We’ve been part of the Darwin community for years. And we’ll be part of it for decades to come. Being part of the Northern Territory way of life means we are involved in more than just business and we look forward to continuing to contribute to the community’s growth and sustainability.
ARROW PROPERTIES | Chris Giannikouris 0427 471 444 | Matthew Lee 0427 471 555 | aarowproperties.com.au
WINNELLIE POINT LOCATION & FEATURES Strategically positioned within the thriving commercial hub of Winnellie, Winnellie Point is centrally accessible from the Darwin CBD and Darwin International Airport, Darwin Port, East Arm Logistics Precinct and the City of Palmerston. In a high passing traffic location, Winnellie Point will rapidly become a recognised centre with its dynamic street frontage, an aesthetic which extends into its impressive entrance lobby and beyond through the utilisation of premium grade finishes including Italian tiles, marble bench tops and sleek stainless steel and glass balustrades.
NOTABLE FEATURES INCLUDE:
• Premium grade office accommodation. • Luxury bathrooms on each level. • Vibrant working environment. • Total of 110 car spaces. • Variable tenancy areas. • The Trader - on site cafe
To discuss your future business needs at Wiinnellie Point, contact Nick Syrimi on 0412 537 638 or nick.syrimi@raywhite.com
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page 11 TerritoryLife
Why invest in AustrAliA’s northern territory The Northern Territory has a number of advantages that make it attractive to potential investors.
Australia’s gateway to Asia Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is the closest Australian capital city to Asia, providing the shortest transport routes for two-way trade between the Asian economies and Australia. The Northern Territory has one international airport, Darwin International Airport that operates 24/7. The deep-water Port of Darwin provides modern freight handling facilities, a dedicated bulk liquids berth and links with an intermodal road-rail network. Reduced shipping times between Darwin and Asia give Darwin a trade advantage, particularly in relation to the export of bulk commodities.
A considerable and pristine resource base There are significant mineral and energy resource precincts onshore in the Northern Territory, and in offshore waters accessed from the NT. Many of these precincts have been commercialised, with significant investment from international partners. Natural gas and petroleum exports form an important and growing sector of the local economy. There are also significant areas devoted to agricultural products such as meat, seafood, fruit, vegetables, crops, forestry and ornamental plants. The Northern Territory environment is largely undeveloped. The potential commercial benefit from native flora and fauna, food and medicines is largely untapped.
Climate change may have some medium to long term benefits for the NT Research by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology suggests that the direct impacts of climate change on agricultural production in the Top End of the Northern Territory are likely to be less severe, and therefore provide more attractive investment opportunities, compared to other primary production areas across Australia. The agricultural production systems in the NT are already designed around significant variations in climate across annual
seasons, making adaptation to the future impacts of climate change easier to incorporate into existing management practices.
A highly skilled and flexible workforce The Northern Territory has a highly skilled multilingual workforce reflecting a population drawn from across the globe. The pipeline of major economic developments is generating many thousands of jobs, creating opportunities for business entrepreneurs, professionals and skilled tradespeople from all walks of life.
A diverse cultural mix The NT’s population of almost 250,000 includes people from more than 100 nationalities who have shared their cultures over more than a century to turn this region into one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan. This diverse mix makes it easier to do business with our international partners because there is already a strong understanding of different cultural practices and expectations.
The room and capacity to grow The Northern Territory not only has the space to grow, it also has capacity to accommodate key infrastructure additions such as new roads, ports and suburbs, with fewer constraints than more highly populated areas of Australia.
A highly regarded and supervised financial environment Australia is one of several countries with the highest possible AAA credit rating, reflecting the strong and diverse economy, comparatively low debt levels, good prospects for growing income from expanding export markets, and experienced financial oversight. The Northern Territory Government has an Aa1 credit rating, similar to other Australian states and territories, reflecting the level of debt required to fund the infrastructure necessary to underpin current and future economic growth. These high credit ratings are attractive to investors and fund managers who hold funds in AAA rated investment categories.
Stable government(s) The quality of governance in Australia is among the world’s best, and Australia is considered among the world’s most politically stable countries. These attributes contribute to economic growth and security, and underpin business and consumer confidence. This stability is attractive to Australian firms seeking to grow, as well as multinationals expanding their businesses or considering the Northern Territory as a regional base.
An excerpt from the Northern Territory Directory of Investment Opportunities October 2013.
Visit www.investnt.com.au
page 14 TerritoryLife
page 15 TerritoryLife
Upfront Home is where the heart is!
