Following the Territory Labor Government’s announcement yesterday that a Ship Lift will be built in the NT, Chief Minister Michael Gunner has today met with the Northern Australian Infrastructure Facility (NAIF).

Mr Gunner met with Chair Khory McCormick while in Queensland for the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), with Mr McCormick confirming the due diligence process to consider a loan for the project is well underway.

The Territory Labor Government has committed $100m for the $400m project at East Arm and will seek the additional funding through either the NAIF or the Federal Government.

The Territory Government has prioritised the Ship Lift project, and appointed a high-level Project Steering Group to drive construction and enable it to be operational in 2023.

The recently established Investment Territory team will lead the Project Steering Group.

Senior executives and technical consultants from across a range of key NT Government agencies are part of the Project Steering Group. Government will move quickly to appoint a dedicated project director.

The Ship Lift will bring $260 million into the NT economy every year. It will create about 100 jobs during the construction phase, lead to an expansion of the ship building and repairs and maintenance industry, and generate around 400 direct and indirect ongoing jobs during its operation.

Mr Gunner last night met with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Northern Australia Matt Canavan to stress the importance of the Federal Government directly investing in the project given its value in providing locally based maritime service capability to Royal Australian Navy and Border Force patrol boats stationed in Darwin Harbour.

Quotes from the NT Chief Minister, Michael Gunner:

“The Territory Labor Government announced yesterday that we will build a Ship Lift in the NT – a project that will bring $260 million into our economy and create over 500 jobs during construction and operation.

 “I have met with the NAIF and they have agreed that the strategic importance of the Ship Lift is critical, enabling infrastructure for Northern Australia and the nation.”

Media contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192.