TerritoryLife - NOV 2014 / DEC 2015

We’ve been part of the Darwin community for years. And we’ll be part of it for decades to come.

IPO

3425

Being part of the Northern Territory way of life means

we are involved in more than just business and we look

forward to continuing to contribute to the community’s

growth and sustainability.

WINNELLIE POINT

ARROW PROPERTIES | Chris Giannikouris 0427 471 444 | Matthew Lee 0427 471 555 | aarowproperties.com.au To discuss your future business needs at Wiinnellie Point, contact Nick Syrimi on 0412 537 638 or [email protected]

LOCATION & FEATURESStrategically positioned within the thriving commercial hub of Winnellie, Winnellie Point is centrally accessible from the Darwin CBD and Darwin International Airport, Darwin Port, East Arm Logistics Precinct and the City of Palmerston.

In a high passing traffic location, Winnellie Point will rapidly become a recognised centre with its dynamic street frontage, an aesthetic which extends into its impressive entrance lobby and beyond through the utilisation of premium grade finishes including Italian tiles, marble bench tops and sleek stainless steel and glass balustrades.

NOTABLE FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Premium grade office accommodation.• Vibrant working environment.• Variable tenancy areas.

• Luxury bathrooms on each level.• Total of 110 car spaces.• The Trader - on site cafe

on PalmerstonThe Fastest growingcity in Australia

Wayne Zerbe

25DAVID BAMBACH

V O L V O S P E C I A L I S T

175tH AnnIVersAry P O R T o f D A R W I N

steVen LAI S O L I D R E P u T A T I O N

CHrIs DeUtrOMO N L I f E & R E A L E S TAT E

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TerritoryLife_Territory News 17/10/14 2:02 PM Page 6

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Coffey StreetFowlestone Rd

Bree St (Entrance)

WISHART RD/KIRKLAND RD

Darwin CBDINPEX Gas Plant East Arm PortWickham Point

Palmerston CBD

STAGE ONE

FUTURE STAGES

Duffield Street

© 2011 Google – Imagery © 2011 DigitalGlobe, Cnes/Spot Image, GeoEye, Sinclair Knight Merz

view interactive pricelist and lot plans atwww.wishartbusinessprecinct.com

for further information contactStrangways Developments

08 8941 8366 email: [email protected]

GET IN ON THE GROUND FLOOR FOR THE DARWIN GAS BOOM BEFORE INDUSTRIAL LAND PRICES SKYROCKET!

Strategically Positioned Darwin Industrial Landwishart business precinct stage one (65 Lots)

Lot sizes from 2,000–27,000 m2

Prices from $250 per m2 GST Exclusive

Centrally located between Darwin Port, Rail Freight Terminal, Oil & Gas Marine Supply Base and ConocoPhillips and INPEX Gas Plants

Allotments suited to a broad section of the market including oil & gas services, workers accommodation camps, freight and transport, light industrial, showrooms, warehouses, service industries and investors

Freehold Industrial Land – No Covenants

titles issued – ready to build immediately!

land ideally suited for hardstand and laydown areas during five year inpex gas plant construction


Bree St (Entrance)



Palmerston CBD

STAGE ONE

FUTURE STAGES

Duffield Street















Bree St (Entrance)



Palmerston CBD

STAGE ONE

FUTURE STAGES

Duffield Street















Bree St (Entrance)



Palmerston CBD

STAGE ONE

FUTURE STAGES

Duffield Street















Bree St (Entrance)



Palmerston CBD

STAGE ONE

FUTURE STAGES

Duffield Street














TerriToryLife

Why invest in AustrAliA’s northern territoryThe Northern Territory has a number of advantages that make it attractive to potential investors.

Australia’s gateway to AsiaDarwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is the closest Australian capital city to Asia, providing the shortest transport routes for two-way trade between the Asian economies and Australia.

The Northern Territory has one international airport, Darwin International Airport that operates 24/7. The deep-water Port of Darwin provides modern freight handling facilities, a dedicated bulk liquids berth and links with an intermodal road-rail network. Reduced shipping times between Darwin and Asia give Darwin a trade advantage, particularly in relation to the export of bulk commodities.

A considerable and pristine resource baseThere are significant mineral and energy resource precincts onshore in the Northern Territory, and in offshore waters accessed from the NT. Many of these precincts have been commercialised, with significant investment from international partners. Natural gas and petroleum exports form an important and growing sector of the local economy.

There are also significant areas devoted to agricultural products such as meat, seafood, fruit, vegetables, crops, forestry and ornamental plants. The Northern Territory environment is largely undeveloped. The potential commercial benefit from native flora and fauna, food and medicines is largely untapped.

Climate change may have some medium to long term benefits for the NTResearch by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology suggests that the direct impacts of climate change on agricultural production in the Top End of the Northern Territory are likely to be less severe, and therefore provide more attractive investment opportunities, compared to other primary production areas across Australia.

The agricultural production systems in the NT are already designed around significant variations in climate across annual

seasons, making adaptation to the future impacts of climate change easier to incorporate into existing management practices.

A highly skilled and flexible workforce

The Northern Territory has a highly skilled multilingual workforce reflecting a population drawn from across the globe. The pipeline of major economic developments is generating many thousands of jobs, creating opportunities for business entrepreneurs, professionals and skilled tradespeople from all walks of life.

A diverse cultural mix

The NT’s population of almost 250,000 includes people from more than 100 nationalities who have shared their cultures over more than a century to turn this region into one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan. This diverse mix makes it easier to do business with our international partners because there is already a strong understanding of different cultural practices and expectations.

The room and capacity to growThe Northern Territory not only has the space to grow, it also has capacity to accommodate key infrastructure additions such as new roads, ports and suburbs, with fewer constraints than more highly populated areas of Australia.

A highly regarded and supervised financial environmentAustralia is one of several countries with the highest possible AAA credit rating, reflecting the strong and diverse economy, comparatively low debt levels, good prospects for growing income from expanding export markets, and experienced financial oversight. The Northern Territory Government has an Aa1 credit rating, similar to other Australian states and territories, reflecting the level of debt required to fund the infrastructure necessary to underpin current and future economic growth.

These high credit ratings are attractive to investors and fund managers who hold funds in AAA rated investment categories.

Stable government(s)The quality of governance in Australia is among the world’s best, and Australia is considered among the world’s most politically stable countries. These attributes contribute to economic growth and security, and underpin business and consumer confidence. This stability is attractive to Australian firms seeking to grow, as well as multinationals expanding their businesses or considering the Northern Territory as a regional base.

An excerpt from the Northern Territory Directory of

Investment Opportunities October 2013.

Visit www.investnt.com.au

TerriToryLife

New Zealand’s Oil & GasSpecialist Technologies(OGST) group crossedthe ditch to the SouthEast Asia AustraliaOffshore and Onshoreevent in August, lookingto build awareness of thegroup’s expertise andcapability.The group comprises arange of New Zealandcompanies providingmulti-disciplinedtechnical, specialist andsupport services to theoil and gas and energysectors and hascredentials that spanmore than a decade andinvolve most of the NewZealand energy sector’sbiggest projects. OGST offers a singlecontact point –www.oilandgas.co.nz -for 26 New Zealandcompanies that offerexpertise and technicalcapabilities to the oil andgas sector, both onshoreand offshore, in Taranaki,New Zealand andinternationally, coveringconsulting, engineeringdesign, logistics,technical services,training / manpower andsupply of products. The OGST haveexhibited at a number ofinternational oil and gassector events, includingAOG and APPEA, andmember companies havegained a foot in the door

of a growing number ofprojects acrossAustralasia and beyondthrough the process. “In heading to Darwin wewere looking to build thetrans-Tasmanrelationships andshowcase some of theinnovation that theTaranaki energy sector israpidly building a namefor,” says group facilitatorCarrie Thorne. “Our experiences ofDarwin were reallypositive, and there aresome great synergiesbetween the NorthernTerritories and NewZealand, as centers ofwealth perhaps a little offthe beaten track.”“The SEAAOCConference enabled thegroup to build somevaluable connectionswith local businessesand showcase ourcollective expertise.”The group wasrepresented in Darwin byECL, Deugro, MarshallDay and ITL.

In a burgeoning townlike Darwin, wherehundreds of people aremoving every year,more and morenewcomers are facedwith the challenge, andoften-overwhelmingtask of calling a newcity home.From finding a job, tosetting up a family,school enrolments andmore the first fewmonths of anyrelocation are taken upwith many distractionsto keep one occupied.The real problem mostnewcomers face ismaking friends and

finding a network thatthey can seek supportfrom like a distantfamily.Aussie OrientationServices (Aussie)began providing tailor-made relocationprograms and ongoingprofessional and socialsupport programs, toemployees moving toDarwin for large oil, gas& mining organisationssuch as INPEX andCB&I back in 2012. Since then Aussie haverelocated over 200clients and offer arange of communityand social events

through their program,recently re-branded asClub Aussie. “A family is a group ofpeople who love andcare for you.” – saysSue Pember, ownerand Managing Director.“We offer monthlyBarbeques, SocialDinners, Tennis Club,Mothers group andmany more fantasticevents to assist newarrivals with asuccessful transitioninto Australian culture.”Club Aussie was therunner-up for the BestFamily SupportProgram in 2013. So

when it comes tofamily, they are one ofthe best in creating thatcommunity. One ofClub Aussie’s focus isto create a communityand in essence afamily. Their focus is toprovide our clients witha smooth and simpletransition to Darwin.They are currentlyseeking sponsorship toexpand the communityeven more!To find out how you canjoin Club Aussie visitwww.aussieos.com.au

In an exciting moveAPTS have securedlong term premises inthe Darwin suburb ofBerrimah and will opentheir newest branch inthe next few months.This addition will add toAPTS’ geographicalcoverage with ourbranch in Brisbane andour head office in Perthalong with ourInstrument and GaugeCalibration Lab in BibraLake.APTS see Darwin as astrong emerging marketnot only with the

upcoming Ichthys LNGproject but moreimportantly theNorthern Territorygovernment’s strategyof making Darwin theservice hub for oil andgas in the South EastAsia region for manyyears to come. Manybusinesses are settingup in Darwin to “cashin” on the Ichthysproject but APTS arefocussing on the longterm and plan to be inDarwin well past thecompletion of thisproject.

Executive Director andFounder of APTS PaulNewbound commented:“We are here for thelong haul and want toestablish ourselves asa strong member of theDarwin businesscommunity. Ourbusiness was built onfamily values and wewant to continue thatapproach as we enterthis exciting phase ofour growth and providestrong ongoingemploymentopportunities for localresidents.”

Upfront

NewZealand’sOGST groupflies flagin Darwin

Home is where the heart is!

