POPULAR WORDS

The Northern Territory Government has turned to Infrastructure Australia in a bid to further expand Darwin Port.

Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson used a visit to port with members of the Infrastructure Australia Council to push the Government’s case on why more funds should be pumped into the port upgrade.

The federal and territory governments are currently spending $150 million to improve facilities, but Henderson says further expansion will drive economic growth.

“I am delighted that members of the Infrastructure Australia council have visited the port to see how the proposed expansion will double the Port of Darwin’s capacity, reduce costs and boost the competitiveness of Australia’s export gateways,” Henderson says.

“Darwin is positioned to play a pivotal role in the nation’s future industrial growth particularly in the Austral-Asian region.”

Once completed, Henderson says the upgraded port will have ship loading facilities capable of accommodating larger ships suited to transporting bulk resources and commodities.

Henderson says the Government will also work with Infrastructure Australia and the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) on the National Ports Strategy.

The initiative is designed to put in place a national approach to port and freight infrastructure planning and development.