Port of Darwin not a security risk, says Federal Defence Minister Linda Reynolds

THE Port of Darwin is not a risk to the nation’s security, says Defence Minister Linda Reynolds, who is visting the Top End along with the US Ambassador to Australia

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds, pictured with the US Ambassador to Australia, Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr, on their visit tothe Top End, says that said any security concerns about the Port of Darwin are unfounded. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

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FEDERAL Defence Minister Linda Reynolds says the Port of Darwin is not a risk to the nation’s security.

Senator Reynolds, who is in Darwin to provide more detail on a new $5m plus Maritime Security Training Centre for Darwin and have talks with Chief Minister Michael Gunner about a US-backed fuel farm, said the Landbridge leased port was not a Defence concern.

With the US Ambassador to Australia Arthur B Culvahouse Jr standing next to her, Minister Reynolds said any security concerns about the Port of Darwin are unfounded.

“I want to reassure everyone that we do not have any concerns on a Defence front about the Port of Darwin and don’t forget that the main Defence port for the ADF and the Navy is HMAS Coonawarra, which we are putting significant resources into developing,” Senator Reynolds said.

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“Port of Darwin is a commercial port.

“We do have an MOU with the Northern Territory Government if there was ever any future security concerns.”

The Chinese lease holders of the Port of Darwin, Landbridge have been the target of an ongoing attack by the Federal Labor Party who have demanded the port be taken back.

The debate has divided the Territory’s Labor Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling and Labor NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner.

Mr Gosling has backed his Federal Labor colleagues while Chief Minister Michael Gunner has debunked Mr Gosling’s concerns about Landbridge retaining the lease of the Port.

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Landbridge, which is also the proponent of a $200 million luxury Westin Hotel in the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, last week announced the project is being put on hold for $12 months.