Fortune Agribusiness wants to engage with TOs as orchard development moves forward
A Territory Land Council is set to take a new development to the High Court to prevent it going ahead. Read which one.
Business
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The Central Land Council looks set to appeal to the High Court to stop a $250m orchard project that, if approved, would create hundreds of jobs and boost food security in remote Territory communities.
In a statement, project proponent Fortune Agribusiness said the CLC, on behalf of the Mpwerempwer Aboriginal Corporation, would seek special leave to appeal to the High Court following the NT Court of Appeal’s May 12 decision to dismiss objections made against the project.
Fortune Agribusiness chief executive Peter Wood said the company acknowledged the importance of due process, but said project directors remained committed to the proposed 3300 hectare development going ahead.
The appeal comes despite the unanimous decision by the NT Appeals Court that the Territory Government had followed all necessary processes during the approvals phase.
Judges dismissed the appeal out of hand, at one point saying:
“The only possible action that the Minister could take, regardless of the merits of the application, regardless of the cost to the applicant and other interested parties, would be to substitute a decision to refuse the application. It is difficult to contemplate any sound policy objective for such an approach. This court should not lightly attribute such absurdity to the legislature.”
Mr Wood said on Tuesday he would continue to work with Traditional Owners.
“Fortune Agribusiness acknowledges the importance of due process, and we remain committed to full compliance with Government regulations as we work to continue advancing the Environmental Impact Statement,” Mr Wood said.
“CLC has informed Fortune Agribusiness that it will now facilitate engagement and consultation with the Traditional Owners about the project, which is an important next step.
“We look forward to engaging meaningfully with key stakeholders including the Central Land Council, all Native Title holders and elders, the Tennant Creek and Ali Curung communities and businesses within the Barkly region and beyond.
“We want to ensure local people are fully informed about the many opportunities that will flow from Singleton Farm and how these can be maximised by working together, and we encourage the local community to get involved.
“The Government’s rigorous water planning and the staged water allocation process will ensure Singleton Farm is developed sustainably and in full compliance with the licence conditions and regulations.
“Singleton Farm presents a unique opportunity for the Barkly region, the Northern Territory and for local businesses and the community to be involved in a development which will deliver long term jobs and significant economic and social benefits.
“Fortune Agribusiness will invest over $250 million to develop Singleton Farm, over nine years, into a sustainable food production precinct. It will be a catalyst for further investment in the region, providing new infrastructure and supporting ongoing local employment.”
CLC spokeswoman Elkie Wiesmann dismissed questions about an appeal.
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