New Zealand’s Oil & Gas Specialist Technologies (OGST) group crossed the ditch to the South East Asia Australia Offshore and Onshore event in August, looking to build awareness of the group’s expertise and capability. The group comprises a range of New Zealand companies providing multi-disciplined technical, specialist and support services to the oil and gas and energy sectors and has credentials that span more than a decade and involve most of the New Zealand energy sector’s biggest projects. OGST offers a single contact point – www.oilandgas.co.nz for 26 New Zealand companies that offer expertise and technical capabilities to the oil and gas sector, both onshore and offshore, in Taranaki, New Zealand and internationally, covering consulting, engineering design, logistics, technical services, training / manpower and supply of products. The OGST have exhibited at a number of international oil and gas sector events, including AOG and APPEA, and member companies have gained a foot in the door
of a growing number of projects across Australasia and beyond through the process. “In heading to Darwin we were looking to build the trans-Tasman relationships and showcase some of the innovation that the Taranaki energy sector is rapidly building a name for,” says group facilitator Carrie Thorne. “Our experiences of Darwin were really positive, and there are some great synergies between the Northern Territories and New Zealand, as centers of wealth perhaps a little off the beaten track.” “The SEAAOC Conference enabled the group to build some valuable connections with local businesses and showcase our collective expertise.” The group was represented in Darwin by ECL, Deugro, Marshall Day and ITL.
In a burgeoning town like Darwin, where hundreds of people are moving every year, more and more newcomers are faced with the challenge, and often-overwhelming task of calling a new city home. From finding a job, to setting up a family, school enrolments and more the first few months of any relocation are taken up with many distractions to keep one occupied. The real problem most newcomers face is making friends and
finding a network that they can seek support from like a distant family. Aussie Orientation Services (Aussie) began providing tailormade relocation programs and ongoing professional and social support programs, to employees moving to Darwin for large oil, gas & mining organisations such as INPEX and CB&I back in 2012. Since then Aussie have relocated over 200 clients and offer a range of community and social events
through their program, recently re-branded as Club Aussie. “A family is a group of people who love and care for you.” – says Sue Pember, owner and Managing Director. “We offer monthly Barbeques, Social Dinners, Tennis Club, Mothers group and many more fantastic events to assist new arrivals with a successful transition into Australian culture.” Club Aussie was the runner-up for the Best Family Support Program in 2013. So
In an exciting move APTS have secured long term premises in the Darwin suburb of Berrimah and will open their newest branch in the next few months. This addition will add to APTS’ geographical coverage with our branch in Brisbane and our head office in Perth along with our Instrument and Gauge Calibration Lab in Bibra Lake. APTS see Darwin as a strong emerging market not only with the
upcoming Ichthys LNG project but more importantly the Northern Territory government’s strategy of making Darwin the service hub for oil and gas in the South East Asia region for many years to come. Many businesses are setting up in Darwin to “cash in” on the Ichthys project but APTS are focussing on the long term and plan to be in Darwin well past the completion of this project.
Executive Director and Founder of APTS Paul Newbound commented: “We are here for the long haul and want to establish ourselves as a strong member of the Darwin business community. Our business was built on family values and we want to continue that approach as we enter this exciting phase of our growth and provide strong ongoing employment opportunities for local residents.”
when it comes to family, they are one of the best in creating that community. One of Club Aussie’s focus is to create a community and in essence a family. Their focus is to provide our clients with a smooth and simple transition to Darwin. They are currently seeking sponsorship to expand the community even more! To find out how you can join Club Aussie visit www.aussieos.com.au
APTS INVEST IN DARWIN’S FUTURE
New Zealand’s OGST group flies flag in Darwin
Upfront
national community grants extremely impressive. Imagine five and a half Olympic sized swimming pools, or a rugby field with empty drink bottles piled two metres deep – that’s what 397 tonnes of beverage containers looks like,” Mr McLean said. “It doesn’t just stop after a year. The recycling improvement builds year on year thanks to this community grants program. “Based on the trend we’ve identified in the first five years, over the next five this grants program could be the catalyst for the recycling of 15,000 tonnes of what would otherwise become landfill. “Picture the MCG playing surface piled with drink bottles 26 metres high – we’re talking the equivalent of an eight storey building over that entire area. “It’s mindboggling what we can do across our big backyard when we band together.” Michelle Allen, Public Affairs and Communication Manager for Coca-Cola South Pacific said: “Coca-Cola is very proud to be supporting this initiative which produces effective grass roots
recycling outcomes in communities right across Australia. “It enables away-fromhome access to infrastructure, like bin placement, and offers the public the opportunity to dispose of used beverage containers in an appropriate manner.” Mr McLean said there was an impressive array of innovative grant applications this year with many recipients focussed
on portable recycling solutions and education tools to cope with the abundance of litter at festivals and community events. “This year the program is working strongly with local councils which account for 46% of total grant recipients, which is up from an engagement rate of 42% in the last funding round and that is really helping to ensure this money impacts as
Plant funding
Cameron Pitkethly with Paul Gilbert from Gilbert Mining Group and his Wirtgen Stabiliser 2400
