Fast $100m stimulus where it's needed most: Giles

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
 
Sir – Schools right across the Territory will be repaired and upgraded as part of a $100m government package aimed at providing immediate job opportunities for local small to medium businesses, providing a short-term cash injection into the NT economy where it is needed most.
 
When we came to office in 2012, we inherited a one shot in the locker economy built around INPEX, so we’ve been working hard to diversify the economy.
 
Our strategy details the government’s priorities to drive future growth opportunities for the Territory in areas like mining, agriculture, energy, tourism, international education, defence, and the supply and services sector.
 
While the NT has the lowest unemployment rate in the country and a range of major projects are on the horizon, we know from listening to business that some sections of our economy are experiencing slow times.
 
The government’s record $1.5b infrastructure spend is opening up more roads, bridges, schools and hospitals to keep the Territory moving ahead, but we want to do even more to help local small to medium businesses.
 
This package of projects can get underway as soon as possible. The projects are relatively small by design meaning they can be accessed by small businesses and independent subcontractors.
 
The package will include:-
 
• $68.5m for education projects (including upgrades, repairs and maintenance at government and non-government schools);
 
• $15m for sport and recreation projects;
 
• $10m for a community services project;
 
• $5m for tourism projects; and
 
• $2 million for flood mitigation works at Ludmilla Creek.
 
Details will be released in coming days.
 
Adam Giles
Chief Minister