2 December 2004
Government Slams CLP Opposition Push to Scrap $1 Billion Waterfront
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Clare Martin MLA
Chief Minister
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Chief Minister, Clare Martin, has slammed the CLP Opposition after they revealed in Parliament today they want to scrap the $1 billion Darwin City Waterfront Project.
“Territorians want the jobs, they want the growth and they want the lifestyle boost from this $1 billion waterfront project - the CLP Opposition just want to see it scrapped,” she said.
Ms Martin said the CLP Opposition had also cast a slur on local companies, questioning the professionalism and integrity of the Darwin Cove Consortium.
“These respected companies have contributed to the growth of the Territory for many years and employ hundreds of locals - to say they are part of a ‘short-term’ or ‘quick’ fix is an insult to their dedication and commitment to this project,” she said.
“This is an 11-year, $1 billion project that will provide ongoing jobs for Territorians for more than a decade, how can that be short-term?
“Bizarrely, the CLP Opposition doesn’t want these important local businesses involved at all and would prefer the tax-payer to foot the entire bill.”
“I want to see a project that is tax-payer owned and managed rather than developer owned and managed.” CLP Opposition Leader Terry Mills 2/12/04
Ms Martin said that the project will deliver construction industry jobs, provide a boost to tourism and be somewhere families can enjoy, adding that Government will deliver the $1 billion Darwin City Waterfront, because it will keep the Territory moving ahead.
She highlighted the key aspects of the project that the CLP opposition want abandoned
- $250 million development over next three years
- wave pool and two other swimming pools
- stinger free beach and sea wall, allowing for water sports
- over 2km of walkways and 40% public open space
- convention and exhibition centre, that will grow the business market
- retail/residential development
Ms Martin urged Territorians to visit the Darwin City Waterfront office in the Mall and discover for themselves the many exciting aspects of this great project.