Seventy-one community organisations around the nation banded together last year to Keep Australia Beautiful by recycling 397 tonnes of beverage containers. That’s the equivalent of 18.9 million 600ml drink bottles – almost one for every Australian. A new round of 2014/15 community grants will help another 80 organisations implement projects which make long term impacts on beverage container recycling, including three in the NT. The Beverage Container Recycling Community Grants Program, funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation and CocaCola South Pacific in partnership with Keep Australia Beautiful, has in the past five years invested more than $2 million on dedicated bins and education programs. Keep Australia Beautiful National Chief Executive Officer Peter McLean said since its inception in 2010, the grants program had supported 265 community groups and funded the operation of more than 1,000 recycling bins across the country. “What these community groups did last year is
For the past 25 years, Finlease has been making life easier for small to medium sized businesses for equipment and vehicle finance in the civil construction, mining, earthmoving, transport sectors and beyond. Finlease’s NT office is headed by a Darwin local, Cameron Pitkethly, a strong advocate for the local business community. With the significant buying power which comes from funding over $350mil p/a in Equipment and Vehicle finance through a dozen competitive underwriting banks and finance companies, Finlease has the experience, knowledge and skills to be an ideal finance partner to business owners. In a world that’s gravitating to call centres, continually changing bank managers and little face to face contact, Finlease still does business the old fashioned way. We build lasting dedicated relationships with our clients. Many clients have been with the Finlease family for 20 years as it just makes it easy for all parties when you have long term
sustainable relationships. This means any engagement with a new client is done with this long term view in mind. We think you’ll find us a breath of fresh air compared to your present finance partners. Whether your requirements are the occasional vehicle or equipment or significant ongoing fleet upgrades, Finlease can put in place a base of pre-approved facilities across a broad spread of underwriters to ensure funding is continually available and not too concentrated with just one or two lenders.New or used, plant or equipment, truck or trailer, dealer or private sale, Finlease can assist. If you are looking for timely, competitive, no nonsense finance supported with great service and long term relationships, talk to your local Darwin Finance Manager Cameron Pitkethly on 0448 481 335. Finlease is in so many ways… better than a bank. Finlease NT. www.finlease.com.au
many Australians as possible,” Mr McLean said. “Whilst public place recycling is strong in CBD areas, there are temporary, highly trafficked locations such as festivals and events and without adequate infrastructure and strong educational components a lot of waste can be generated. “Programs which have received funding help
educate people about correct waste disposal, the cause and effect of recycling and look at how to enforce best practice principles in local communities. “The grants of up to $10,000 are a practical and educational tool to keep the community free of litter and highlight the benefits of recycling.”
To offer tough lightweight, safety-approved lighting options, Pelican Products, Inc., the global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced portable lighting and highperformance protective case solutions, has introduced three new safety approved headlights. Based on the established models from their Pelican ProGear™ consumer line, each headlight is IECex approved for hazardous environments, available in either black or safety yellow and equipped with a wide range of features, allowing for multiple applications. All three headlights are engineered with an extremely durable IPX4 water/weather resistant polymer construction. They also pivot to a 45 degree angle to direct clean, brilliant light where itʼs needed. Each weighs in at just around 100 grams with three AAA batteries (included) and include both a rubber strap (for helmets) and a cloth strap (comfortable for bare heads). Each headlight is backed by Pelicanʼs Legendary Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence and is available for purchase through the Pelicanʼs Authorized Dealer network.
Upfront
Finding the right people As companies look to increase their headcount in specialist, niche areas, employers may struggle to find the talent needed and be forced to fight it out with other companies for these sought after profiles. Hays Oil & Gas are the experts at recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people within the global oil and gas industry. They deal in both permanent positions and contract roles across the full life cycle from exploration, project development and construction through to oilfield services, operations and maintenance. Operating around the world in major oil and gas centres including Houston, Calgary, Aberdeen, Norway, Perth, Darwin, UAE, Rio, and Singapore, Hays have the specialist local knowledge and access to industry networks to attract the best talent, globally. The Hays Oil & Gas Job Index for the first quarter of 2014 has
shown hiring globally has increased, with key areas seeing significant jumps in job numbers. However, as new projects and business investment lead employers to increase headcount, skill shortages are still affecting recruitment plans. Many of the regions are facing an increase in hiring for 2014 and in order to attract top talent in competitive markets, companies are increasing salaries and benefit packages. There is particularly high demand for talent in Asia, reflecting the region’s growing importance in the global oil and gas market. Investment in businesses and new technologies to support enhanced oil
recovery is driving new projects. As a result, optimism is high and further growth is expected in 2014. However, as companies look to increase their headcount in
specialist, niche areas, employers may struggle to find the talent needed and be forced to fight it out with other companies for these sought after profiles. Hays’ new Oil & Gas
Salary Guide will be released in January 2015 and will provide the industry with an informed view of global and regional trends in compensation and benefits and identify
some of the key industry factors and events that contribute to these trends. To be part of this year’s Salary Guide and have your say visit hays.com/oil-and-gas
Recruitment Challenges Retaining the right people for your organisation Many companies are finding it an uphill battle to hire and retain the "right people" for their organisations. Much of the blame is given to the current labour market; however, we must remember that our own selection processes play a role too. A fact becoming obvious to employers is that mainstream techniques such as resumes, interviewing and reference checks are not giving all the answers needed to make an effective hire. Organisations need to take into consideration a number of key things when hiring to understand the type of candidate that will suit: Can they do the job? Will they do the job?