APTS

INVE

ST IN

DARW

IN’S

FUT

URE


Seventy-one communityorganisations around thenation banded togetherlast year to KeepAustralia Beautiful byrecycling 397 tonnes ofbeverage containers.That’s the equivalent of18.9 million 600ml drinkbottles – almost one forevery Australian.A new round of 2014/15community grants willhelp another 80organisations implementprojects which make longterm impacts onbeverage containerrecycling, including threein the NT.The Beverage ContainerRecycling CommunityGrants Program, fundedby The Coca-ColaFoundation and Coca-Cola South Pacific inpartnership with KeepAustralia Beautiful, has inthe past five yearsinvested more than $2million on dedicated binsand education programs.Keep Australia BeautifulNational Chief ExecutiveOfficer Peter McLeansaid since its inception in2010, the grants programhad supported 265community groups andfunded the operation ofmore than 1,000recycling bins across thecountry.“What these communitygroups did last year is

extremely impressive.Imagine five and a halfOlympic sized swimmingpools, or a rugby fieldwith empty drink bottlespiled two metres deep –that’s what 397 tonnes ofbeverage containerslooks like,” Mr McLeansaid.“It doesn’t just stop aftera year. The recyclingimprovement builds yearon year thanks to thiscommunity grantsprogram.“Based on the trendwe’ve identified in thefirst five years, over thenext five this grantsprogram could be thecatalyst for the recyclingof 15,000 tonnes of whatwould otherwise becomelandfill.“Picture the MCG playingsurface piled with drinkbottles 26 metres high –we’re talking theequivalent of an eightstorey building over thatentire area.“It’s mindboggling whatwe can do across our bigbackyard when we bandtogether.” Michelle Allen, PublicAffairs andCommunication Managerfor Coca-Cola SouthPacific said:“Coca-Cola is very proudto be supporting thisinitiative which produceseffective grass roots

recycling outcomes incommunities right acrossAustralia.“It enables away-from-home access toinfrastructure, like binplacement, and offers thepublic the opportunity todispose of used beveragecontainers in anappropriate manner.”Mr McLean said therewas an impressive arrayof innovative grantapplications this year withmany recipients focussed

on portable recyclingsolutions and educationtools to cope with theabundance of litter atfestivals and communityevents.“This year the program isworking strongly withlocal councils whichaccount for 46% of totalgrant recipients, which isup from an engagementrate of 42% in the lastfunding round and that isreally helping to ensurethis money impacts as

many Australians aspossible,” Mr McLeansaid.“Whilst public placerecycling is strong in CBDareas, there aretemporary, highlytrafficked locations suchas festivals and eventsand without adequateinfrastructure and strongeducational componentsa lot of waste can begenerated.“Programs which havereceived funding help

educate people aboutcorrect waste disposal,the cause and effect ofrecycling and look at howto enforce best practiceprinciples in localcommunities.“The grants of up to$10,000 are a practicaland educational tool tokeep the community freeof litter and highlight thebenefits of recycling.”

national community grants

Upfront

For the past 25 years, Finlease has beenmaking life easier for small to medium sizedbusinesses for equipment and vehiclefinance in the civil construction, mining,earthmoving, transport sectors and beyond.Finlease’s NT office is headed by a Darwinlocal, Cameron Pitkethly, a strong advocatefor the local business community.With the significant buying power whichcomes from funding over $350mil p/a inEquipment and Vehicle finance through adozen competitive underwriting banks andfinance companies, Finlease has theexperience, knowledge and skills to be anideal finance partner to business owners.In a world that’s gravitating to call centres,continually changing bank managers andlittle face to face contact, Finlease still doesbusiness the old fashioned way. We buildlasting dedicated relationships with ourclients.Many clients have been with the Finleasefamily for 20 years as it just makes it easy forall parties when you have long term

sustainable relationships. This means anyengagement with a new client is done withthis long term view in mind. We think you’llfind us a breath of fresh air compared to yourpresent finance partners.Whether your requirements are theoccasional vehicle or equipment orsignificant ongoing fleet upgrades, Finleasecan put in place a base of pre-approvedfacilities across a broad spread ofunderwriters to ensure funding is continuallyavailable and not too concentrated with justone or two lenders.New or used, plant orequipment, truck or trailer, dealer or privatesale, Finlease can assist. If you are looking for timely, competitive, nononsense finance supported with greatservice and long term relationships, talk toyour local Darwin Finance ManagerCameron Pitkethly on0448 481 335. Finlease is in so many ways… better than a bank.Finlease NT. www.finlease.com.auPl

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To offer tough lightweight, safety-approvedlighting options, Pelican Products, Inc., theglobal leader in the design and manufacture of advanced portable lighting and high-performance protective case solutions, has introduced three new safety approvedheadlights. Based on the established models from theirPelican ProGear™ consumer line, eachheadlight is IECex approved for hazardousenvironments, available in either black orsafety yellow and equipped with a wide rangeof features, allowing for multiple applications.All three headlights are engineered with anextremely durable IPX4 water/weather resistant polymer construction. They also pivotto a 45 degree angle to direct clean, brilliantlight where itʼs needed. Each weighs in at justaround 100 grams with three AAA batteries(included) and include both a rubber strap (for helmets) and a cloth strap (comfortable for bare heads). Each headlight is backed byPelicanʼs Legendary Lifetime Guarantee ofExcellence and is available for purchasethrough the Pelicanʼs Authorized Dealernetwork.


Seventy-one communityorganisations around thenation banded togetherlast year to KeepAustralia Beautiful byrecycling 397 tonnes ofbeverage containers.That’s the equivalent of18.9 million 600ml drinkbottles – almost one forevery Australian.A new round of 2014/15community grants willhelp another 80organisations implementprojects which make longterm impacts onbeverage containerrecycling, including threein the NT.The Beverage ContainerRecycling CommunityGrants Program, fundedby The Coca-ColaFoundation and Coca-Cola South Pacific inpartnership with KeepAustralia Beautiful, has inthe past five yearsinvested more than $2million on dedicated binsand education programs.Keep Australia BeautifulNational Chief ExecutiveOfficer Peter McLeansaid since its inception in2010, the grants programhad supported 265community groups andfunded the operation ofmore than 1,000recycling bins across thecountry.“What these communitygroups did last year is

extremely impressive.Imagine five and a halfOlympic sized swimmingpools, or a rugby fieldwith empty drink bottlespiled two metres deep –that’s what 397 tonnes ofbeverage containerslooks like,” Mr McLeansaid.“It doesn’t just stop aftera year. The recyclingimprovement builds yearon year thanks to thiscommunity grantsprogram.“Based on the trendwe’ve identified in thefirst five years, over thenext five this grantsprogram could be thecatalyst for the recyclingof 15,000 tonnes of whatwould otherwise becomelandfill.“Picture the MCG playingsurface piled with drinkbottles 26 metres high –we’re talking theequivalent of an eightstorey building over thatentire area.“It’s mindboggling whatwe can do across our bigbackyard when we bandtogether.” Michelle Allen, PublicAffairs andCommunication Managerfor Coca-Cola SouthPacific said:“Coca-Cola is very proudto be supporting thisinitiative which produceseffective grass roots

recycling outcomes incommunities right acrossAustralia.“It enables away-from-home access toinfrastructure, like binplacement, and offers thepublic the opportunity todispose of used beveragecontainers in anappropriate manner.”Mr McLean said therewas an impressive arrayof innovative grantapplications this year withmany recipients focussed

on portable recyclingsolutions and educationtools to cope with theabundance of litter atfestivals and communityevents.“This year the program isworking strongly withlocal councils whichaccount for 46% of totalgrant recipients, which isup from an engagementrate of 42% in the lastfunding round and that isreally helping to ensurethis money impacts as

many Australians aspossible,” Mr McLeansaid.“Whilst public placerecycling is strong in CBDareas, there aretemporary, highlytrafficked locations suchas festivals and eventsand without adequateinfrastructure and strongeducational componentsa lot of waste can begenerated.“Programs which havereceived funding help

educate people aboutcorrect waste disposal,the cause and effect ofrecycling and look at howto enforce best practiceprinciples in localcommunities.“The grants of up to$10,000 are a practicaland educational tool tokeep the community freeof litter and highlight thebenefits of recycling.”

national community grants

Upfront

For the past 25 years, Finlease has beenmaking life easier for small to medium sizedbusinesses for equipment and vehiclefinance in the civil construction, mining,earthmoving, transport sectors and beyond.Finlease’s NT office is headed by a Darwinlocal, Cameron Pitkethly, a strong advocatefor the local business community.With the significant buying power whichcomes from funding over $350mil p/a inEquipment and Vehicle finance through adozen competitive underwriting banks andfinance companies, Finlease has theexperience, knowledge and skills to be anideal finance partner to business owners.In a world that’s gravitating to call centres,continually changing bank managers andlittle face to face contact, Finlease still doesbusiness the old fashioned way. We buildlasting dedicated relationships with ourclients.Many clients have been with the Finleasefamily for 20 years as it just makes it easy forall parties when you have long term

sustainable relationships. This means anyengagement with a new client is done withthis long term view in mind. We think you’llfind us a breath of fresh air compared to yourpresent finance partners.Whether your requirements are theoccasional vehicle or equipment orsignificant ongoing fleet upgrades, Finleasecan put in place a base of pre-approvedfacilities across a broad spread ofunderwriters to ensure funding is continuallyavailable and not too concentrated with justone or two lenders.New or used, plant orequipment, truck or trailer, dealer or privatesale, Finlease can assist. If you are looking for timely, competitive, nononsense finance supported with greatservice and long term relationships, talk toyour local Darwin Finance ManagerCameron Pitkethly on0448 481 335. Finlease is in so many ways… better than a bank.Finlease NT. www.finlease.com.auPl

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To offer tough lightweight, safety-approvedlighting options, Pelican Products, Inc., theglobal leader in the design and manufacture of advanced portable lighting and high-performance protective case solutions, has introduced three new safety approvedheadlights. Based on the established models from theirPelican ProGear™ consumer line, eachheadlight is IECex approved for hazardousenvironments, available in either black orsafety yellow and equipped with a wide rangeof features, allowing for multiple applications.All three headlights are engineered with anextremely durable IPX4 water/weather resistant polymer construction. They also pivotto a 45 degree angle to direct clean, brilliantlight where itʼs needed. Each weighs in at justaround 100 grams with three AAA batteries(included) and include both a rubber strap (for helmets) and a cloth strap (comfortable for bare heads). Each headlight is backed byPelicanʼs Legendary Lifetime Guarantee ofExcellence and is available for purchasethrough the Pelicanʼs Authorized Dealernetwork.


Upfront

Hays Oil & Gas arethe experts atrecruiting qualified,professional andskilled people withinthe global oil and gasindustry. They deal inboth permanentpositions and contractroles across the fulllife cycle fromexploration, projectdevelopment andconstruction throughto oilfield services,operations andmaintenance.Operating around theworld in major oil andgas centres includingHouston, Calgary,Aberdeen, Norway,Perth, Darwin, UAE,Rio, and Singapore,Hays have thespecialist localknowledge andaccess to industrynetworks to attract thebest talent, globally. The Hays Oil & GasJob Index for the firstquarter of 2014 has

shown hiring globallyhas increased, withkey areas seeingsignificant jumps injob numbers.However, as newprojects and businessinvestment leademployers to increaseheadcount, skillshortages are stillaffecting recruitmentplans.Many of the regionsare facing an increasein hiring for 2014 andin order to attract toptalent in competitivemarkets, companiesare increasingsalaries and benefitpackages. There isparticularly highdemand for talent inAsia, reflecting theregion’s growingimportancein the global oil andgas market.Investment inbusinesses and newtechnologies tosupport enhanced oil

Retaining the rightpeople for yourorganisationMany companies arefinding it an uphillbattle to hire andretain the "rightpeople" for theirorganisations. Much ofthe blame is given tothe current labourmarket; however, wemust remember thatour own selectionprocesses play a roletoo. A fact becomingobvious to employersis that mainstreamtechniques such asresumes, interviewingand reference checksare not giving all theanswers needed tomake an effective hire. Organisations need totake into considerationa number of keythings when hiring tounderstand the type ofcandidate that will suit:Can they do the job?Will they do the job?

and do they fit theorganisation’s culture?Psychometric testingcan help answer allthree questions byproviding an objectivesummary of anindividual's abilities(can they do the job?),Motivations (will theydo the job?), andBehavioural Style (dothey fit theorganisation?). Theseresults are used inconjunction withinterviewing andreference checking toprovide a morethorough picture ofyour candidate,allowing organisationsto make an informeddecision about theirsuitability.When chosen andused correctly,psychometricassessments meet allthe criteria for aneffective selectionprocess. Assessments

are valid, reliable, jobrelevant, fair, practicaland cost effective.Remember, anorganisation's peopleare their mostimportant asset, soensure that you recruitthe very best in thebest possible way.Drake’s team ofexperiencedBehavioural ProfilingSpecialists canprovide you withassistance to facilitatepsychometricassessments andensure yourrecruitment process iseffective.To find out more abouthow psychometrictesting can benefityour organisationcontact Drake Darwinon 13 14 48. Locatedat Fannie Bay, ourtalented team of localsis available to assistwith a vast range ofHR solutions.

recovery is drivingnew projects. As aresult, optimism ishigh and furthergrowth is expected in2014. However, ascompanies look toincrease theirheadcount in

specialist, nicheareas, employersmay struggle to findthe talent needed andbe forced to fight itout with othercompanies for thesesought after profiles. Hays’ new Oil & Gas

Salary Guide will bereleased in January2015 and will providethe industry with aninformed view ofglobal and regionaltrends incompensation andbenefits and identify

some of the keyindustry factors andevents that contributeto these trends. To bepart of this year’sSalary Guide andhave your say visithays.com/oil-and-gas

Finding the right people

Recruitment Challenges

As companies look to increase their headcount inspecialist, niche areas, employers may struggle to findthe talent needed and be forced to fight it out withother companies for these sought after profiles.


