Business bulletin: 24 August 2023

Core Lithium’s Finniss Project has reached a new milestone with the launch of its second proposed mine, BP33 last week.

The Finniss Lithium Operation is generating interest, investment and growth in the Northern Territory’s rapidly growing critical minerals sector.

BP33 is an underground project, located 33km west of Berry Springs which will create local jobs and a boost the Territory’s economy.

Core Lithium has awarded the $45 million BP33 early works package to local contractor Northern Australia Civil (NAC).

The early works includes excavating and constructing a converted box cut, which is the entrance to the underground mine.

The BP33 project will employ 60 people during construction and around 150 people during operations.

The total value of local spend to date on the Finniss Lithium Project Operation, which employs around 300 people is $120 million.

The Territory Government is investing in training for Territorians with applications now open for the User Choice Program in 2024.

The User Choice Program provides funding to registered training organisations to deliver training and assessment services for Territory apprentices and trainees.

Apprentices and trainees are a significant part of the Northern Territory Government’s investment into Vocational Education and Training with $21.5 million allocated for the User Choice Program in 2024.

Apprenticeships and traineeships provide Territorians with practical, transferable skills, workforce experience and the foundation for a solid career, it also gives the opportunity to earn and learn at the same time.

Each year more Territory businesses are participating in the training system currently, there are 1,204 Territory employers with one or more apprentice or trainee.

As of August 2023, there are 3,951 apprentices and trainees in the Northern Territory. This is up by 5 percent compared to the same period last year.

The biggest jumps in apprentice and trainees numbers have been West Arnhem with an 18 percent increase and East Arnhem with a 22 percent increase.

Trades, the health and community services industry and training delivery in regional and remote locations will be key targets for User Choice funding in 2024 to ensure that it is delivering in high demand areas.

Territory based RTOs are encouraged to apply for funding under the User Choice Program to deliver training in 2024.

Applications are now open and close 11 September 2023.

For more information on User Choice Funding, go to the Apprentice and trainee funding website

Territory tourism operators can now access a new online toolkit to help them adopt more sustainable practices within their business.

This interactive and in-depth online resource, developed by Tourism NT is one of the first of its kind in Australia.

Sustainable tourism provides an exciting opportunity for operators to improve their business practices and have a positive impact on the community, the environment and visitor experience.

The Sustainable Tourism Toolkit provides advice on accreditation and how to best promote sustainable initiatives. Operators can also read case studies and access a step by step guide on how to develop a sustainability strategy.

The toolkit is designed to give operators the information and tools to enable them to take small yet active steps along the path to sustainability, helping to future-proof their business.

It also aims to help businesses achieve relevant accreditation or certification.

For more information on sustainable tourism and to access the toolkit visit sustainable tourism.

Tourism NT is offering a free industry workshop to discuss the toolkit on 31 August 2023 – for more info go to Tourism NT’s website

Sustainability is a key priority of the Territory’s Tourism Industry Strategy 2030 which sets the direction of tourism in the Territory to 2030.

A new innovation network designed to bolster Central Australia’s innovation ecosystem and foster a vibrant and sustainable future for Territory Innovators officially launched earlier this month.

The Innovation Central Australia Network (ICAN) is made up of a diverse group of businesses, academia and government agencies and chaired by Edan Baxter from Spinifex Valley.

Mr Baxter brings a wealth of experience and a robust vision for a vibrant innovation ecosystem in Central Australia. With the backing of the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade the committee under me Baxter’s leadership promises to play a pivotal role in realising the goals of the Territory Business Innovation Strategy 2.0.

Mr Baxter is keen to ignite the regions innovation spirit and invites Central Australians to contribute, “If you have an interest in exploring ideas, conducting research, trailing projects or being a bit entrepreneurial, we’d love to hear from you!”

ICAN provides a great opportunity to participate in building a sustainable and vibrant regional innovation ecosystem.

ICAN aims to support innovation by engaging and recruiting individuals and organisations, offering business development and commercialisation support, and spearhead collaborative innovation projects in the regions.

To ensure that a broad spectrum of voices and insights are included, the Committee is welcoming additional Expressions of Interest until 30 October 2023.

To learn more about ICAN email innovation@nt.gov.au or call 08 8951 8550.

The Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security (DEPWS) will soon release a new newsletter with all latest information about the Territory’s environment.

The newsletter will also include information on natural resources, biodiversity, land management, bushfires, weed management and parks and reserves.

DEPWS is aiming to release its first monthly issue before the end of 2023.

Sign up today so you can keep up to date with how DEPWS is Finding the Balance to ensure the Territory’s environment is healthy, resilient and productive now and for future generations.