Not a single Nightcliff candidate supports Middle Arm project
One NT electorate will not field a single candidate that supports Middle Arm. Read where it is.
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Pro-development voters in the Nightcliff electorate are faced with a stark choice this Saturday, with none of the five candidates on the ballot actively supporting the Middle Arm sustainable precinct project.
Local Labor member and former chief minister Natasha Fyles this week refused to personally endorse the project and the CLP’s Helen Secretary has criticised the lack of consultation.
NT Greens candidate Kat McNamara is opposed to developing Middle Arm, as are Mililma May and George Mamouzellos, two independent candidates who are contesting the seat.
While Nightcliff has been comfortably won by Labor candidates since 2001, not every resident is opposed to gas development or a manufacturing hub at Middle Arm.
Despite defending the Middle Arm development in a high-profile speech in Canberra where she sledged “teals and trolls” opposed to the project, Ms Fyles this week declined to offer her personal endorsement for Middle Arm.
“Middle Arm will create 20,000 jobs,” she said.
“The Lawler Labor Government is progressing with Middle Arm as it will be built on renewable energy and low emissions energy.
“Circular economy is the focus of Middle Arm, with shared infrastructure in one location.”
Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro said while the party supported Middle Arm, she acknowledged Ms Secretary’s concerns around the project due to a lack of consultation.
“The CLP strongly supports the Middle Arm development and will work closely with communities and indigenous organisations to promote this vital development for the future economic security of the Territory,” she said.
“Helen Secretary, who is on the Larrakia reference group, has rightly pointed out this Labor government has failed in the consultation and approvals process. This shows how far away Middle Arm is under Labor.
“The CLP are the only party who have always supported gas and only a CLP Government will deliver it. Our economic Plan focuses on making the Northern Territory a great place to live, work and invest.”
Party President Shane Stone said the defining issue for voters was crime and cost of living, not Middle Arm.
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