Budget 2021: $20 million Infrastructure spend allocated to ‘deteriorating’ Frances Bay lock gates

The Gunner Government is set to unveil $20 million worth of upgrades to the Frances Bay Marina’s mooring lock in Tuesday’s budget.

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THE Gunner Government is set to unveil $20 million worth of upgrades to the Frances Bay Marina’s mooring lock in Tuesday’s budget.

Mostly used for commercial vessels, the Frances Bay Mooring Basin is a key economic enabler for the Territory with 85 berths available for vessels.

Fisheries, the seafood industry, pearlers and commercial operators utilise the basin. By investing in a new lock we are providing long-term certainty for existing businesses and greater confidence for new investment opportunities.

Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler said creating a pipeline of infrastructure works would support local jobs and local business.

“Budget 2021 is about making sure we have the economic enablers to attract more private investment and cement ourselves as the capital of Northern Australia.

“Frances Bay has long been a safe mooring for Territory vessels, particularly during our Wet Season. The much needed upgrade of the Frances Bay Mooring Lock provides quality infrastructure long term into the future for our commercial fishing and seafood industry and other seafaring industries.”

Frances Bay Mooring Basin. Picture: NT Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

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Reconstruction works will include replacement of tie bars and of deteriorating concrete structures, with work now underway to prepare the final scope of works.

$8.75 million will be delivered over five years to the Federal Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre to fast track projects, while $1.1 million will be invested in the Territory’s future framework, for infrastructure and housing.

The Budget is also set to include $11.9 million allocated to about 1000 Aboriginal Ranger jobs, $9.5 million every year going forward to expand Resourcing the Territory Initiative and $2 million to a Renewable Remote Power program.

Tenders for this project are set to be released later this year.

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