NT Chief Minister says Feds should put up $300m for much-needed Darwin ship lift

CONCERNS are mounting that critical federal funding to secure a ship lift facility at East Arm will be lost to Cairns

An artist’s impression of the new ship lift at East Arm. Picture: Supplied

CONCERNS are mounting that critical federal funding to secure a ship lift facility at East Arm will be lost to Cairns.

Opposition Leader Gary Higgins has accused the Gunner Government of dropping the ball on the ship lift by showing no urgency or drive to get this project up.

Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Greg Bicknell said he was concerned about the threat Cairns posed to Darwin’s ship lift plan.

The Gunner Government has committed $100 million towards building the facility, which will allow industrial vessels to be serviced in the Top End rather than in Queensland or Western Australia.

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“The CLP supports the Ship Lift and Marine Industry Park and we recognise that it is a game changer for the Territory,” Mr Higgins said.

He pointed to the Gunner Government’s attacks on the Morrison Government during the recent federal election as good reason for immediate relationship repairs.

“The CLP is committed to working with the Morrison Federal Government,” Mr Higgins said. “We will continue to passionately lobby the Commonwealth for investment in the Territory.”

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said his government would make the new ship lift facility happen — “even if the Morrison Government continues to ignore Territorians.”

“Federal Labor promised to invest $300 million for the ship lift and Territorians voted for their plan,” Mr Gunner said.

“The Morrison Government should do the right thing and match Labor’s $300million commitment.”

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has already warned Territorians not to hold their breath.

The Chamber of Commerce NT says a ship lift offers Darwin a new revenue avenue and will drive local industry, create local jobs and help consolidate Darwin as a hub for marine maintenance and servicing.

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It said the facility would enable the maintenance and servicing of Defence and Australian Border Force vessels, along with commercial and private vessels.

When fully operational the NT marine service and maintenance industry will lead to peak employment of 4000 full-time people and $3.4 billion in gross state product.