TerriToryLife

Newsdesk

The Giles Government hasgranted Major Project Status tothe proposed gas pipeline linkingthe Territory and East Coast gasgrids and will now begin a formalsearch for investors.“The construction of this gaspipeline is an infrastructure projectof national significance. Itʼs also amatter of urgency for the easternstates which are fast approachingan energy security crisis,” ChiefMinister Adam Giles said.“We have the gas and they havethe demand but there is currentlyno economically viable way to getthe gas from Northern Australia tothe eastern market.”At COAG on Friday, nationalleaders backed the Territoryʼswork developing a gas pipelinewhich has the potential to create amore competitive domestic gasmarket.Today the Territory Government isannouncing the next steps in thatprocess."I am pleased to announce thatthe Territory Government is aboutto start a formal process forpotential investors to express theirinterest in building and operatingthe pipeline,” Mr Giles said.“With an East Coast gas crisisshortage looming, we need thepipeline to be operational by 2018.There is no time to waste and thegranting of Major Project Status tothe pipeline will help speed up thisprocess.”There will be an industry briefing

held in Alice Springs on 31October to explain the project topotential investors.“In Alice Springs later this month, Ihave asked our consultants, PortJackson Partners, to run a briefingfor gas and infrastructurecompanies, as well as otherindustry figures interested in beingpart of this nationally importantproject,” Mr Giles said.“In a sign of the nationalsignificance of this project, FederalIndustry Minister Ian Macfarlanehas agreed to join this industrybriefing.“I am excited about the jobs andexploration the pipeline couldstimulate in the Northern Territory.“I will do everything I can to bringthe pipeline to reality inpartnership with the gas industry,Federal and state governments.“I know this is a project ofparticular interest to New SouthWales, Queensland and SouthAustralia and I look forward toworking with them on thisdevelopment.”Two routes have been proposedfor the gas pipeline – one fromTennant Creek to Mt Isa inQueensland and the other fromAlice Springs to Moomba in SouthAustralia.Proposals will be accepted forboth these routes or any otherroute that industry would like topropose linking the two gas grids.Formal Expressions of Interest willopen at the end of November.

NT gaspipeline goesout market

The Giles Government is calling onTerritorians to log onto a new websiteand submit their ideas about ways tofurther reduce the red tape burden onbusinesses and the community.“The Government is serious about itscommitment to reduce red tape forbusinesses throughout the Territory,”Chief Minister Adam Giles said.“Since 2012, almost 200 initiatives toreduce red tape have been completedor are underway across government,touching on all sectors of theeconomy.“But we are determined to make iteven easier to do business in the

Northern Territory and making this anattractive destination for investment.“The businesses who use our systemsare the best people to guide us onwhat still needs to change.“We are now launching a new websiteso that Territorians can tell us wherethey think there is still unnecessarybureaucracy and regulation.”The Country Liberals have already hadmajor wins in the battle against redtape.“We have established a Red TapeAbolition Squad and procurementreforms are making it easier forbusinesses to tender and supply

goods and services to government.“Last month, I launched a new onestop website for the lodgement ofinvoices, making it quicker and easierfor businesses to get their governmentbills paid.“In Tourism, we have abolished thetravel agentsʼ licence meaningapproximately 80 people will no longerhave to hold a licence and renew thispermit annually, saving the industrytime and money“In Construction, we have introducedelectronic building approvallodgements, reducing paperwork andremoving the need to attend a

government office.“In Agriculture, weʼve allowed non-pastoral land use permits on pastoralland and have shortened approvaltimes for land clearing applications byup to three months.“Thereʼs more to do and we are keento work with businesses and thecommunity to streamline processesacross all areas of government,making life easier for Territorians andallowing our businesses to be morecompetitive.”Submit your ideas for red tapereduction atwww.cuttingredtape.nt.gov.au

Log on to cut red tape

Minister for Parks and Wildlife, BessPrice, is encouraging CentralAustralian nature lovers to hop onover to Simpsons Gap duringNovember.“Every Friday during November,rangers will be hosting a frog spottingevening at Simpsons Gap so peoplecan learn more about and meet thespecies of frogs that call the deserthome,” Mrs Price said.“It might surprise a lot of people toknow there are frogs in the desert,but we do have some amazingspecies.”Spotters may be lucky enough to seethe unique Centralian tree frog(Litoria gilleni) or Spencersburrowing frog (Platyplectrumspenceri).The Spencers burrowing frog is oneof the many burrowing frog speciesfound in the desert, and as theirname suggests, they remainunderground in dry river beds formost of the year.When the conditions are right,burrowing frogs emerge on thesurface to feed and breed, and thistime of year, the Spencers burrowingfrog is a real treat to see, althoughthey can be well camouflaged on thewaterʼs edge.

“These evenings give locals a greatopportunity to learn about the frogsas the weather warms up and theybecome more active.“The Frog Spotting evenings startwith a slideshow designed to teachyou a bit more about the localspecies and to help you identify thedifferent frogs youʼll hopefully seeduring the spotlight walk.“Simpsons Gap has an abundance ofamazing wildlife, so you might belucky enough to catch a glimpse ofother native animals includingdingoes (Canis lupus dingo), black-footed rock wallabies (Petrogalelateralis) or even a Stimsons Python(Antaresia stimsoni) as frogs can bequite a nice meal for a snake.“This activity is for frog spotters of allages. All youʼll need is a torch, insectrepellent and to wear study andcomfortable shoes, as the spotlightwalk will take place over unsteadyterrain.The free Frog Spotting evenings willbe held from 7pm every Friday inNovember.Bookings are essential. Participantsare asked to meet at the SimpsonsGap shelter. Please contact SusiePendle on 8951 8247 or [email protected]

Frogs on Friday

Lance TLife pages_Layout 1 24/10/14 8:22 PM Page 2

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The Giles Government hasgranted Major Project Status tothe proposed gas pipeline linkingthe Territory and East Coast gasgrids and will now begin a formalsearch for investors.“The construction of this gaspipeline is an infrastructure projectof national significance. Itʼs also amatter of urgency for the easternstates which are fast approachingan energy security crisis,” ChiefMinister Adam Giles said.“We have the gas and they havethe demand but there is currentlyno economically viable way to getthe gas from Northern Australia tothe eastern market.”At COAG on Friday, nationalleaders backed the Territoryʼswork developing a gas pipelinewhich has the potential to create amore competitive domestic gasmarket.Today the Territory Government isannouncing the next steps in thatprocess."I am pleased to announce thatthe Territory Government is aboutto start a formal process forpotential investors to express theirinterest in building and operatingthe pipeline,” Mr Giles said.“With an East Coast gas crisisshortage looming, we need thepipeline to be operational by 2018.There is no time to waste and thegranting of Major Project Status tothe pipeline will help speed up thisprocess.”There will be an industry briefing

held in Alice Springs on 31October to explain the project topotential investors.“In Alice Springs later this month, Ihave asked our consultants, PortJackson Partners, to run a briefingfor gas and infrastructurecompanies, as well as otherindustry figures interested in beingpart of this nationally importantproject,” Mr Giles said.“In a sign of the nationalsignificance of this project, FederalIndustry Minister Ian Macfarlanehas agreed to join this industrybriefing.“I am excited about the jobs andexploration the pipeline couldstimulate in the Northern Territory.“I will do everything I can to bringthe pipeline to reality inpartnership with the gas industry,Federal and state governments.“I know this is a project ofparticular interest to New SouthWales, Queensland and SouthAustralia and I look forward toworking with them on thisdevelopment.”Two routes have been proposedfor the gas pipeline – one fromTennant Creek to Mt Isa inQueensland and the other fromAlice Springs to Moomba in SouthAustralia.Proposals will be accepted forboth these routes or any otherroute that industry would like topropose linking the two gas grids.Formal Expressions of Interest willopen at the end of November.

NT gaspipeline goesout market

The Giles Government is calling onTerritorians to log onto a new websiteand submit their ideas about ways tofurther reduce the red tape burden onbusinesses and the community.“The Government is serious about itscommitment to reduce red tape forbusinesses throughout the Territory,”Chief Minister Adam Giles said.“Since 2012, almost 200 initiatives toreduce red tape have been completedor are underway across government,touching on all sectors of theeconomy.“But we are determined to make iteven easier to do business in the

Northern Territory and making this anattractive destination for investment.“The businesses who use our systemsare the best people to guide us onwhat still needs to change.“We are now launching a new websiteso that Territorians can tell us wherethey think there is still unnecessarybureaucracy and regulation.”The Country Liberals have already hadmajor wins in the battle against redtape.“We have established a Red TapeAbolition Squad and procurementreforms are making it easier forbusinesses to tender and supply

goods and services to government.“Last month, I launched a new onestop website for the lodgement ofinvoices, making it quicker and easierfor businesses to get their governmentbills paid.“In Tourism, we have abolished thetravel agentsʼ licence meaningapproximately 80 people will no longerhave to hold a licence and renew thispermit annually, saving the industrytime and money“In Construction, we have introducedelectronic building approvallodgements, reducing paperwork andremoving the need to attend a

government office.“In Agriculture, weʼve allowed non-pastoral land use permits on pastoralland and have shortened approvaltimes for land clearing applications byup to three months.“Thereʼs more to do and we are keento work with businesses and thecommunity to streamline processesacross all areas of government,making life easier for Territorians andallowing our businesses to be morecompetitive.”Submit your ideas for red tapereduction atwww.cuttingredtape.nt.gov.au

Log on to cut red tape

Minister for Parks and Wildlife, BessPrice, is encouraging CentralAustralian nature lovers to hop onover to Simpsons Gap duringNovember.“Every Friday during November,rangers will be hosting a frog spottingevening at Simpsons Gap so peoplecan learn more about and meet thespecies of frogs that call the deserthome,” Mrs Price said.“It might surprise a lot of people toknow there are frogs in the desert,but we do have some amazingspecies.”Spotters may be lucky enough to seethe unique Centralian tree frog(Litoria gilleni) or Spencersburrowing frog (Platyplectrumspenceri).The Spencers burrowing frog is oneof the many burrowing frog speciesfound in the desert, and as theirname suggests, they remainunderground in dry river beds formost of the year.When the conditions are right,burrowing frogs emerge on thesurface to feed and breed, and thistime of year, the Spencers burrowingfrog is a real treat to see, althoughthey can be well camouflaged on thewaterʼs edge.