and do they fit the organisation’s culture? Psychometric testing can help answer all three questions by providing an objective summary of an individual's abilities (can they do the job?), Motivations (will they do the job?), and Behavioural Style (do they fit the organisation?). These results are used in conjunction with interviewing and reference checking to provide a more thorough picture of your candidate, allowing organisations to make an informed decision about their suitability. When chosen and used correctly, psychometric assessments meet all the criteria for an effective selection process. Assessments
are valid, reliable, job relevant, fair, practical and cost effective. Remember, an organisation's people are their most important asset, so ensure that you recruit the very best in the best possible way. Drake’s team of experienced Behavioural Profiling Specialists can provide you with assistance to facilitate psychometric assessments and ensure your recruitment process is effective. To find out more about how psychometric testing can benefit your organisation contact Drake Darwin on 13 14 48. Located at Fannie Bay, our talented team of locals is available to assist with a vast range of HR solutions.
page 19 TerritoryLife
Newsdesk NT gas pipeline goes out market The Giles Government has granted Major Project Status to the proposed gas pipeline linking the Territory and East Coast gas grids and will now begin a formal search for investors. “The construction of this gas pipeline is an infrastructure project of national significance. Itʼs also a matter of urgency for the eastern states which are fast approaching an energy security crisis,” Chief Minister Adam Giles said. “We have the gas and they have the demand but there is currently no economically viable way to get the gas from Northern Australia to the eastern market.” At COAG on Friday, national leaders backed the Territoryʼs work developing a gas pipeline which has the potential to create a more competitive domestic gas market. Today the Territory Government is announcing the next steps in that process. "I am pleased to announce that the Territory Government is about to start a formal process for potential investors to express their interest in building and operating the pipeline,” Mr Giles said. “With an East Coast gas crisis shortage looming, we need the pipeline to be operational by 2018. There is no time to waste and the granting of Major Project Status to the pipeline will help speed up this process.” There will be an industry briefing
held in Alice Springs on 31 October to explain the project to potential investors. “In Alice Springs later this month, I have asked our consultants, Port Jackson Partners, to run a briefing for gas and infrastructure companies, as well as other industry figures interested in being part of this nationally important project,” Mr Giles said. “In a sign of the national significance of this project, Federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane has agreed to join this industry briefing. “I am excited about the jobs and exploration the pipeline could stimulate in the Northern Territory. “I will do everything I can to bring the pipeline to reality in partnership with the gas industry, Federal and state governments. “I know this is a project of particular interest to New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia and I look forward to working with them on this development.” Two routes have been proposed for the gas pipeline – one from Tennant Creek to Mt Isa in Queensland and the other from Alice Springs to Moomba in South Australia. Proposals will be accepted for both these routes or any other route that industry would like to propose linking the two gas grids. Formal Expressions of Interest will open at the end of November.
Frogs on Friday Minister for Parks and Wildlife, Bess Price, is encouraging Central Australian nature lovers to hop on over to Simpsons Gap during November. “Every Friday during November, rangers will be hosting a frog spotting evening at Simpsons Gap so people can learn more about and meet the species of frogs that call the desert home,” Mrs Price said. “It might surprise a lot of people to know there are frogs in the desert, but we do have some amazing species.” Spotters may be lucky enough to see the unique Centralian tree frog (Litoria gilleni) or Spencers burrowing frog (Platyplectrum spenceri). The Spencers burrowing frog is one of the many burrowing frog species found in the desert, and as their name suggests, they remain underground in dry river beds for most of the year. When the conditions are right, burrowing frogs emerge on the surface to feed and breed, and this time of year, the Spencers burrowing frog is a real treat to see, although they can be well camouflaged on the waterʼs edge.
