Business bulletin: 3 November 2022

The Manton Dam Return to Service (RTS) and Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage (AROWS) projects received strong endorsement in last week’s budget with the Australian Government recommitting funding of $300.6 million.

This Federal Budget announcement is testament to the robust, detailed and transparent business case process, and acknowledges the strong rationale for investment. It also provides further recognition of this nationally significant infrastructure program, as endorsed by Infrastructure Australia.

Also known as the Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program, the funding will deliver stage 1, which includes:

• Manton Dam RTS ($189.1 million)
• a new pipeline to the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct ($93.5 million)
• planning and approvals (for example, environmental assessment) for AROWS ($18 million).

To meet the short term water security needs of the region, Power and Water Corporation have already started planning and design work to return Manton Dam to service as an operational drinking water supply source by 2025/26. Works include refurbishment of the existing intake tower, a new pumping station and pipeline, and a new water treatment plant. It is expected that the tender for these works will be released in early 2023.

AROWS is a longer term project with a 7 to 10 year timeframe.

$18 million has been secured from the Australian Government to undertake the important environmental, engineering and community consultation to responsibly develop a project of this scale.

This work is underway, with a future tender opportunity for a lead environmental consultant for the AROWS project advertised in early October and the tender, estimated at around $2.5 to $5 million, expected to be released later this month.

A future tender opportunity for a lead engineering consultant for AROWS concept design will be released shortly with the tender, estimated at around $7 to $10 million, expected to be released by March 2023.

As the Infrastructure Program progresses, community and stakeholder consultation will play a critical role in informing the government on key issues to be considered for each project. The Community Reference Group for the Infrastructure Program, announced last month, will hold their first meeting in November and will provide an important conduit for community feedback.

To find out more visit the Northern Territory Government's Water Security website.

Last week’s federal budget announcement is set to provide opportunities for the Northern Territory’s economy and aid in the delivery of key regional infrastructure projects and plans.

Some highlights for Territory business include:

• $1.5 billion in planned equity to support the construction of common user marine infrastructure within the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct, providing a pathway to a decarbonised economy by helping emerging clean energy industries.
• $440 million in planned equity to support the development of regional logistic hubs;
• $350 million of additional funding to continue the work of sealing the Tanami and Central Arnhem Roads;
• $332 million towards the NT Strategic Roads Package, which includes $132 million to upgrade and seal the Mereenie Loop Road;
• $120 million for the Central Australia Plan;

The Territory Government is looking forward to delivering these projects in partnership with the Federal Government and continuing to build infrastructure that will not only sustain the Territory we have today, but enhance it as a location of choice for private industry to invest and develop.

For more on details, go to the Budget website.

An innovative program that addresses workforce shortages in the care sector is the first project to receive support under the Territory Government’s Flexible Workforce Solution Fund.

Crest NT will received a $140,000 grant to deliver a project that will attract and retain more than 85 workers in the 55+ age bracket to fill job gaps in the care and VET sector.

The funding will go towards a targeted marketing campaign, creation of a mature aged workers administrative platform for job matching and support for employers through forums and one on one support.

Director of Crest NT, Sally Morris welcomed the assistance from the Flexible Workforce Solutions Fund.

“The Fund will support this collaborative project and enable us to work with mature aged workers to attract them back to the workforce and try to combat this critical workforce shortage challenge in key industry sectors.”

“We have strong support from industry and have a strong team to deliver this innovative solution to attract and retain mature age workers to the Territory.”

The Flexible Workforce Solutions Fund encourages collaboration on projects and activities that help attract and retain skilled workers in the Territory. The Fund is part of the Territory Government’s $12.8 million Workforce boost package.

Round 2 of the Flexible Workforce Solution Fund is now open.

Grants of up to $200,000 are available to consortiums on a 25:75 co-contribution basis.

Round 2 remains open until grant funding is exhausted.

Don’t miss your opportunity to go into the draw to win a Dili travel package, worth over $4,000 by completing the OBM 2022 evaluation survey, coming soon to OBM event attendee inboxes.

All you need to do is complete the online survey via the link provided in the email and you will automatically entered into the draw for your chance to win a Dili Travel Package! Emails will be sent to attendees by the end of October, so keep an eye on your inbox.

The amazing prize package includes:

• 2 return airfares from Darwin to Dili, Timor Leste flying Airnorth
• 2 nights accommodation at the Timor Plaza Hotel
• 2 days / 1 night Compass Diving Tour to Atauro

Total prize value $4,464.18. Prize will be drawn and winner advised by phone on 24 November 2022.

Your feedback is vital to help us improve on OBM in the future.  We sincerely appreciate your time.

Prize conditions apply, download a copy of the Airnorth, Compass Diving and Timor Plaza terms and conditions.

Entry to the October Business Month Evaluation Survey Giveaway are subject to the available terms and conditions.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners in the Chamber of Commerce 2022 Business Excellences Awards held recently.

Over the past few weeks regional awards were held across the Territory, with the Territory wide winners announced at a gala dinner held in Darwin on Friday 28 October.

These awards are a fantastic way to showcase the hard work of our Territory businesses who are delivering excellence, right across the Territory.   The department is proud to be involved with this event and supporting our industry to excel.

The 2022 Chamber of Commerce Business Excellences Awards winners were:

• Outstanding Customer Service – Individual
  • Chris Vosloo (Dynamic Catering Solutions)
• Outstanding Customer Service - Small/Medium business
  • The Coffee Club - Katherine
• Outstanding Customer Service - Large business
  • Linkup Australia
• Outstanding Customer Service - Not for profit
  • Careflight
• Excellence in Business - Small/Medium business
  • 00Seven Adventures
• Excellence in Business - Not for profit
  • Deadly Hair Dude
• Excellence in Business - Community Collaboration
  • Clontarf and Darwin Port