Business bulletin: 4 May 2023

Work on Stage 1 of the Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program has taken an important step forward, with GHD Pty Ltd awarded the lead environmental consultant tender for the Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage (AROWS) project.

With a team of local experts in environmental and regulatory processes, GHD has a demonstrated long term commitment to supporting and delivering Territory projects.

A GHD spokesperson said “the project is such an important piece of work to ensure water security for Territorians for generations to come.”

“We are proud to have been part of the Northern Territory community for more than 65 years, and are pleased to bring our extensive local experience and technical knowledge to the project by providing robust and thorough assessment.”

GHD will build on the preliminary environmental studies completed to date by the Power and Water Corporation and deliver an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the AROWS project.

A crucial aspect of the EIS process will be to undertake community engagement. This is to ensure the community’s environmental, cultural and social values are addressed. These community values will inform the EIS report and will be considered by the Northern Territory Environmental Protection Authority in their decision-making process.

GHD will work closely with the Community Reference Group (CRG) for the Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program, which includes the AROWS project and Manton Dam Return to Service.

Evan Tyrrell, Senior Director Facilitated Projects and Infrastructure at the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, said “The CRG will play an important role in GHD’s community engagement as the committee responsible for ensuring community voices are heard by government.”

“CRG members were selected based on their expertise, experience and their ability to bring forward community views. The CRG includes representatives from groups such as the Lake Bennett Community Association, Coomalie Council, the Amateur Fishing Association of the Northern Territory, Territory Natural Resource Management and others” Mr Tyrrell said.

Current government funding supports the return to service of Manton Dam and the planning and approval activities for AROWS over the next 3 to 4 years. Activities during the planning and approvals phase will inform decision-making on whether to progress AROWS through to the construction phase.

“If a decision is made to progress construction, AROWS will be the largest water infrastructure project in the Territory’s history. It will provide Territorians with a long term solution to supply secure and reliable water to Darwin,” Mr Tyrrell said.

The Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program - Stage 1 is jointly funded by the Australian and Northern Territory governments, delivered in partnership with the Power and Water Corporation.

Territory businesses can now access support to increase the security of their liquor stock against theft or damage and to also improve the safety of workers.

The Alcohol Secure and Safety program provides financial assistance to liquor licensees for:

• securing product: work that will result in the improved security of liquor stock
• worker safety: works to protect workers from anti-social or criminal behaviour while working.

Eligible businesses can access a maximum of $15,000 (GST exclusive) on a 25:75 co-contribution basis. This means businesses only have to contribute 25% of the total cost of approved works.

Businesses can also apply for multiple works for each premise from which it operates however, the total amount is capped at $15,000 (GST exclusive).

Secure product works are security enhancements that do not impact pedestrian flow or require external or structural compliance. These works can include CCTV, security screens, roller shutters for shelves, enclosed cabinets or alarm systems.

Worker safety works are security items which protect workers from anti-social behaviour and crime. These works can include barriers or cashier screens, alarm systems, security lighting or smoke and cloak distraction systems.

The Alcohol Secure and Safety program is part of a suite of measures introduced by the Territory Government aimed at improving community safety and the safety of workers.

The program complements the Northern Territory Government’s existing Biz Secure program which supports Territory businesses to undertake security improvements to protect against break-ins.

The Alcohol Secure and Safety program will close on 23 June 2024.

For more information and to apply, go to the Northern Territory Government website.

Caption: 2022 NT Exporter of the year, Alana Kaye College.

Nominations are now open for the 2023 Chief Ministers NT Export Awards, celebrating the Territory’s most innovative exporters and recognising their success on the international stage.

Now in its 30^th year, the awards are made up of 13 national categories and 3 Territory categories including the NT Exporter of the Year Award.

The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of our Territory exporters and promote the importance of international trade.

Last year international education and training provider Alana Kaye College was named NT Exporter of the Year for their outstanding contribution to the Territory’s international education sector.