Log on to cut red tape The Giles Government is calling on Territorians to log onto a new website and submit their ideas about ways to further reduce the red tape burden on businesses and the community. “The Government is serious about its commitment to reduce red tape for businesses throughout the Territory,” Chief Minister Adam Giles said. “Since 2012, almost 200 initiatives to reduce red tape have been completed or are underway across government, touching on all sectors of the economy. “But we are determined to make it even easier to do business in the
Northern Territory and making this an attractive destination for investment. “The businesses who use our systems are the best people to guide us on what still needs to change. “We are now launching a new website so that Territorians can tell us where they think there is still unnecessary bureaucracy and regulation.” The Country Liberals have already had major wins in the battle against red tape. “We have established a Red Tape Abolition Squad and procurement reforms are making it easier for businesses to tender and supply
goods and services to government. “Last month, I launched a new one stop website for the lodgement of invoices, making it quicker and easier for businesses to get their government bills paid. “In Tourism, we have abolished the travel agentsʼ licence meaning approximately 80 people will no longer have to hold a licence and renew this permit annually, saving the industry time and money “In Construction, we have introduced electronic building approval lodgements, reducing paperwork and removing the need to attend a
“These evenings give locals a great opportunity to learn about the frogs as the weather warms up and they become more active. “The Frog Spotting evenings start with a slideshow designed to teach you a bit more about the local species and to help you identify the different frogs youʼll hopefully see during the spotlight walk. “Simpsons Gap has an abundance of amazing wildlife, so you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of other native animals including dingoes (Canis lupus dingo), blackfooted rock wallabies (Petrogale lateralis) or even a Stimsons Python (Antaresia stimsoni) as frogs can be quite a nice meal for a snake. “This activity is for frog spotters of all ages. All youʼll need is a torch, insect repellent and to wear study and comfortable shoes, as the spotlight walk will take place over unsteady terrain. The free Frog Spotting evenings will be held from 7pm every Friday in November. Bookings are essential. Participants are asked to meet at the Simpsons Gap shelter. Please contact Susie Pendle on 8951 8247 or email susie.pendle@nt.gov.au
government office. “In Agriculture, weʼve allowed nonpastoral land use permits on pastoral land and have shortened approval times for land clearing applications by up to three months. “Thereʼs more to do and we are keen to work with businesses and the community to streamline processes across all areas of government, making life easier for Territorians and allowing our businesses to be more competitive.” Submit your ideas for red tape reduction at www.cuttingredtape.nt.gov.au
Australian owned and operated
Servicing the Construction, Mining and Marine Industry Goodline is a privately owned Australian company specialising in the construction, maintenance and operational needs of the mining, marine and building industry. With a head office in the Sunshine Coast QLD and operational branches in WA, QLD and the NT, Goodline is strategically positioned to service remote and populated northern Australia. Goodline’s services encompass complete management of projects from planning & feasibility assessments to commissioning and initial operation support. With an established tendering and engineering department, Goodline encourages early contractor involvement to provide financial and logistical assessments of projects. Employing trades of all disciplines, Goodline has the capacity and experience to complete civil, structural, mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and instrumentation installations. Goodline can additionally provide a single point of contact through all project stages. By managing steel fabrication, maximising off-site pre-assembly and coordinating delivery chains, Goodline will ensure that schedules and quality standards are met whilst reducing costs. Further to construction, Goodline can provide innovative maintenance solutions with minimal disruption to operations. Goodline’s shut-down managers ensure close communication with clients to schedule works, mobilise experienced maintenance crews and maximise preshut opportunities. Goodline is an experienced contractor capable of providing turn-key construction projects with the clients’ best interest as the highest priority.
Newsdesk Territory nicks the Vic’s gong In major coup for the Territory, the Darwin City Centre Master Plan has taken out the gong in the large projects category at the Victorian Planning Institute of Australia’s Planning Excellence Awards.
Virgin Australia Alice-Darwin route 3 TIMES A WEEK Virgin Australia will fly between Darwin and Alice Springs three times a week from March next year. “This is fantastic news for the Territory bringing competition to this important route for the first time in more than a decade,” Chief Minister Adam Giles said. “For too long Central Australia has been reliant on a single carrier for flights from Darwin restricting business and tourist traffic." The announcement follows a meeting between Mr Giles and Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer, John Borghetti in Darwin yesterday. “This is a key route connecting the Centre to the rest of Northern Australia and I am thrilled that Virgin has stepped up to offer passengers choice and put downward pressure on prices," Mr Giles said. “Iʼd like to extend my personal thanks to John Borghetti for this vote of confidence in the Northern
Territory. I look forward to working with Virgin Australia over the years ahead.” Mr Borghetti said the new flights coincide with the opening of the new Virgin Australia Lounge at Darwin Airport in March. “We recognise the importance of the Northern Territory as a key business and tourism destination in Australia,” Mr Borghetti said “We will continue to expand our domestic network for the benefit of Australians and look forward to providing more choice to our customers on these key routes from early next year.” Minister for Tourism Matt Conlan welcome todayʼs announcement as a huge boost for tourism in Central Australia. “Virgin Australia's arrival to the Centre will be a huge boost for local business and tour operators and our plans to drive economic development in the town,” Mr Conlan said. "This will now open up the Centre
to the Star Alliance global network which will allow passengers to codeshare with Silk Air and Singapore airlines into Asia and Europe on just one ticket. “Virgin Australia's announcement is a show of support for our Do the NT campaign which is encouraging more and more Australians and overseas visitors to visit the Territory. “We have worked hard over the past 12 months to implement a range of new strategies to turn around years of declining visitor numbers. “There is still much work to do but we are starting to see some positive signs and small, consistent increases in visitor numbers to the Territory. “We will continue to work with all our airline partners to promote services to Central Australia and achieve our Tourism Vision 2020 goal of a $2.2 billion economy by 2020.”