“These evenings give locals a greatopportunity to learn about the frogsas the weather warms up and theybecome more active.“The Frog Spotting evenings startwith a slideshow designed to teachyou a bit more about the localspecies and to help you identify thedifferent frogs youʼll hopefully seeduring the spotlight walk.“Simpsons Gap has an abundance ofamazing wildlife, so you might belucky enough to catch a glimpse ofother native animals includingdingoes (Canis lupus dingo), black-footed rock wallabies (Petrogalelateralis) or even a Stimsons Python(Antaresia stimsoni) as frogs can bequite a nice meal for a snake.“This activity is for frog spotters of allages. All youʼll need is a torch, insectrepellent and to wear study andcomfortable shoes, as the spotlightwalk will take place over unsteadyterrain.The free Frog Spotting evenings willbe held from 7pm every Friday inNovember.Bookings are essential. Participantsare asked to meet at the SimpsonsGap shelter. Please contact SusiePendle on 8951 8247 or [email protected]

Frogs on Friday


Virgin Australia will fly betweenDarwin and Alice Springs threetimes a week from March nextyear.“This is fantastic news for theTerritory bringing competition tothis important route for the first timein more than a decade,” ChiefMinister Adam Giles said.“For too long Central Australia hasbeen reliant on a single carrier forflights from Darwin restrictingbusiness and tourist traffic."The announcement follows ameeting between Mr Giles andVirgin Australia Chief ExecutiveOfficer, John Borghetti in Darwinyesterday.“This is a key route connecting theCentre to the rest of NorthernAustralia and I am thrilled thatVirgin has stepped up to offerpassengers choice and putdownward pressure on prices," MrGiles said.“Iʼd like to extend my personalthanks to John Borghetti for thisvote of confidence in the Northern

Territory. I look forward to workingwith Virgin Australia over the yearsahead.”Mr Borghetti said the new flightscoincide with the opening of thenew Virgin Australia Lounge atDarwin Airport in March.“We recognise the importance ofthe Northern Territory as a keybusiness and tourism destination inAustralia,” Mr Borghetti said“We will continue to expand ourdomestic network for the benefit ofAustralians and look forward toproviding more choice to ourcustomers on these key routesfrom early next year.”Minister for Tourism Matt Conlanwelcome todayʼs announcement asa huge boost for tourism in CentralAustralia.“Virgin Australia's arrival to theCentre will be a huge boost forlocal business and tour operatorsand our plans to drive economicdevelopment in the town,” MrConlan said."This will now open up the Centre

to the Star Alliance global networkwhich will allow passengers tocodeshare with Silk Air andSingapore airlines into Asia andEurope on just one ticket.“Virgin Australia's announcement isa show of support for our Do theNT campaign which is encouragingmore and more Australians andoverseas visitors to visit theTerritory.“We have worked hard over thepast 12 months to implement arange of new strategies to turnaround years of declining visitornumbers.“There is still much work to do butwe are starting to see somepositive signs and small, consistentincreases in visitor numbers to theTerritory.“We will continue to work with allour airline partners to promoteservices to Central Australia andachieve our Tourism Vision 2020goal of a $2.2 billion economy by2020.”

Virgin Australia Alice-Darwinroute 3 TIMES A WEEK

Newsdesk

Territorynicks theVic’s gongIn major coup for the Territory,the Darwin City Centre MasterPlan has taken out the gong inthe large projects category at the Victorian Planning Instituteof Australia’s PlanningExcellence Awards.

The Victorian Minister forPlanning, Matthew Guy,presented the award to DesignUrban who worked with theNorthern Territory Governmentand the City of Darwin todevelop the plan.Territorians will now go on tohave a crack at the nationalplanning awards to be judgednext year.The much hyped PlanMelbourne, the VictorianGovernmentʼs own city plan,was the expected winner for thiscategory.Minister for Lands, Planning andthe Environment Peter Chandlersaid this was a major coup forthe Territory.“Iʼve been in the Territory since1985 and since then Iʼve beentelling Victorians we do thingsbetter up here, now thereʼsproof,” Mr Chandler said.“This plan was an amazingeffort, jointly funded by theFederal Government, theTerritory Government and theCity of Darwin with the planningwork completed by Victorian-based consultants DesignUrban.”City of Darwin Lord MayorKatina Fong Lim was thrilled tohear of the combined win andvery proud of the City CentreMaster Plan.“Itʼs very pleasing to hear of therecognition our joint Darwin CityCentre Master Plan hasreceived,” the Lord Mayor said.“This master plan imagines whatour city could look like in 20 or30 years, its roads, parks andfuture neighbourhoods, and thenmakes the case for how to getus there.”


The Northern Territory live export industryis surging ahead and has smashedindustry export records.In the 2014 calendar year so far, the Portof Darwin has already exported over392,000 head of cattle. Prior to that, thecalendar year record was in 2008 whenthe Port of Darwin exported 359,307 headof cattle.Minister for Primary Industry andFisheries, Willem Westra van Holthe, saidthis achievement was due to the hardwork and determination of pastoralists onthe land.“To think only a few years ago, the liveexport ban brought this industry to itsknees and now it is bigger than everbefore,” Mr Westra van Holthe said.“Our Territory pastoralists are a resilientmob. They have been through sometough times and considerable hardship

but this achievement is a symbol of theirhard work and determination.“Due to the diversification of the market,beef prices have risen and exporters arenow paying record prices, people aretalking about $2.45 per kilogram forfeeder steers. Thatʼs incredible.“Further to this, Indonesia has released260,000 import permits for the fourthquarter of this year. This combined withemerging markets in Cambodia andstrong trading relationships throughoutAsia are all good signs of growing thisindustry even further.“The Country Liberals Government isdetermined to continue building our liveexport industry. We want to work withpastoralists to grow the Territoryʼs herd.This Government supports our liveexporters and we are proud of theirachievements.”

Live export industrysmashes records


The Northern Territory live export industryis surging ahead and has smashedindustry export records.In the 2014 calendar year so far, the Portof Darwin has already exported over392,000 head of cattle. Prior to that, thecalendar year record was in 2008 whenthe Port of Darwin exported 359,307 headof cattle.Minister for Primary Industry andFisheries, Willem Westra van Holthe, saidthis achievement was due to the hardwork and determination of pastoralists onthe land.“To think only a few years ago, the liveexport ban brought this industry to itsknees and now it is bigger than everbefore,” Mr Westra van Holthe said.“Our Territory pastoralists are a resilientmob. They have been through sometough times and considerable hardship

but this achievement is a symbol of theirhard work and determination.“Due to the diversification of the market,beef prices have risen and exporters arenow paying record prices, people aretalking about $2.45 per kilogram forfeeder steers. Thatʼs incredible.“Further to this, Indonesia has released260,000 import permits for the fourthquarter of this year. This combined withemerging markets in Cambodia andstrong trading relationships throughoutAsia are all good signs of growing thisindustry even further.“The Country Liberals Government isdetermined to continue building our liveexport industry. We want to work withpastoralists to grow the Territoryʼs herd.This Government supports our liveexporters and we are proud of theirachievements.”

Live export industrysmashes records


TerriToryLife

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The NT Government has launched a newwebsite for Territorians to have their say aboutinfrastructure projects that could be fundedthrough any future sale or lease of public assets.“We want to deliver the best value for taxpayersʼmoney and ensure our infrastructure meets thefuture needs of a growing Northern Australia,”Chief Minister Adam Giles said. “Through its possible sale, TIO could serve allTerritorians in a new way, by providing us withthe funds to unlock our potential, creating thejobs and industries of the future.”The Federal Governmentʼs Asset Recyclinginitiative also offers a 15 per cent financialincentive for us to sell eligible assets and re-invest the proceeds in new, economy-growinginfrastructure.“The government is also looking at ways toattract private investment in Darwin Port so thatwe can make it more efficient, improveeconomies of scale and bring freight costs down.This is another way we can drive down the costof living for Territorians,” Mr Giles said.“The Port is not for sale but revenue from a long-term lease of Port assets could add to a pool ofmoney available for re-investment in criticalinfrastructure.“No final decisions have been made, but sellingTIO or leasing parts of the Port would provide a

substantial nest-egg of funds that could build theTerritory of tomorrow.“I have tasked the Office of Major Infrastructureand Investment with identifying economic andcommunity infrastructure projects that might bepursued and have put forward some of theGovernmentʼs ideas to help start theconversation.”These include:• Flood mitigation works around Rapid Creek• Road works to remove the bottleneck at theend of Tiger Brennan Drive as it approachesDarwin city• An Indigenous cultural centre in Alice Springs• A second port at Glyde Point• A new sporting venue for Darwin• A long-term Infrastructure Development Fundto finance the building of the Territory into thefuture.“What we really need are ideas from the publicabout what projects Territorians would like us topursue as a priority if we do go down this path,”Mr Giles said.Is there a new sporting or cultural venue neededin your community? Do we need better facilitiesto support families such as new health oreducation infrastructure? We want your ideas.”To get more information or submit an idea visitwww.buildingourterritory.nt.gov.au

Building our Territory

Building activity in the Northern Territory continues tooutstrip the national average in both the residential and thenon-residential building sectors.Acclaimed sports journalist from Channel Sevenʼs Sunriseprogram and 10-time Australian water-skiing championMark Beretta wowed guests at October Business Monthevents in Darwin and Nhulunbuy.Mark Beretta has joined the expansive list of qualityspeakers at the 20th anniversary event. Other speakersinclude influential personal trainer Michelle Bridges andExecutive Chairman of Yellow Brick Road WealthManagement Mark Bouris.Recent ABS figures show the Territoryʼs building activity hasgrown to almost $2 billion in the 2013-14 financial year.The data shows total building activity increased by 12.5 percent to $1.9 billion. This was the highest year on yeargrowth of all the jurisdictions. Nationally, growth was five percent over the same period.The increase in Territory building activity in 2013-14 reflectsresidential building construction up by 27.8 per cent to $777million and an increase in non-residential building activity of3.7 per cent to $1.1 billion.Mark Beretta spoke at the Darwin Gala Business Dinnerheld at the Convention Centre and also ʻBusiness withBerettaʼ at the Walkabout Lodge in Nhulunbuy.

Building booms during OctoberBusiness Month


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TerriToryLife

Seven Territory tourism operators flew toChina on Tourism NTʼs third annualmission to attract visitors from thisrapidly growing market.Minister for Tourism Matt Conlan said itis the first time the mission includedrepresentatives from two Chineseinbound tour companies.“They have established a presence inthe Territory to better service theirclients, one located in Central Australia– Uluru Chinese Tours – and the other –North Tours Australia – in the Top End.“I hope these delegations will becomeeven larger as operators realise what anopportunity the China market presents tothem and how committed the CountryLiberals Government is to growing theNTʼs market share of visitors fromChina.”China is Australiaʼs most valuabletourism market, but the NT attracts only13,000 Chinese visitors a year. The NTGovernmentʼs target, articulated inTourism Vision 2020, is to increase thisto 30,000 by 2020.“Global competition to attract visitation

and investment from this market is fierceand to be successful it is critical we havea targeted strategy,” Mr Conlan said.“Tourism NT, in consultation with thetourism industry, has mapped out a wayto achieve this target in its China MarketActivation Plan II, which it has recentlyrevised in response to market changes.“The mission was part of that plan, andan important element of our Asia ProductPartnership Program which supportsbusinesses that commit to a long termcollaborative approach with Tourism NTin selected marketing and developmentactivities in the Eastern market.”The delegation comprised VoyagesAyers Rock Resort, Uluru Chinese Tour,AAT Kings, Maruku Arts, North ToursAustralia, Intrepid Travel and YHA.Operators had the opportunity tostrengthen business relationships acrossthe region, getting their product in frontof the travel trade and adapt theirproducts to better suit their consumers.Their 10-day itinerary included HongKong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijingand Taipei.

operators on mission toattract CHINESE visitors

Territory welcomed for Japanese business leadersChief Minister Adam Giles officiallywelcomed hundreds of businessleaders who touched down inDarwin for Australia-Japan JointBusiness Conference in October.“It is a huge coup for the Territoryto have hosted this prestigiousconference which attracted thecream of the Japanese andAustralian business community,”Mr Giles said"I extended a warm Territorywelcome to these corporateleaders who got a chance to seefirst-hand the investmentopportunities we have to offer.“I was a keynote speaker at thisconference in Tokyo last year andit is an honour to have brought theevent onto Territory soil with an

impressive list of industryrepresentatives and governmentofficials from both countriesattending.”Japanese companies includingINPEX, Mitsubishi Corporation,JGC, Chiyoda and Mitsui were allrepresented, as well as the threeJapanese mega banks, SumitomoMitsui Banking Corporation(SMBC), Mizuho Bank and Bankof Tokyo-Mitsubishi.Australian delegates includedrepresentatives from top miningand energy companies such asRio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Woodside,ConocoPhillips and Santos, aswell as the NAB and ANZ banks.“Our relationship with Japan isgoing from strength to strength

and this conference was anopportunity to showcase the kindsof exciting projects being pursuedin Northern Australia,” Mr Gilessaid.“Without doubt, the $34 BillionIchthys project is the jewel in thecrown of Japanese investment.“Ichthys is the largest everJapanese foreign investmentproject and once the Bladin Pointplant is fully operational, theTerritory will be supplying 10 percent of Japanʼs gas needs.“I am keen to see our LNG tradewith Japan expand even furtherbut I am also anxious to broadenour engagement with Japanesecompanies in other sectors suchas agribusiness and education.

