New port to open soon - Brief Article

Business Asia, Feb 11, 2000

The long-awaited new port facility in Darwin is scheduled to open this month, providing another boost for the Territory's export future.

The Northern Territory's Minister for Ports, Mick Palmer, said Stage i of the East Arm Port project had cost A$97 million.

Advantages to shipping companies will be one of the spinoffs of the development. Stage I includes 490 metres of wharf and facilities for bulk cargo handling, stock carriers and general cargo vessels. Existing facilities will be used until the second stage is completed. An Adelaide-to-Darwin rail link, which has the backing of the Federal Government, is the second major plank of infrastructure development that will help the Northern Territory.

Both facilities will assist the NT's important live cattle trade. A total of 280,000 head of cattle passed through the port of Darwin in 1999.

Despite the Asian economic downturn, this represented an increase of more than 27 per cent, with a total worth of A$111 million.

NT EXPO 2000 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

DATE       TIME          EVENT                      VENUE

11/07/00   0800-1630     Doing Business with        MGM Grand
                         Mining and Petroleum
                         Operators.
                         Organiser - NT Minerals
                         Council

12/07/00                 International Business     MGM Grand
                         Forum

12/07/00                 Conference Series
12/07/00   17.30-19.30   Chief Minister's Welcome   Parliament
                         Reception                  House

13/07/00   0900-1430     Defence Industry           MGM Grand
                         Briefing Program

14/07/00   1000-1030     NT Expo Official Opening   Expo Site,
                         and Prize Giving           Darwin High
                                                    School

14/07/00                 NT Expo Trade Only Day     Darwin High
                                                    School

14/07/00   1930-2330     NT Expo Industry Dinner    MGM Grand Lawns

15/07/00   0900-1830     NT Expo Public Day         Darwin High
                                                    School

16/07/00   0900-1600     NT Expo Public Day         Darwin High
                                                    School