Issue 3

Will the NT Government need to repay the Commonwealth Government the $300,000-odd it cost to build the Gap pedestrian crossing, which is now being dismantled? You work it out.

After a dream-come-true visit to New Zealand, it was special returning to days of summer rain. Alice Springs is home, and contrary to recent headlines, I think we can move into 2014 with our cup of confidence more than half-full.

Mining, transport, framing, art and culture – our future will depend on it. Editor ERWIN CHLANDA spoke with Deputy Opposition Leader Gerry McCarthy about Labor's view on diversification of our economy. PHOTO: Tennant Creek Clontarf Academy alumnus checks out Bootu Creek Mine. Will he join the FIFO workforce?

UPDATE Wednesday, January 22, 1:45pm

An agreement has been stuck with the Black Spot Program for there to be no requirement for the NT Government to pay back the cost of installing the crossing, and that it will fund the additional safety measures for this area.

Yesterday's report: The Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development will not be paying for the removal of the controversial pedestrian crossing at The Gap. What's more, if the Territory Department of Transport removes the crossing, it will have to return the Federal Government $266,521 in Black Spot funding. ERWIN CHLANDA reports. PHOTO: Work starts on removal of crossing.

The historic Les Hansen House, built in 1942 on a large block corner Bath Street and Stuart Terrace, may be sold by the National Trust.

The Darwin-based CEO of the trust, Elisabeth Close, says the sale is being "discussed" because the trust has not been able to lease the property, it can't find a tenant and it is very expensive to maintain it. By ERWIN CHLANDA

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

When local councillors tried to tell the Chief Minister the town was suffering economically and socially and needed Government stimulus to promote private investment, we were told to wait until the election was closer and we would benefit from pork barrelling, writes CHANSEY PAECH, an Alice Springs Town Councillor.

The face-off between heavyweights in the local Aboriginal political scene continued in the Alice Springs Magistrates Court today. Maurie Ryan (left, in the centre), chairman of the Central Land Council, is applying for a personal violence order against former deputy chairman and ongoing executive member, Michael Liddle (right). KIERAN FINNANE reports. 

The NT Government appears to be turning its back on a proposed residential development creating about 70 apartments in Todd Mall. Developers say the project also has significant community benefits which would warrant a $2m grant. Minister for Central Australia Matt Conlan has declined to be interviewed on the matter, but it is understood the request for the money is being refused. ERWIN CHLANDA reports. Google Earth Image: CBD land owned by the Uniting Church, and adjoining town council carparks, which together make up the real estate where the proposed development would take place. The former Commonwealth Bank building (# 5 in the photo) has been empty for some time.

The little children are clever, Part Two.

Somehow more and more Aboriginal people are getting work despite not having a good education. The underlying trend is up. The Indigenous increases in employment exceeded the increases for the Australian population as whole. BLAIR McFARLAND continues his reflections on the policy conundrums in remote communities and suggests some different answers are needed.

The people of Alice Springs are starting to "arc up" over the failure of the CLP government to spend money on infrastructure in the town, says acting Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister for Central Australia, Gerry McCarthy (pictured). ERWIN CHLANDA reports.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The CLP is divided over grog as the alcohol related crime statistics keep rising, writes Ken Vowles (pictured), Shadow Minister for Indigenous Policy.

Up till now I, Single Female Bicycle Rider, have informed you about what it is like to ride a pushbike in Alice.  But what I haven't been specific about is what is like to be single in Alice. After all I am a SINGLE female bicycle rider opposed to a Female Bicycle Rider only.