The Victorian Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy, presented the award to Design Urban who worked with the Northern Territory Government and the City of Darwin to develop the plan. Territorians will now go on to have a crack at the national planning awards to be judged next year. The much hyped Plan Melbourne, the Victorian Governmentʼs own city plan, was the expected winner for this category. Minister for Lands, Planning and the Environment Peter Chandler said this was a major coup for the Territory. “Iʼve been in the Territory since 1985 and since then Iʼve been telling Victorians we do things better up here, now thereʼs proof,” Mr Chandler said. “This plan was an amazing effort, jointly funded by the Federal Government, the Territory Government and the City of Darwin with the planning work completed by Victorianbased consultants Design Urban.” City of Darwin Lord Mayor Katina Fong Lim was thrilled to hear of the combined win and very proud of the City Centre Master Plan. “Itʼs very pleasing to hear of the recognition our joint Darwin City Centre Master Plan has received,” the Lord Mayor said. “This master plan imagines what our city could look like in 20 or 30 years, its roads, parks and future neighbourhoods, and then makes the case for how to get us there.”
Live export industry smashes records The Northern Territory live export industry is surging ahead and has smashed industry export records. In the 2014 calendar year so far, the Port of Darwin has already exported over 392,000 head of cattle. Prior to that, the calendar year record was in 2008 when the Port of Darwin exported 359,307 head of cattle. Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries, Willem Westra van Holthe, said this achievement was due to the hard work and determination of pastoralists on the land. “To think only a few years ago, the live export ban brought this industry to its knees and now it is bigger than ever before,” Mr Westra van Holthe said. “Our Territory pastoralists are a resilient mob. They have been through some tough times and considerable hardship
but this achievement is a symbol of their hard work and determination. “Due to the diversification of the market, beef prices have risen and exporters are now paying record prices, people are talking about $2.45 per kilogram for feeder steers. Thatʼs incredible. “Further to this, Indonesia has released 260,000 import permits for the fourth quarter of this year. This combined with emerging markets in Cambodia and strong trading relationships throughout Asia are all good signs of growing this industry even further. “The Country Liberals Government is determined to continue building our live export industry. We want to work with pastoralists to grow the Territoryʼs herd. This Government supports our live exporters and we are proud of their achievements.”
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Newsdesk Building our Territory The NT Government has launched a new website for Territorians to have their say about infrastructure projects that could be funded through any future sale or lease of public assets. “We want to deliver the best value for taxpayersʼ money and ensure our infrastructure meets the future needs of a growing Northern Australia,” Chief Minister Adam Giles said. “Through its possible sale, TIO could serve all Territorians in a new way, by providing us with the funds to unlock our potential, creating the jobs and industries of the future.” The Federal Governmentʼs Asset Recycling initiative also offers a 15 per cent financial incentive for us to sell eligible assets and reinvest the proceeds in new, economy-growing infrastructure. “The government is also looking at ways to attract private investment in Darwin Port so that we can make it more efficient, improve economies of scale and bring freight costs down. This is another way we can drive down the cost of living for Territorians,” Mr Giles said. “The Port is not for sale but revenue from a longterm lease of Port assets could add to a pool of money available for re-investment in critical infrastructure. “No final decisions have been made, but selling TIO or leasing parts of the Port would provide a
substantial nest-egg of funds that could build the Territory of tomorrow. “I have tasked the Office of Major Infrastructure and Investment with identifying economic and community infrastructure projects that might be pursued and have put forward some of the Governmentʼs ideas to help start the conversation.” These include: • Flood mitigation works around Rapid Creek • Road works to remove the bottleneck at the end of Tiger Brennan Drive as it approaches Darwin city • An Indigenous cultural centre in Alice Springs • A second port at Glyde Point • A new sporting venue for Darwin • A long-term Infrastructure Development Fund to finance the building of the Territory into the future. “What we really need are ideas from the public about what projects Territorians would like us to pursue as a priority if we do go down this path,” Mr Giles said. Is there a new sporting or cultural venue needed in your community? Do we need better facilities to support families such as new health or education infrastructure? We want your ideas.” To get more information or submit an idea visit www.buildingourterritory.nt.gov.au
Building booms during October Business Month Building activity in the Northern Territory continues to
outstrip the national average in both the residential and the non-residential building sectors.