“Mitsui are already leading theway with their multi-million dollarinvestment in the Tiwi IslandsForestry Plantation which isexactly the kind of partnership wewould like to see more of.”Proposed projects including a gaspipeline linking Central Australia tothe East Coast gas grid, the futuredevelopment of Territory ports anda new International GrammarSchool in Darwin all presentexciting investment opportunities.“The Northern Territory is thegateway between Asia andAustralia. There is huge potentialfor growth and we are keen to seeJapanese investors be part of thatexpansion,” Mr Giles said.


NT Fashion Week hit the runway withsome of the Territoryʼs most creativebusiness people showcasing theirwork.NT Fashion Week kicked-off in stylewith an elegant garden party at KerryʼsAutomotive which was transformedinto a tropical oasis.The jam-packed program featuredseven events across seven daysshowcasing the latest designs andtrends from eight fashion designers,four jewellers, four milliners and eightretailers from right across theNorthern Territory.

Among the local businesses exhibitingtheir work was Top End Jewellerydesigner Shayote.Shayote is a familiar face at Parapand Mindil Markets and has beensteadily growing her business over thelast 20 years.From her home workshop in HumptyDoo, she services an internationalclientele including some veryrecognisable names, such as high endswimwear company Wild OrchidAustralia.For a one-person enterprise likeShayoteʼs to grow an international

following is quite remarkable.This year the Territory Governmenthas tripled its support for NT FashionWeek to $75,000 including a RegionalEconomic Development Fund grant toallow a range of Central Australians toparticipate in the event.“Itʼs great to see 16 year old AliceSprings school girl Gabi Borchersnamed as one of the Faces of thisyearʼs event,” Adam Giles said.The Government will boost its supportto $100,000 in 2015 to allow localbusiness to grow even further.“We know the event has huge

potential to grow and attract interestfrom our Asian neighbours. Therehave already been preliminarydiscussions around this Asianengagement and the potential fortourism links as well,” Mr Giles said.NT Fashion Week Creative DirectorMehali Tsangiris said that in 2014, NTFashion Week had reached newheights.“With this yearʼs event I truly believeNT Fashion Week has arrived. Plansfor 2015 are already in motion andpromise to take things to a whole newlevel,” he said.

N T F a s h i o n W e e k s h o w c a s e sT e r r i t o r y b u s i n e s s

NT Fashion Week Creative Director Mehali Tsangiris


Seven Territory tourism operators flew toChina on Tourism NTʼs third annualmission to attract visitors from thisrapidly growing market.Minister for Tourism Matt Conlan said itis the first time the mission includedrepresentatives from two Chineseinbound tour companies.“They have established a presence inthe Territory to better service theirclients, one located in Central Australia– Uluru Chinese Tours – and the other –North Tours Australia – in the Top End.“I hope these delegations will becomeeven larger as operators realise what anopportunity the China market presents tothem and how committed the CountryLiberals Government is to growing theNTʼs market share of visitors fromChina.”China is Australiaʼs most valuabletourism market, but the NT attracts only13,000 Chinese visitors a year. The NTGovernmentʼs target, articulated inTourism Vision 2020, is to increase thisto 30,000 by 2020.“Global competition to attract visitation

and investment from this market is fierceand to be successful it is critical we havea targeted strategy,” Mr Conlan said.“Tourism NT, in consultation with thetourism industry, has mapped out a wayto achieve this target in its China MarketActivation Plan II, which it has recentlyrevised in response to market changes.“The mission was part of that plan, andan important element of our Asia ProductPartnership Program which supportsbusinesses that commit to a long termcollaborative approach with Tourism NTin selected marketing and developmentactivities in the Eastern market.”The delegation comprised VoyagesAyers Rock Resort, Uluru Chinese Tour,AAT Kings, Maruku Arts, North ToursAustralia, Intrepid Travel and YHA.Operators had the opportunity tostrengthen business relationships acrossthe region, getting their product in frontof the travel trade and adapt theirproducts to better suit their consumers.Their 10-day itinerary included HongKong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijingand Taipei.

operators on mission toattract CHINESE visitors

Territory welcomed for Japanese business leadersChief Minister Adam Giles officiallywelcomed hundreds of businessleaders who touched down inDarwin for Australia-Japan JointBusiness Conference in October.“It is a huge coup for the Territoryto have hosted this prestigiousconference which attracted thecream of the Japanese andAustralian business community,”Mr Giles said"I extended a warm Territorywelcome to these corporateleaders who got a chance to seefirst-hand the investmentopportunities we have to offer.“I was a keynote speaker at thisconference in Tokyo last year andit is an honour to have brought theevent onto Territory soil with an

impressive list of industryrepresentatives and governmentofficials from both countriesattending.”Japanese companies includingINPEX, Mitsubishi Corporation,JGC, Chiyoda and Mitsui were allrepresented, as well as the threeJapanese mega banks, SumitomoMitsui Banking Corporation(SMBC), Mizuho Bank and Bankof Tokyo-Mitsubishi.Australian delegates includedrepresentatives from top miningand energy companies such asRio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Woodside,ConocoPhillips and Santos, aswell as the NAB and ANZ banks.“Our relationship with Japan isgoing from strength to strength

and this conference was anopportunity to showcase the kindsof exciting projects being pursuedin Northern Australia,” Mr Gilessaid.“Without doubt, the $34 BillionIchthys project is the jewel in thecrown of Japanese investment.“Ichthys is the largest everJapanese foreign investmentproject and once the Bladin Pointplant is fully operational, theTerritory will be supplying 10 percent of Japanʼs gas needs.“I am keen to see our LNG tradewith Japan expand even furtherbut I am also anxious to broadenour engagement with Japanesecompanies in other sectors suchas agribusiness and education.

“Mitsui are already leading theway with their multi-million dollarinvestment in the Tiwi IslandsForestry Plantation which isexactly the kind of partnership wewould like to see more of.”Proposed projects including a gaspipeline linking Central Australia tothe East Coast gas grid, the futuredevelopment of Territory ports anda new International GrammarSchool in Darwin all presentexciting investment opportunities.“The Northern Territory is thegateway between Asia andAustralia. There is huge potentialfor growth and we are keen to seeJapanese investors be part of thatexpansion,” Mr Giles said.


Newsdesk

Forty-year veteran of Territoryconstruction Ostojic Pty Ltd hasjoined forces with one of Victoriaʼsmost reputable developers CostaProperty to develop a 1700 homesubdivision in Zuccoli.The consortium, Costojic, haswon a competitive selectionprocess for the rights to developstages 3 and 4 of Zuccoli inPalmerston.The Country Liberals Governmentdecided to simultaneously releasestages 3 and 4 to accelerate ourland release plan and inject muchneeded blocks into the market.Minister for Lands, Planning andthe Environment, Peter Chandler,said an aggressive land releasestrategy is the only way weʼregoing to have a serious impact inputting downward pressure on thehigh cost of living.“The government has embarkedon the Territoryʼs largest ever landrelease program because weunderstand the cost of housing istoo high and Territorians wantaction, not words,” Mr Chandlersaid. “Zuccoli will be home to over7,000 people and these newstages will serve as a communityhub with all the amenities they willneed including, shops, schoolsand sporting facilities.”Member for Blain Nathan Barretthas welcomed the announcementsaid he canʼt wait to welcome thenew members of his electorate.“The number one issue for peoplein my electorate is the cost ofhousing and Iʼm proud to be partof a government that is deliveringaction in this area,” Mr Barrettsaid.Managing director of Ostojic PtyLtd, Tomo Ostojic said theconsortium will bring together hislocal knowledge together with

Costaʼs development experienceto deliver a well-planned Territorysuburb.“Ostojic is committed tosupporting local participation in allour projects and historically wehave sourced over 90% of ourworkforce, subcontractors andmaterials from within the NorthernTerritory community,” Mr Ostojicsaid.“We support the ongoingdevelopment of the Territory andgrowing the Territory as anaffordable and desirable place tolive, work and play for futuregenerations.“Iʼm excited to join with CostaProperty to create a uniquedevelopment. Together weenvisage this Zuccoli release tobecome the benchmark of all thereleases. It is the biggest, and willalso be the greenest, safest, mostaffordable community, withschools and neighbourhoodshopping that residents will bevery proud to call home.”Development Manager of CostaProperty Mike Schokman saidthey are very excited aboutextending operations to theTerritory.“After working with the TerritoryGovernment so far, it is clear theyare the most responsive authorityweʼve worked with to date,” MrSchokman. “Southern planning authoritiescould learn a thing or two from theTerritory when it comes to makingdecisions quickly within a solidgovernance framework. It's arefreshing change, and one of thestrong factors that attracted CostaProperty to the Territory.“Of course local knowledge andexpertise is critical to the successof any development project. Thereis no better partner in the Territory

than Ostojic Group; with their sizeand over 40 years of local Territoryexperience.”“Costa Property brings newcapital and innovative urbandevelopment ideas for what willbecome a benchmark community.This Zuccoli stage has everything:shopping, schools, vast amountsof green open spaces. CostaProperty sees Zuccoli as the firstproject of a lasting relationshipwith the Territory.”

Territory local teams up with interstate

giant


The Giles Government hasheard a clear message fromindustry and responded byestablishing a newConstruction andDevelopment AdvisoryCouncil to makerecommendations aboutreducing red tape.“The Advisory Council isfurther proof that theGovernment is seriousabout its commitment toreducing red tape forbusinesses throughout theTerritory,” Chief MinisterAdam Giles said. “The Construction andDevelopment AdvisoryCouncil is the result ofextensive governmentconsultation with the sector.“We have already madehuge inroads in streamliningour development processeshowever we continue to getcomplaints about red tape.Issues include lack oftimeliness in regulatoryapproval processes,uncertainty about regulatoryrequirements and difficulty indealing with governmentagencies. The AdvisoryCouncil will help addressthese concerns.”The Chair of theConstruction andDevelopment AdvisoryCouncil will be the formerNT Administrator Mr JohnAnictomatis.“He has a wealth ofknowledge and experiencein the construction anddevelopment industry,having established asuccessful business centredon construction ofresidential, commercial andindustrial sites. He has alsobeen active in communityservice,” Mr Giles said.Other members include:

Kerry Osborne (DeputyChair), Denise David, AdrianHandford, Richie Ward,Shane Dignan, PaulGraham, Steve Brouwer andAllan King.“Together, this group ofpeople have the expertiseand experience to advise onthe steps needed to ensurewe have a balanced andcompetitive regulatoryenvironment,” Mr Giles said.The Council has been askedto make recommendationsto Government by 30 June2015 about how to furtherreduce red tape in theconstruction anddevelopment sector.“It is imperative that theNorthern Territory has thebest possible regulatoryenvironment as oureconomy and populationbase grows,” Mr Giles said.“There must be timelyassessments and approvals,simple and transparentinstitutional arrangements,certainty and clarity inregulatory andadministrative processrequirements, appropriatesafeguards for theenvironment and the public,and responsive regulatorsand government agencieswith whom it is easy forfirms and individuals tointeract.” Reforms so far in theconstruction anddevelopment sector so farinclude:• Introducing an integratedbuilding approval lodgementsystem. This allows

electronic lodgement ofbuilding permits andoccupancy permits thusreducing paperwork andremoving the need to attenda government office.• Allowing concurrent (ratherthan requiring sequential)assessment of planningscheme amendments (e.g.rezoning applications) anddevelopment assessments –shaving up to 3 months offapproval times.• Removing the requirementfor developers to obtain asecond clearance fromservice authorities at thetime of unit titling for asubdivision, shaving weeksoff the approval process;• Issuing high risk worklicences (scaffolding, forklift,dogging, rigging, craneoperation and others) overthe counter at TerritoryBusiness Centres – a timesaving of up to 20 days.• Establishing a One StopShop for developmentapplications allowingdevelopers and the public toaccess information onlineabout the applicationprocess and currentapplications.The Department of Businesshas a dedicated 1800telephone number forbusinesses to contact theBusiness Advocate todiscuss issues and delaysthey are encountering fromany government agency.That number is 1800 754 466. or [email protected]

