‘Somewhere near the city would be spectacular’: Industry support for bringing the Ghan into CBD

Industry leaders are rallying behind a proposal to bring The Ghan as close to Darwin CBD as possible.

INDUSTRY leaders are rallying behind a proposal to bring The Ghan as close to Darwin CBD as possible, saying it would cast Darwin in a more positive light.

Real Estate institute of the Northern Territory chief executive Quentin Kilian (inset) wholeheartedly supports the idea, and as a seasoned traveller says the current terminus at East Arm is not beneficial to Darwin.

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“Somewhere near the city would be spectacular because you’re going to roll in through town, the passengers are going to get this journey through the city and they’re going to have an iconic spot where you’re stopping and getting off,” he said.

“If the (current terminus) was my destination, I would be concerned about what the rest of the city held for me.

“If that’s the first impression I get then that tarnishes the rest of my journey, no matter what great things I see and do.”

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Chamber of Commerce NT chief operating officer Nicole Walsh said while there would be logistics issues to tackle, the move could be a positive.

“It could definitely be beneficial for business,” she said.

“We know when people get off they want to shop, look around and buy something to take home.”