Acclaimed sports journalist from Channel Sevenʼs Sunrise program and 10-time Australian water-skiing champion
Mark Beretta wowed guests at October Business Month events in Darwin and Nhulunbuy.
Mark Beretta has joined the expansive list of quality
speakers at the 20th anniversary event. Other speakers include influential personal trainer Michelle Bridges and Executive Chairman of Yellow Brick Road Wealth Management Mark Bouris.
Recent ABS figures show the Territoryʼs building activity has grown to almost $2 billion in the 2013-14 financial year.
The data shows total building activity increased by 12.5 per cent to $1.9 billion. This was the highest year on year
growth of all the jurisdictions. Nationally, growth was five per cent over the same period.
The increase in Territory building activity in 2013-14 reflects
residential building construction up by 27.8 per cent to $777 million and an increase in non-residential building activity of 3.7 per cent to $1.1 billion.
Mark Beretta spoke at the Darwin Gala Business Dinner held at the Convention Centre and also ʻBusiness with Berettaʼ at the Walkabout Lodge in Nhulunbuy.
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NT Fashion W e ek s h owca ses Ter r it ory b us i n e s s
NT Fashion Week Creative Director Mehali Tsangiris NT Fashion Week hit the runway with some of the Territoryʼs most creative business people showcasing their work. NT Fashion Week kicked-off in style with an elegant garden party at Kerryʼs Automotive which was transformed into a tropical oasis. The jam-packed program featured seven events across seven days showcasing the latest designs and trends from eight fashion designers, four jewellers, four milliners and eight retailers from right across the Northern Territory.
Among the local businesses exhibiting their work was Top End Jewellery designer Shayote. Shayote is a familiar face at Parap and Mindil Markets and has been steadily growing her business over the last 20 years. From her home workshop in Humpty Doo, she services an international clientele including some very recognisable names, such as high end swimwear company Wild Orchid Australia. For a one-person enterprise like Shayoteʼs to grow an international
following is quite remarkable. This year the Territory Government has tripled its support for NT Fashion Week to $75,000 including a Regional Economic Development Fund grant to allow a range of Central Australians to participate in the event. “Itʼs great to see 16 year old Alice Springs school girl Gabi Borchers named as one of the Faces of this yearʼs event,” Adam Giles said. The Government will boost its support to $100,000 in 2015 to allow local business to grow even further. “We know the event has huge
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potential to grow and attract interest from our Asian neighbours. There have already been preliminary discussions around this Asian engagement and the potential for tourism links as well,” Mr Giles said. NT Fashion Week Creative Director Mehali Tsangiris said that in 2014, NT Fashion Week had reached new heights. “With this yearʼs event I truly believe NT Fashion Week has arrived. Plans for 2015 are already in motion and promise to take things to a whole new level,” he said.
Territory welcomed for Japanese business leaders Chief Minister Adam Giles officially welcomed hundreds of business leaders who touched down in Darwin for Australia-Japan Joint Business Conference in October. “It is a huge coup for the Territory to have hosted this prestigious conference which attracted the cream of the Japanese and Australian business community,” Mr Giles said "I extended a warm Territory welcome to these corporate leaders who got a chance to see first-hand the investment opportunities we have to offer. “I was a keynote speaker at this conference in Tokyo last year and it is an honour to have brought the event onto Territory soil with an
impressive list of industry representatives and government officials from both countries attending.” Japanese companies including INPEX, Mitsubishi Corporation, JGC, Chiyoda and Mitsui were all represented, as well as the three Japanese mega banks, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Mizuho Bank and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi. Australian delegates included representatives from top mining and energy companies such as Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Woodside, ConocoPhillips and Santos, as well as the NAB and ANZ banks. “Our relationship with Japan is going from strength to strength
and this conference was an opportunity to showcase the kinds of exciting projects being pursued in Northern Australia,” Mr Giles said. “Without doubt, the $34 Billion Ichthys project is the jewel in the crown of Japanese investment. “Ichthys is the largest ever Japanese foreign investment project and once the Bladin Point plant is fully operational, the Territory will be supplying 10 per cent of Japanʼs gas needs. “I am keen to see our LNG trade with Japan expand even further but I am also anxious to broaden our engagement with Japanese companies in other sectors such as agribusiness and education.
