JOBS AND INVESTMENT IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

CHRIS BOWEN MP.
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5 years ago
JOBS AND INVESTMENT IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
CHRIS BOWEN MP
A Shorten Labor Government will invest $300 million in the construction of a new Ship Lift in the Northern Territory; unlocking jobs, driving investment and solidifying Darwin’s position as a hub for marine maintenance and servicing.  
 
This election is a choice between a Shorten Labor Government creating jobs for the Northern Territory, or more cuts and chaos from the Liberals.  
 
Darwin is the closest major port in Australia to major trading partners and has strategic importance to our Defence Force but for too long has required investment and development to keep with growing demand.   
 
Labor’s commitment to construct a Ship Lift facility will enable the maintenance and servicing of our Defence Force and Australian Border Force vessels, along with commercial and private vessels.  
 
Labor is investing in this project to drive local industry, create local jobs and help consolidate Darwin’s position as a hub for marine maintenance and servicing. 
 
A Shorten Labor Government will transform and grow the Northern Territory, setting it up for the future.   
 
The Darwin Ship Lift facility will be designed to meet the needs of the general maritime sector and the current and long-term needs of the Department of Defence and the Australian Border Force, while supporting local jobs and economic growth in the Territory. 
 
Labor’s commitment to the Northern Territory will boost 100 jobs into the region during the construction phase alone.  
 
Once operational, the Ship Lift will be a new industry of marine maintenance and servicing to the Northern Territory providing ongoing jobs to Territorians. 
 
Labor’s Ship Lift will include:  
 
  • Wet-berths to facilitate berthing and in-water maintenance works. 
  • A Ship Lift capable of lifting vessels out of the water for dry docking and maintenance works. 
  • A common user area, being a hardstand area available for ship repair and maintenance works. 
 
The Ship Lift will have the capacity to lift vessels such as the new fleet of offshore patrol vessels procured by the Australian Defence Force. 
 
Whilst the Liberals have all but forgotten the Northern Territory, Labor is committed to delivering jobs and investment to the local Darwin community. 
  
Only a Shorten Labor Government will deliver a fair go, with more jobs for the Northern Territory.