Alana Kaye College also won the International Training category for excellence in delivering high quality training, achieving strong growth and attracting international students to the Northern Territory (NT).

Chief Executive Officer Alana Kaye Group, Alana Anderson said “we were honoured to be announced as the 2022 Chief Minister’s Northern Territory Export of the Year Award and win the International Training Award.”

“We have demonstrated even during times of adversity that our team were able to forward think, adjust and continue strong growth in attracting international students to the NT.”

International trade is an important driver of the Territory’s economy because it is the catalyst for new business opportunities, investment growth and local jobs.

Last financial year, 6,065 jobs in the Territory were created by the export industry.

The awards help to showcase the Territory’s export success stories and their hard work, resilience and innovation.

NT winners of national categories will go on to compete at the Australian Export Awards and receive national recognition for their international success.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Friday 6 October 2023.

For more information and to nominate, go to the Australian Export Awards website.

Is your company focussed on connecting with businesses in the Northern Territory?

If you answered yes, then partnering with OBM as a sponsor or hosting an OBM partner event is for you.

As a sponsor you will have the unique opportunity to showcase your organisation to the business community whilst engaging with a range of industries and sectors across all regions of the Territory.

A choice of sponsorship packages are available that include a range of benefits or we can tailor a package to suit your business. So if you’re looking to; expand your network, develop strong business relationships, and promote your organisation, then email us today at sponsorships.ditt@nt.gov.au for a copy of the sponsorship prospectus.

Expressions of interest to become an OBM event partner are now open to local businesses, registered training organisations and associations to showcase their skills, knowledge and experience to help motivate business owners and employees.

OBM partner events are independently hosted events that form part of the broader OBM program, designed to help Territory business connect, learn and be inspired.

Events are held right across the Territory and are designed to provide insight on business development topics such as digital transformation, growth, human connection, leadership, workforce, strategy and planning.

To find out more and register your interest to host an OBM partner event, go to October Business Month 2023.

Over the past month, 7 businesses from Jabiru, Kakadu, Warruwi and Maningrida have participated in a training program designed to upskill their workforce in remote first aid civil construction plant operations training.

The training program, which has been delivered in collaboration between the Northern Territory Government, the registered training organisation and the business community in Jabiru and Kakadu, will support 25 workers from these regions.

The program is aimed at upskilling existing workers in the region who either operate plant machinery equipment or are required to work in remote areas, to attain skills for them to perform their job safely and confidently.

William Wurlurli, from West Arnhem Regional Council said he was grateful to have received the training.

“I now understand the possible dangers and importance of safety when working on the equipment and it will help me in the future with work in my home community of Warruwi.”

Kakadu Contracting provided the use of their own plant machinery for employees from other organisations to complete their practical training on. The local business community in Jabiru and Kakadu also pitched in with equipment, facilities and resources to make this program a success.

The training, delivered by ECB Training Services commenced on 11 April 2023 and will wrap up this week.

All participants will receive nationally accredited recognition for the skills attained during the program.

This locally organised event, being held on Tuesday 11 May 2023, is designed to help navigate the path to success through an inspiring day of professional development. The one-day conference will provide interactive learning opportunities with relevant keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops.

It will help you:

• get clear on your purpose
• align your actions with your vision
• get practical advice on how to build and grow a sustainable business.

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade will be holding a workshop facilitated by the Darwin small business champions. This workshop, demonstrated by Northern Territory Government digital expert and owner of Digitally Buzzed Bel Cook, will discuss how using artificial intelligence can be an easy and smart way to grow your digital presence.

The workshop will discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) can help you increase your productivity, your skills, and your social media prowess. Come along to a fun and interactive workshop on how you can use generative AI forms such as ChatGPT to create and develop ideas and save valuable time and money in your business; leave with skills, resources and contacts to help you grow your business.

The small business champions will also have a presence at the conference, so come and chat to one of our team about the range of services available to support and help your business grow.

For event details and to secure your spot, go to the Belong in Business Conference website.