New Advisory Council to cutconstruction red tape


The Giles Government hasheard a clear message fromindustry and responded byestablishing a newConstruction andDevelopment AdvisoryCouncil to makerecommendations aboutreducing red tape.“The Advisory Council isfurther proof that theGovernment is seriousabout its commitment toreducing red tape forbusinesses throughout theTerritory,” Chief MinisterAdam Giles said. “The Construction andDevelopment AdvisoryCouncil is the result ofextensive governmentconsultation with the sector.“We have already madehuge inroads in streamliningour development processeshowever we continue to getcomplaints about red tape.Issues include lack oftimeliness in regulatoryapproval processes,uncertainty about regulatoryrequirements and difficulty indealing with governmentagencies. The AdvisoryCouncil will help addressthese concerns.”The Chair of theConstruction andDevelopment AdvisoryCouncil will be the formerNT Administrator Mr JohnAnictomatis.“He has a wealth ofknowledge and experiencein the construction anddevelopment industry,having established asuccessful business centredon construction ofresidential, commercial andindustrial sites. He has alsobeen active in communityservice,” Mr Giles said.Other members include:

Kerry Osborne (DeputyChair), Denise David, AdrianHandford, Richie Ward,Shane Dignan, PaulGraham, Steve Brouwer andAllan King.“Together, this group ofpeople have the expertiseand experience to advise onthe steps needed to ensurewe have a balanced andcompetitive regulatoryenvironment,” Mr Giles said.The Council has been askedto make recommendationsto Government by 30 June2015 about how to furtherreduce red tape in theconstruction anddevelopment sector.“It is imperative that theNorthern Territory has thebest possible regulatoryenvironment as oureconomy and populationbase grows,” Mr Giles said.“There must be timelyassessments and approvals,simple and transparentinstitutional arrangements,certainty and clarity inregulatory andadministrative processrequirements, appropriatesafeguards for theenvironment and the public,and responsive regulatorsand government agencieswith whom it is easy forfirms and individuals tointeract.” Reforms so far in theconstruction anddevelopment sector so farinclude:• Introducing an integratedbuilding approval lodgementsystem. This allows

electronic lodgement ofbuilding permits andoccupancy permits thusreducing paperwork andremoving the need to attenda government office.• Allowing concurrent (ratherthan requiring sequential)assessment of planningscheme amendments (e.g.rezoning applications) anddevelopment assessments –shaving up to 3 months offapproval times.• Removing the requirementfor developers to obtain asecond clearance fromservice authorities at thetime of unit titling for asubdivision, shaving weeksoff the approval process;• Issuing high risk worklicences (scaffolding, forklift,dogging, rigging, craneoperation and others) overthe counter at TerritoryBusiness Centres – a timesaving of up to 20 days.• Establishing a One StopShop for developmentapplications allowingdevelopers and the public toaccess information onlineabout the applicationprocess and currentapplications.The Department of Businesshas a dedicated 1800telephone number forbusinesses to contact theBusiness Advocate todiscuss issues and delaysthey are encountering fromany government agency.That number is 1800 754 466. or [email protected]

New Advisory Council to cutconstruction red tape


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exercise Kakadu

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exercise Koolendong

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NOT YOUR AVERAGE

FAMILY BUSINESS

McMahon Services, Green Star Concrete Batching Plant in operation at the Port Melville site

Ray Wilson

ICTHYS Project: Manigurr-ma Village at Howard Springs

TERRITORY FOCUSED

BY MICHELLE DRYBURGH

Edith River bridge reconstruction

McMahon Services has grown to employ more than 1000 people nation-wide, including 450 employees through its affiliated organisation, Intract - an indigenous contractors division operating out of Darwin, Alice Springs and across Australia.

With services ranging from civil engineering, demolition, industrial and resources construction, to hazardous waste removal, building services, marine contracting and environmental remediation, McMahon Services offers clients a turnkey solution for a diverse range of projects. Founders Andrew and David McMahon were working for their father’s company focused on transport, waste and construction, when they identified a need to expand into new markets to better serve their existing clients and grow the business.

“We grew up with construction and machinery in our blood,” says Andrew.“Dad was a hard worker and also a hard task master who imbedded in us the work ethic you need to survive in the industry today. I am very grateful for what he did for us as a father, a mentor and a great mate. He still continues today in his transport business at the age of 78, employing over 150 staff.”

Since inception of McMahon Services in 1990, Andrew and David’s lives and roles have changed

dramatically. Once a grass roots labourer, Andrew has worked in almost every facet of the business, as supervisor, operator, project manager, estimator, ‘basically everything’. “I still enjoy getting out of the office and onto the tools,” he says.

Andrew’s work requires regular travel all over Australia, but he calls the Northern Territory ‘home’ – spending approximately 60 per cent of his time in Darwin. “I have always loved Darwin, the place, people, culture and climate. To get away from work life I enjoy fishing, camping, overseas travel and spending time with the kids.

“That said, what I have always enjoyed about the construction industry is the people, fun and enjoyment you get out of it. You can look back and see what you have achieved in a hard day’s work.”

The boom and bust nature of the industry has its challenges too. But Andrew accepts that as ‘just part of the game’. “You need to be multi skilled and quick on your feet to ride the up’s and downs,” he says.“When a company positions itself to listen to its customers and its own people, and ensure it’s agile enough to react quickly and respond, that is powerful.“People want to be heard and that’s our advantage, as not enough companies listen and respond like us.”

Andrew says one of the biggest challenges is occupational health and safety, but it’s a gold star field for McMahon Services which is underpinned by a strong safety culture. The company has obtained third party accreditation in Health Safety and Environment, as well as Federal Safety and Achilles accreditation.

“We all need to deliver safety, from the top down and the bottom up, it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure our work mates arrive at work and get home safely to their families,” says Andrew. “We are proud of our safety achievements but you can’t drop the ball, it is the most discussed activity in everyday life at McMahon and Intract.”The company’s focus on safety and putting people first has resulted in remarkable staff retention, with many second generation employees and 60 per cent of the workforce having 20 years’ service or more.

Staff will be central to delivering the brothers’ vision for the future of the business. That is to continue steady growth over the next 10 years and maintain delivery of high quality and professional services, while investing in state-of-the-art plant and equipment to stay ahead of the game. “And to have fun, because if you don’t enjoy your job, you shouldn’t be there,” says Andrew. “Work to me is just a very large family and I very much treat it that way, we are all working together to survive and achieve.”

NOT YOUR AVERAGE

FAMILY BUSINESS What started almost 25 years ago as a small business run by two brothers and 12 employees is now one of the most prolific construction companies in Australia.

Ezion Port Melville, 30 Million Litre Fuel Farm and Facilities Under Construction

Andrew McMahon

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n M c M a h o n S e r v i c e s v i s i t w w w . m c m s e r v i c e s . c o m . a u


TerriToryLife

McMahon Services has grown to employ more than 1000 people nation-wide, including 450 employees through its affiliated organisation, Intract - an indigenous contractors division operating out of Darwin, Alice Springs and across Australia.

With services ranging from civil engineering, demolition, industrial and resources construction, to hazardous waste removal, building services, marine contracting and environmental remediation, McMahon Services offers clients a turnkey solution for a diverse range of projects. Founders Andrew and David McMahon were working for their father’s company focused on transport, waste and construction, when they identified a need to expand into new markets to better serve their existing clients and grow the business.

“We grew up with construction and machinery in our blood,” says Andrew.“Dad was a hard worker and also a hard task master who imbedded in us the work ethic you need to survive in the industry today. I am very grateful for what he did for us as a father, a mentor and a great mate. He still continues today in his transport business at the age of 78, employing over 150 staff.”

Since inception of McMahon Services in 1990, Andrew and David’s lives and roles have changed

dramatically. Once a grass roots labourer, Andrew has worked in almost every facet of the business, as supervisor, operator, project manager, estimator, ‘basically everything’. “I still enjoy getting out of the office and onto the tools,” he says.

Andrew’s work requires regular travel all over Australia, but he calls the Northern Territory ‘home’ – spending approximately 60 per cent of his time in Darwin. “I have always loved Darwin, the place, people, culture and climate. To get away from work life I enjoy fishing, camping, overseas travel and spending time with the kids.

“That said, what I have always enjoyed about the construction industry is the people, fun and enjoyment you get out of it. You can look back and see what you have achieved in a hard day’s work.”

The boom and bust nature of the industry has its challenges too. But Andrew accepts that as ‘just part of the game’. “You need to be multi skilled and quick on your feet to ride the up’s and downs,” he says.“When a company positions itself to listen to its customers and its own people, and ensure it’s agile enough to react quickly and respond, that is powerful.“People want to be heard and that’s our advantage, as not enough companies listen and respond like us.”

Andrew says one of the biggest challenges is occupational health and safety, but it’s a gold star field for McMahon Services which is underpinned by a strong safety culture. The company has obtained third party accreditation in Health Safety and Environment, as well as Federal Safety and Achilles accreditation.

“We all need to deliver safety, from the top down and the bottom up, it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure our work mates arrive at work and get home safely to their families,” says Andrew. “We are proud of our safety achievements but you can’t drop the ball, it is the most discussed activity in everyday life at McMahon and Intract.”The company’s focus on safety and putting people first has resulted in remarkable staff retention, with many second generation employees and 60 per cent of the workforce having 20 years’ service or more.

Staff will be central to delivering the brothers’ vision for the future of the business. That is to continue steady growth over the next 10 years and maintain delivery of high quality and professional services, while investing in state-of-the-art plant and equipment to stay ahead of the game. “And to have fun, because if you don’t enjoy your job, you shouldn’t be there,” says Andrew. “Work to me is just a very large family and I very much treat it that way, we are all working together to survive and achieve.”

NOT YOUR AVERAGE

FAMILY BUSINESS What started almost 25 years ago as a small business run by two brothers and 12 employees is now one of the most prolific construction companies in Australia.

Ezion Port Melville, 30 Million Litre Fuel Farm and Facilities Under Construction

Andrew McMahon

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n M c M a h o n S e r v i c e s v i s i t w w w . m c m s e r v i c e s . c o m . a u


TerriToryLife

Ezion Port Melville

160 Man Camp Site under Construction

Supporting the Territory’s new PortMcMahon Services is playing a key role in the development of a deep sea port at Port Melville, constructing an accommodation village to house 160 off-shore workers and port support staff. The port development will be a world-class export facility in a prime location, close to emerging oil and gas developments and central to shipping lanes linking the Australian and Asian markets.The development will also include a 30-million litre fuel storage facility providing Tiwi communities with fairer fuel prices and profits from sales.As part of the accommodation construction contract, McMahon will employ a minimum of 20 per cent local indigenous labour. When the camp is operational it will employ 80 per cent local indigenous people to undertake camp operation and maintenance.

