Pandanas - Why Darwin?

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Darwin is a modern, sophisticated, multicultural city set on a magnificent harbour, twice the size of Sydney Harbour. It is the growth engine of the Northern Territory economy and a thriving hub of business, development and tourism.

The Northern Territory’s economy is still continuing to grow according to Access Economics. The economic forecaster predicted further growth, increasing population and more jobs over the next three years. (Business Territory, 18 Jan 2007).

Acting Chief Minister Syd Stirling (Business Territory, 18 Jan 2007) further said:

“The prediction of solid economic growth of between 5% and 6.5% is a real vote of confidence in the NT Government’s management of the economy”.
“Employment growth is predicted to be around 4% to 4.6% over the same time – our population is also expected to record high levels of growth”.
“With unemployment at a record low of 4.6%, we need every worker we can get and will continue to work with the private sector to get these workers in place”.

Acting Chief Minister, Mr Syd Stirling, said the Government is also working to ensure that the skills shortages experienced right across Australia, is addressed as quickly as possible in the Territory.

Multi-Billion Dollar Infrastructure Projects

Darwin is fast becoming a global energy centre with work now completed on the world’s largest above ground LNG tank, a $1.6 billion development, and with the Martin Government’s push for gas hub. Ms Martin said she wanted to make the Territory the place to buy LNG, to invest in gas industries and the development place of the emerging technology of turning gas to liquids. (NT News 30 Jan 2007)

Further projects include:

The $2.4 billion Timor Sea Projects –The Territory could gain up to 500 extra jobs from two Timor Sea gas-to- liquid projects, the Federal Government has put this on the fast track to development. Construction is expected to start in 2009, with completion by 2012. (NT gas fires up our jobs, NT News, 30 Jan 2007)
The $77 million Bio-diesel plant – The plant started operation late 2006 and is expected to create approximately 100 jobs.
$135 million spent by Defence last financial year. (NT News Aug 2006)
$120 million allocated by Defence for the new suburb of Lyons at Lee Point. Tender applications are now being accepted by the NT Government. (NT News 2006)
$41 billion Sunrise gas project – The project is getting closer with the Timor Government ratifying project in Parliament. (NT News 22 Feb 2007) This will mean another LNG plant and pipeline (plant site has already been selected at Glyde Point).
$75 million to be spent on gas electricity (for local supply) and infrastructure for pipeline and facilities - NT Power and Water signed a contract with ENI (Black Tip) and supply is to commence Jan 2009. (NT News, July 2006)
A $450 million condensate processing facility is planned for Darwin’s East Arm development area. When completed, the plant will produce high-quality Petrol, Diesel, LPG Kero and Jet fuel. (NT Business Review, Feb 2007)
The $1.75 billion LNG Plant which began operation in Feb 2006. It is proposed that the LNG Plant is to double in size.
The $500 million Timor Sea project – Coogee Resources say they hope to start producing 30,000 barrels day from early 2008. (NT News, 9 April 2006)
An additional $100 million has been invested in the Browns Project by the Chinese, as Compass Resources has taken on a Chinese Partner in the project near Batchelor. (NT News, 9 May 2006)

A Booming Tourism Sector

In just one generation, Territory tourism has grown into a billion dollar industry. It is now one of the Territory’s biggest employers, which is demonstrated by:

Chronic shortages of quality hotel rooms in Darwin and around the Territory in general. (Standards publication, February 2006)
In 2005/2006, 1.38 million people visited the NT. They stayed 9.2 million nights and spent over $1.5 billion. It was reported that the Territory Tourist season tops the nation. ((ABS) Business Territory , 11 Jan 2007)
Ms Telow, Tourism NT, said “The signs are very positive – the additional Ghan train service into Darwin and success of Territory Discoveries “NT on Sale” campaign, that was targeted to boost visitors in the shoulder and low seasons, are all contributing to making the Territory an all year-round tourist destination.” (Tourism NT media release, 2 Aug 06)
Occupancy rates (75.46% for 4 Star) are the highest in Australia, guest nights (7.8%) are higher than national average and the room rate average is $145.50 - the best yield in Australia, as per ABS key tourism figures released for September 2006. (Business Territory, 11 Jan 2007)
Growth in Tourism expected in 2006/07 with international visitors set to increase by 4.6% and in 2007/08 increase by 4.6%. Interstate visitors are set to increase by 2.9% in 2006/07 and a further 2.7% in 2007/08. (Tourism NT forecasts)
Cruise ship visitors contribute more than $10 million annually to the NT economy.
There were one million visitors to the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT in last five years. Marion Scrymgour, Minister for Arts and Museums, said “With more than 218,000 in 2006, this institution contributes around $30 million a year to our tourist industry, which is fantastic for local business.” (Tourist Commission media release, 14 Jan 2007).
Tiger Airways announced extra flights after one year in Darwin. (NT News, Dec 06) “Tiger commenced services in December 2005, with services Darwin to Singapore. As of recently they are now flying to Thailand, Vietnam and China. This is very positive for the tourism industry, with Europeans realizing they can cut flying time and cost by entering Australia here in Darwin and doing a round trip,” said Tim Fischer, Deputy Chair for Tourism Australia. (ABC radio, Tuesday 27 June)
Aboriginal land and culture is a major draw card for thousands of visitors to Darwin each year. The presence of Aboriginal culture in the Northern Territory is stronger here than anywhere else in Australia.

Darwin is famous for its unique cosmopolitan tropical lifestyle and friendly atmosphere. It offers a multitude of options for entertainment and dining, with the best that outdoor living has to offer. World Heritage listed Kadadu National Park and Litchfield National Park are right on Darwin’s doorstop. Darwin has a great selection of markets, and offers young workers and tourists a fabulous nightlife.

Fishing in the sea or inland is never to far away - some of the best fishing spots in Australia, and the world, are only a couple of hours from Darwin.

Many sports, whether competition or recreational, are enjoyed on the water or land in Darwin. The Arafura Games are held every second year, brings sports people from all over the world to compete in May. Approximately 5,000 competitors, managers, coaches and organizers come for two or more weeks, bringing a huge boost to our economy.

More and more people every day are discovering the new Darwin.