The centre will be named after Territorian commando Scott Palmer, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010.

Danila Dilba currently operates eight health clinics in the Territory. Picture: Jason Walls

Danila Dilba Health Clinic

Federal investment: $11.6m

Progress: NT Government to work with Danila Dilba to choose location

Palmerston is set to get a new Danila Dilba health clinic in a bid to ease pressure on hospitals.

The investment will fund a new Palmerston location for the Aboriginal health service, with the satellite city’s existing one “not fit for purpose”.

Mr Gosling said the NT government now needed to decide on a location.

“Palmerston is the growth area and we know the Aboriginal community is greater in Palmerston and the rural area,” Mr Gosling said.

“The more people you can get to earlier with culturally-appropriate health services, the better.”

CareFlight NT will get a new AW139 rescue helicopter. Picture: Supplied

Second CareFlight helicopter

Federal investment: $11m

Progress: Funding to be delivered in 2022-23

The federal government has also committed $11m for a second CareFlight helicopter.

Mr Gosling said it means if one needs maintenance work or is on another job, there will be capacity for the other to reach patients in remote areas.

CareFlight has been calling for a second helicopter for at least three years.

CareFlight CEO Mick Frewen said the second helicopter would lead to better long-term health outcomes for patients, their families and communities.

“A second medical rescue helicopter in the Northern Territory will close the gap on our medical rescue capability and result in more lives saved,” Mr Frewen said.

[e-mail]

Originally published as 2022 federal budget: Territory projects get big bucks, but delivery remains unclear