Sinking shipsThe decommissioning and sinking of HMAS Hobart and HMAS Adelaide were major projects by McMahon Services – and two of Andrew McMahon’s personal career highlights.The ships were scuttled to create artificial dive wrecks in South Australia and New South Wales respectively. But sinking a ship is no easy feat.First, all environmental hazards had to removed, and the former operational war ships were stripped back to a bare skeleton, including cleaning an area of 90,000sqm by hand.“The team was required to work on ways to make the vessel do what it was never designed to do – sink,” says Andrew.Ship Scuttle Statistics – HMAS Hobart• 20,000 km of communication and electrical cable• 280 tonnes of steel bulkheads and equipment• 156 tonnes of lead ballast ingots• 32 tonnes of liquid fuel-oil• 42 tonnes of rubbish, timber, plastic

Territory AllianceIn partnership with Sitzler and Laing O’Rourke, McMahon Services joined Territory Alliance to deliver works in the Federal Government’s Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program, to bridge the gap between Indigenous disadvantage across the Northern Territory. It was the largest Indigenous housing program ever undertaken in Australia’s history.The Territory Alliance completed a lion’s share of the project including:• 518 new houses and six subdivisions• 314 rebuilds• 442 refurbishments • Installation of new power, water, roads and street lightingTerritory Alliance employed more than 750 workers during the five-year program and exceeded the Government’s target of 20 per cent local Indigenous engagement, reaching 35 per cent in many communities. “The highlight of this project for me was working with local construction professionals such as Steve Margetic, Steve Shenfield, Dick Guit, Steve Jones and Alan McGill, who are also very passionate about Indigenous employment outcomes; and the many dedicated Government staff who made the project a success,” says Andrew McMahon.

Tom McMahon, Mick Sherlock

Scuttling of the former HMAS Adelaide

Ezion Port Melville

Roy & Andrew – Galiwinku

The International Association for Public Participation2012 The Territory Alliance was awarded Project of the Year for Community work with the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Project. The IAP2 Core Values Awards recognise and encourage projects and organisations that are at the forefront of public participation.

Master Builders AssociationWinner 2008 Award for Excellence in Services - City Central Tower 2 Redevelopment

Civil contractors federationWinner 2013 National CCF Earth Award - Adelaide Oval Redevelopment Detailed Civil and Stormwater WorksWinner 2013 SA CCF Earth Award - Adelaide Oval Redevelopment Detailed Civil and Stormwater Works Winner 2012 SA CCF Earth Award - Remediation and Rehabilitation of former SA Water site, Thebarton Winner 2011 National CCF Earth Award - Mead Street Birkenhead High Level Waste RemediationWinner 2011 SA CCF Earth Award - Mead Street Birkenhead High Level Waste Remediation

Economic Development Australia2011 National Economic Development Australia Awards for Excellence - ‘Highly Commended’ - Indigenous Economic Development Award - Intract - Indigenous Contractors

Demolition & Recycling International2014 D&R International Top 100 Listing - POSITION: 122013 D&R International Top 100 Listing - POSITION: 11 2012 D&R International Top 100 Listing - POSITION: 6

AWARDSMcMahon Services has been recognised for outstanding performance on many projects over the years. These are some of the recent achievements.

Edith River bridge reconstruction following flash flooding and train derailment

Ezion Port Melville - unloading accommodation units

premier partners since 2012

Michael Long and Andrew McMahon at the sponsorship announcement

TerriToryLife

The International Association for Public Participation2012 The Territory Alliance was awarded Project of the Year for Community work with the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Project. The IAP2 Core Values Awards recognise and encourage projects and organisations that are at the forefront of public participation.

Master Builders AssociationWinner 2008 Award for Excellence in Services - City Central Tower 2 Redevelopment

Civil contractors federationWinner 2013 National CCF Earth Award - Adelaide Oval Redevelopment Detailed Civil and Stormwater WorksWinner 2013 SA CCF Earth Award - Adelaide Oval Redevelopment Detailed Civil and Stormwater Works Winner 2012 SA CCF Earth Award - Remediation and Rehabilitation of former SA Water site, Thebarton Winner 2011 National CCF Earth Award - Mead Street Birkenhead High Level Waste RemediationWinner 2011 SA CCF Earth Award - Mead Street Birkenhead High Level Waste Remediation

Economic Development Australia2011 National Economic Development Australia Awards for Excellence - ‘Highly Commended’ - Indigenous Economic Development Award - Intract - Indigenous Contractors

Demolition & Recycling International2014 D&R International Top 100 Listing - POSITION: 122013 D&R International Top 100 Listing - POSITION: 11 2012 D&R International Top 100 Listing - POSITION: 6

AWARDSMcMahon Services has been recognised for outstanding performance on many projects over the years. These are some of the recent achievements.

Edith River bridge reconstruction following flash flooding and train derailment

Ezion Port Melville - unloading accommodation units

premier partners since 2012

Michael Long and Andrew McMahon at the sponsorship announcement

TerriToryLife

Intract was established with a vision to open doors for indigenous training and development, and deliver stable, long-term employment for Aboriginal Australians.


INDIGENOUS ENTERPRISELOCAL COMPANY. LOCAL PEOPLE.

Anthony McGregor, Patrick Harvey, Ian Conroy – Ranger Kakadu Nation Park

Since its inception as a division of McMahon Services in 2010, Intract has employed and trained more than 150 Indigenous people. Today it is a stand alone organisation operating out of Darwin, Alice Springs and across Australia. The company is 51% Indigenous owned and operated, headed up in the NT by General Manager / Director Michael Rotumah who is born and bred in the NT and is a Traditional Owner of Murgenella and Croker Island in the West Arneham Land Region. Michael has vast experience in program and project management in the construction industry working for the Australian Government for most of his career. Micahel is committed to Indigenous employment and positive outcomes where he has excelled over many years.

Michael is supported by fellow Director John Briggs, a proud Indigenous man that identifies with the Yorta Yorta People from Cummrugunja, which is part of the Barmah Forest on the Victoria, New South Wales border on the Murray River. John has devoted a large portion of his working life sharing his experiences and working with Aboriginal people across all states and territories of Australia. For over 15 years, John worked in the mines in Western Australia, nine of those years with Rio Tinto and six years as a supervisor trainer with ATAL (Aboriginal Training and Liaison).

With the likes of AFL superstar and successful businessman Andrew McLeod as board member and shareholder and AFL legend Michael Long as Intract’s Indigenous ambassador, the company is in good hands. “Michael Rotumah and Michael Long have been long-time friends and an inspiration to me,” says Andrew McMahon, Intract co-founder. “They have mentored me so I have a greater understanding of Indigenous culture and heritage.

“I have always been passionate about Indigenous employment. Having worked and specialised in remote construction since the inception of our company, we have had a long association with Indigenous people throughout the country.”

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n I n t r a c t v i s i t w w w . i n t r a c t . c o m . a u

Through Intract, workers can gain qualifications and certifications, expand their skill set, earn money to support their families, and inspire and encourage younger generations to follow in their footsteps.

Through this process, Intract is able to provide a ‘work ready’ labour force along with mentoring and support for staff, and is aiming to lead the field in Indigenous employment outcomes by becoming an employer of choice and nationally recognised Indigenous company within the civil and construction sector. Within a short time frame, Intract has gained strong project experience, working with companies such as Santos, OZ Minerals, Genesee and Wyoming Australia, as well as several government departments.

Following the success of the company’s initial project - a four-wheel drive track upgrade at Jim Jim Falls - Intract Australia secured two, four-and-a-half-year contracts for housing maintenance and tenancy management services in remote Western Arnhem Land at Maningrida and Gunbalanya. The maintenance contract covers minor, non-trade housing repairs and maintenance for more than 500 public housing and government employee properties across both communities. Intract is providing 10 full-time positions, eight have been filled by local

Indigenous people. Five housing officers have been employed to assist and advise tenants on their rights and responsibilities, aiming to make long-term improvements to tenants’ living conditions. “I am putting enormous effort into growing our Indigenous work force and helping to increase their skills,” says Andrew.

“Part of that growth includes educating government departments on how we can work together to better deliver community outcomes on Indigenous land, which will increase employment and see local people deliver local services. “I am very passionate about the upskilling and employment of Indigenous Australians and won’t fail on this topic. I just don’t accept the concept of drive in drive out contractors in Indigenous communities.”

Both McMahon Services and Intract have a dedicated focus on giving back to the community, donating money and services for projects in the locations they operate. “Our largest sponsorship is Premier Partners of Territory Thunder Club. The NT Thunder sets out to inspire Aboriginal people to participate in sport to improve education, employment, training, health, leadership and wellbeing in local Indigenous communities across the Territory. We conduct a number of football and netball clinics each year within these communities.”

TerriToryLife

Intract was established with a vision to open doors for indigenous training and development, and deliver stable, long-term employment for Aboriginal Australians.


INDIGENOUS ENTERPRISELOCAL COMPANY. LOCAL PEOPLE.

Anthony McGregor, Patrick Harvey, Ian Conroy – Ranger Kakadu Nation Park

Since its inception as a division of McMahon Services in 2010, Intract has employed and trained more than 150 Indigenous people. Today it is a stand alone organisation operating out of Darwin, Alice Springs and across Australia. The company is 51% Indigenous owned and operated, headed up in the NT by General Manager / Director Michael Rotumah who is born and bred in the NT and is a Traditional Owner of Murgenella and Croker Island in the West Arneham Land Region. Michael has vast experience in program and project management in the construction industry working for the Australian Government for most of his career. Micahel is committed to Indigenous employment and positive outcomes where he has excelled over many years.

Michael is supported by fellow Director John Briggs, a proud Indigenous man that identifies with the Yorta Yorta People from Cummrugunja, which is part of the Barmah Forest on the Victoria, New South Wales border on the Murray River. John has devoted a large portion of his working life sharing his experiences and working with Aboriginal people across all states and territories of Australia. For over 15 years, John worked in the mines in Western Australia, nine of those years with Rio Tinto and six years as a supervisor trainer with ATAL (Aboriginal Training and Liaison).

With the likes of AFL superstar and successful businessman Andrew McLeod as board member and shareholder and AFL legend Michael Long as Intract’s Indigenous ambassador, the company is in good hands. “Michael Rotumah and Michael Long have been long-time friends and an inspiration to me,” says Andrew McMahon, Intract co-founder. “They have mentored me so I have a greater understanding of Indigenous culture and heritage.

“I have always been passionate about Indigenous employment. Having worked and specialised in remote construction since the inception of our company, we have had a long association with Indigenous people throughout the country.”

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n I n t r a c t v i s i t w w w . i n t r a c t . c o m . a u

Through Intract, workers can gain qualifications and certifications, expand their skill set, earn money to support their families, and inspire and encourage younger generations to follow in their footsteps.

Through this process, Intract is able to provide a ‘work ready’ labour force along with mentoring and support for staff, and is aiming to lead the field in Indigenous employment outcomes by becoming an employer of choice and nationally recognised Indigenous company within the civil and construction sector. Within a short time frame, Intract has gained strong project experience, working with companies such as Santos, OZ Minerals, Genesee and Wyoming Australia, as well as several government departments.

Following the success of the company’s initial project - a four-wheel drive track upgrade at Jim Jim Falls - Intract Australia secured two, four-and-a-half-year contracts for housing maintenance and tenancy management services in remote Western Arnhem Land at Maningrida and Gunbalanya. The maintenance contract covers minor, non-trade housing repairs and maintenance for more than 500 public housing and government employee properties across both communities. Intract is providing 10 full-time positions, eight have been filled by local

Indigenous people. Five housing officers have been employed to assist and advise tenants on their rights and responsibilities, aiming to make long-term improvements to tenants’ living conditions. “I am putting enormous effort into growing our Indigenous work force and helping to increase their skills,” says Andrew.

“Part of that growth includes educating government departments on how we can work together to better deliver community outcomes on Indigenous land, which will increase employment and see local people deliver local services. “I am very passionate about the upskilling and employment of Indigenous Australians and won’t fail on this topic. I just don’t accept the concept of drive in drive out contractors in Indigenous communities.”

Both McMahon Services and Intract have a dedicated focus on giving back to the community, donating money and services for projects in the locations they operate. “Our largest sponsorship is Premier Partners of Territory Thunder Club. The NT Thunder sets out to inspire Aboriginal people to participate in sport to improve education, employment, training, health, leadership and wellbeing in local Indigenous communities across the Territory. We conduct a number of football and netball clinics each year within these communities.”

Territory Management Services

Rhonda Manbawan Community Housing Officer

Gunbalanya

Michael Rotumah on a recent community visit to Maningrida

Andrew McLeod (Director), John Briggs (Director)

Michael Rotumah - Intract Director General Manager NT

Jim Jim Falls 4WD access track upgrade

Success from the startProviding early access after the wet season to two popular waterfalls in the Kakadu National Park was the first project for Intract Australia. The four-week project involved upgrading the four-wheel-drive track leading to Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls.The three-person team overcame challenging conditions, including living onsite together in a modified 20-foot shipping container for the four-week duration of the project.While only one kilometre of road needed upgrading, including boxing out and filling with 150mm trap rock to provide better traction – tough terrain made it slow moving work.Some parts of the access track were only wide enough for a 4WD ute, and the eight-kilometre stretch from the rock pit to the outer limits of the project site was a two hour round trip for trucks and loaders. Despite the challenges, the team successfully delivered the project and were commended by Parks Australia for their hard work. This project was completed with over 65 per cent Indigenous employment.

A winning formulaIntract Indigenous Contractors was named the 2013 Training Program of the Year by the Civil Contractors Federation. Commenting on the award, the judging panel said, “The unique nature of Intract as a contracting entity adds significant value for stakeholders at every step of the process. From the regional communities that benefit from employment and skills enhancement through to the clients who see advantage from engaging a culturally relevant workforce, Intract has been a positive force within the industry at a time when good news has been scarce. McMahon Services should be commended for their efforts with Intract.”

Maningrida Housing Maintenance and Tenancy Management Team with Andrew McLeod and Michael Rotumah

NT RESOURCES WEEK 2014PHOTOGRAPHY BY : JENNA NATALIZ IO

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The old saying “It’s not just what you know butwho you know” is as valid today as when it wascoined.

Business can always use a little help and evenbetter if that help is from an expert in their field.

Each edition, TerritoryLife is going to seek outmasters in their fields and get them to sharetheir expertise with us.

If their background is what you need right now,pick up the phone and set up a meeting. It couldbe that little extra boost you’ve been needing totake your business to the next level.

This networking is the very essence of whyTerritoryLife exits- to put people in touch witheach other.

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Project5_Layout 1 25/10/14 8:40 PM Page 1

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“Gimbells quality systems, management and administrative approach has

been clearly evident in the successful completion of various projects with a

high level of finish.”TONY COX, CLOUSTONS

LANDSCAPING AN ENTIRE SUBURB WAS JUST THE BEGINNING OF WHAT PROMISES TO BE AN EXCITING FUTURE FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN DARWIN.

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ACCREDITATIONSFederal Safety Commission ApprovedCertified Irrigation Designer – CommercialAS/NZS 4801:2001

LICENCESProfessional Ground Spraying Business Licence No DB/003Northern Territory Builders Licence Registration No 15110CUCertified Landscape, Turf, Commercial Irrigation Designer LTC2120

REGISTRATIONS Contractor Accreditation Limited (CAL)Northern Territory Building Practitioners Board

The construction of Lyons was the

first project delivered by major development group CIC Australia in the

Northern Territory, and has set a

new benchmark for residential

precincts in the region.

Gimbells Landscaping was awarded the contract to complete the iconic landscape for the project, which was a joint venture with CIC and Defence Housing Australia.As the Territory’s leading landscaping professionals, Gimbells has again been engaged by CIC Australia and Charles Darwin University to develop The Heights, Durack, currently under construction 20 minutes east of Darwin’s CBD.Gimbells director David McWilliam says the success of the projects relied on a shared vision with CIC Australia, and its careful planning and consideration for the environment, indigenous heritage and community feedback. “We believe the standards set at Lyons through extensive public consultation, preservation and

incorporation of the existing natural environment, and the structured development of a community, have resulted in a market expectation that sees other like projects improving their product,” he says.“We were pleased to win the first stage of the project at tender, and very soon realised CIC went the extra yards in listening to their stakeholders and responding with meticulous, detailed planning, then delivering over and above their own commitments to residents.”The suburb of Lyons was named after senior Larrakia elder Tommy Lyons, and comprises a total land holding of 77 hectares and 694 dwelling sites. It was the first masterplanned residential community developed in Darwin’s northern suburbs since the 1980’s,

underpinned by DHA’s requirement for 315 homes for Defence families over the life of the project. At Tommy Lyons Park in the Lyons subdivision, Gimbells played a pivotal role in refining design around existing vegetation, and creating an historic link with the construction of a central masonry feature, based on previous WWII gun emplacements found at the site. The park won the MBA Excellence in Commercial Landscaping award in 2010 - one of two such awards received for the Lyons project.At The Heights, Gimbells has been engaged to provide landscaping of streetscapes, parks and public areas, as well as design advice, preservation of existing vegetation, construction of hard and soft landscaping and extended maintenance.

As part of the State Government’s Housing the Territory initiative, The Heights will accommodate 822 residential dwellings and 60 independent living retirement dwellings. With around a third of the lots released to date, completion of the project is expected by late 2019.“CIC has certainly led the way with its vision for social connectedness and community creation,” says David.“Gimbells takes pride in quality and whole of life principles, so the association with CIC, and support for its vision, was a comfortable fit that continues today. We’ve been pleased to contribute to the landscape for both Lyons and The Heights, and have endeavoured to bring local knowledge and insight to both projects.”

Landscape Design & Construction • Maintenance • Irrigation & Drainage • Environmental ServicesBy Michelle Dryburgh

Gimbells LandscapingSHARING VISIONTHE

Geoff Smith CIC Regional Manager NT/SA

Jeremy Clarke Project Manager, The Heights

For more information about Gimbells Landscaping

visit www.gimbells.com.au

TerriToryLife


The start of the calendar year saw a verystrong start to the property market. In the firstquarter of the year we saw a small drop in thevolume of properties traded, but this wascoupled with some extraordinary rises inmedian values with houses in the GreaterDarwin area going up a further 1.6 percent, or$10,000 in the quarter and units took asizeable jump in median value by 18 percentor $80,000. This upward trend at the start ofthe year was mirrored in the Palmerstonmarket which took a sizeable hit on salesvolumes with house sales volumes falling by17 percent in the quarter and unit salesvolumes were down by 63 percent. But thiswas countered by very strong gains in themedian values with house prices up by 5.6percent in the quarter to $570,000 and unitsup by a very strong 18 percent to $490,000.The big news for the property market for theyear came at the end of the financial yearwhen we reported the strongest ever financialyear sales, since the REINT started keepingstatistics. Overall sales (houses and units)came in at a record $1.88 Billion dollars -$1,885,454,838 to be more exact. That was$1,024,400,818 in house sales across the NT

and $861,054,020 in units and townhouses.This period also marked the change in themarket place. While I am loath to useterminology such as a sellers’ market orbuyers’ market, the second half of the yearhas seen a move to more availability of stockand lower asking prices – essentially a marketthat favours the buyer. The exception to thisbeing the Palmerston market which, aftershowing a decrease in sales in the first half,rebounded strongly in the second half andhas continued to trade well into the latter partof 2014. Whilst we are awaiting thefinalisation of the September Quarter data,anecdotally we are seeing a continuation oflower pricing and longer days on marketwhich is likely to continue for the remainder ofthis year. However, before people take theChicken Little approach that the “sky isfalling”, we must remember that the housingmarket, like all other commodity markets, iscyclical and that lower prices do not indicatea market slump, merely an adjustment ofpricing and this in turn will require a shift invendor (seller) expectations. Properties arestill selling well, so long as the prices are atmarket expectations. As to what 2015 holds

for us? Give me a very large crystal ball andI’ll take a stab at predicting the market!Longer term we still have issues of supply asthe current stocks are continuing to sell andin the next 12 months to 2 years there are nonew major land developments coming tofruition. Depending on what happens with theeconomic climate and ongoing project growth,coupled with the expected population growth,we could well be heading back into anundersupply position in the not too distantfuture. But a lot of this is predicated on, anddependent upon, what occurs in the businesssector post the INPEX project. All in all theGreater Darwin property market remainsrobust and for investors it is still producing thehighest rental yields in Australia. We justhave to remember that the property marketdoes move up and down over time and wealso have to remember that when one isselling their ‘home’ – full of memories andwonderful renovations, the buyer is buying a‘house’ – bricks and mortar and nothing else.You cannot attach intrinsic value to the saleprice. So listen to your Agent’s advice; priceaccordingly and be ready to negotiate.

Newton’s theory that “what goesup must come down” has certainly

been tested this year in the realestate market.

Upfront

ANINTERESTING

YEAR IN REAL ESTATE

QUENTIN KILIAN (GAICD, FAIM, PHF, GradCertMigLaw, Commisioner for Oaths NT)

Chief Executive Officer Real Estate Institute of Northern Territory Inc.


TerriToryLife

The start of the calendar year saw a verystrong start to the property market. In the firstquarter of the year we saw a small drop in thevolume of properties traded, but this wascoupled with some extraordinary rises inmedian values with houses in the GreaterDarwin area going up a further 1.6 percent, or$10,000 in the quarter and units took asizeable jump in median value by 18 percentor $80,000. This upward trend at the start ofthe year was mirrored in the Palmerstonmarket which took a sizeable hit on salesvolumes with house sales volumes falling by17 percent in the quarter and unit salesvolumes were down by 63 percent. But thiswas countered by very strong gains in themedian values with house prices up by 5.6percent in the quarter to $570,000 and unitsup by a very strong 18 percent to $490,000.The big news for the property market for theyear came at the end of the financial yearwhen we reported the strongest ever financialyear sales, since the REINT started keepingstatistics. Overall sales (houses and units)came in at a record $1.88 Billion dollars -$1,885,454,838 to be more exact. That was$1,024,400,818 in house sales across the NT

and $861,054,020 in units and townhouses.This period also marked the change in themarket place. While I am loath to useterminology such as a sellers’ market orbuyers’ market, the second half of the yearhas seen a move to more availability of stockand lower asking prices – essentially a marketthat favours the buyer. The exception to thisbeing the Palmerston market which, aftershowing a decrease in sales in the first half,rebounded strongly in the second half andhas continued to trade well into the latter partof 2014. Whilst we are awaiting thefinalisation of the September Quarter data,anecdotally we are seeing a continuation oflower pricing and longer days on marketwhich is likely to continue for the remainder ofthis year. However, before people take theChicken Little approach that the “sky isfalling”, we must remember that the housingmarket, like all other commodity markets, iscyclical and that lower prices do not indicatea market slump, merely an adjustment ofpricing and this in turn will require a shift invendor (seller) expectations. Properties arestill selling well, so long as the prices are atmarket expectations. As to what 2015 holds

for us? Give me a very large crystal ball andI’ll take a stab at predicting the market!Longer term we still have issues of supply asthe current stocks are continuing to sell andin the next 12 months to 2 years there are nonew major land developments coming tofruition. Depending on what happens with theeconomic climate and ongoing project growth,coupled with the expected population growth,we could well be heading back into anundersupply position in the not too distantfuture. But a lot of this is predicated on, anddependent upon, what occurs in the businesssector post the INPEX project. All in all theGreater Darwin property market remainsrobust and for investors it is still producing thehighest rental yields in Australia. We justhave to remember that the property marketdoes move up and down over time and wealso have to remember that when one isselling their ‘home’ – full of memories andwonderful renovations, the buyer is buying a‘house’ – bricks and mortar and nothing else.You cannot attach intrinsic value to the saleprice. So listen to your Agent’s advice; priceaccordingly and be ready to negotiate.

Newton’s theory that “what goesup must come down” has certainly

been tested this year in the realestate market.

Upfront

ANINTERESTING

YEAR IN REAL ESTATE

QUENTIN KILIAN (GAICD, FAIM, PHF, GradCertMigLaw, Commisioner for Oaths NT)

Chief Executive Officer Real Estate Institute of Northern Territory Inc.


1890 Berrimah Road Berrimah, NT 0828 PARTS (08) 8999 9221 ADMIN (08) 8999 9200

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TerritoryLife - NOV 2014 / DEC 2015

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Transcript of TerritoryLife - NOV 2014 / DEC 2015