“Mitsui are already leading the way with their multi-million dollar investment in the Tiwi Islands Forestry Plantation which is exactly the kind of partnership we would like to see more of.” Proposed projects including a gas pipeline linking Central Australia to the East Coast gas grid, the future development of Territory ports and a new International Grammar School in Darwin all present exciting investment opportunities. “The Northern Territory is the gateway between Asia and Australia. There is huge potential for growth and we are keen to see Japanese investors be part of that expansion,” Mr Giles said.
operators on mission to attract CHINESE visitors Seven Territory tourism operators flew to China on Tourism NTʼs third annual mission to attract visitors from this rapidly growing market. Minister for Tourism Matt Conlan said it is the first time the mission included representatives from two Chinese inbound tour companies. “They have established a presence in the Territory to better service their clients, one located in Central Australia – Uluru Chinese Tours – and the other – North Tours Australia – in the Top End. “I hope these delegations will become even larger as operators realise what an opportunity the China market presents to them and how committed the Country Liberals Government is to growing the NTʼs market share of visitors from China.” China is Australiaʼs most valuable tourism market, but the NT attracts only 13,000 Chinese visitors a year. The NT Governmentʼs target, articulated in Tourism Vision 2020, is to increase this to 30,000 by 2020. “Global competition to attract visitation
and investment from this market is fierce and to be successful it is critical we have a targeted strategy,” Mr Conlan said. “Tourism NT, in consultation with the tourism industry, has mapped out a way to achieve this target in its China Market Activation Plan II, which it has recently revised in response to market changes. “The mission was part of that plan, and an important element of our Asia Product Partnership Program which supports businesses that commit to a long term collaborative approach with Tourism NT in selected marketing and development activities in the Eastern market.” The delegation comprised Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru Chinese Tour, AAT Kings, Maruku Arts, North Tours Australia, Intrepid Travel and YHA. Operators had the opportunity to strengthen business relationships across the region, getting their product in front of the travel trade and adapt their products to better suit their consumers. Their 10-day itinerary included Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing and Taipei.
Newsdesk Territory local teams up with interstate
giant
Forty-year veteran of Territory construction Ostojic Pty Ltd has joined forces with one of Victoriaʼs most reputable developers Costa Property to develop a 1700 home subdivision in Zuccoli. The consortium, Costojic, has won a competitive selection process for the rights to develop stages 3 and 4 of Zuccoli in Palmerston. The Country Liberals Government decided to simultaneously release stages 3 and 4 to accelerate our land release plan and inject much needed blocks into the market. Minister for Lands, Planning and the Environment, Peter Chandler, said an aggressive land release strategy is the only way weʼre going to have a serious impact in putting downward pressure on the high cost of living. “The government has embarked on the Territoryʼs largest ever land release program because we understand the cost of housing is too high and Territorians want action, not words,” Mr Chandler said. “Zuccoli will be home to over 7,000 people and these new stages will serve as a community hub with all the amenities they will need including, shops, schools and sporting facilities.” Member for Blain Nathan Barrett has welcomed the announcement said he canʼt wait to welcome the new members of his electorate. “The number one issue for people in my electorate is the cost of housing and Iʼm proud to be part of a government that is delivering action in this area,” Mr Barrett said. Managing director of Ostojic Pty Ltd, Tomo Ostojic said the consortium will bring together his local knowledge together with
Costaʼs development experience to deliver a well-planned Territory suburb. “Ostojic is committed to supporting local participation in all our projects and historically we have sourced over 90% of our workforce, subcontractors and materials from within the Northern Territory community,” Mr Ostojic said. “We support the ongoing development of the Territory and growing the Territory as an affordable and desirable place to live, work and play for future generations. “Iʼm excited to join with Costa Property to create a unique development. Together we envisage this Zuccoli release to become the benchmark of all the releases. It is the biggest, and will also be the greenest, safest, most affordable community, with schools and neighbourhood shopping that residents will be very proud to call home.” Development Manager of Costa Property Mike Schokman said they are very excited about extending operations to the Territory. “After working with the Territory Government so far, it is clear they are the most responsive authority weʼve worked with to date,” Mr Schokman. “Southern planning authorities could learn a thing or two from the Territory when it comes to making decisions quickly within a solid governance framework. It's a refreshing change, and one of the strong factors that attracted Costa Property to the Territory. “Of course local knowledge and expertise is critical to the success of any development project. There is no better partner in the Territory
than Ostojic Group; with their size and over 40 years of local Territory experience.” “Costa Property brings new capital and innovative urban development ideas for what will become a benchmark community. This Zuccoli stage has everything: shopping, schools, vast amounts of green open spaces. Costa Property sees Zuccoli as the first project of a lasting relationship with the Territory.”
New Advisory Council to cut construction red tape
The Giles Government has heard a clear message from industry and responded by establishing a new Construction and Development Advisory Council to make recommendations about reducing red tape. “The Advisory Council is further proof that the Government is serious about its commitment to reducing red tape for businesses throughout the Territory,” Chief Minister Adam Giles said. “The Construction and Development Advisory Council is the result of extensive government consultation with the sector. “We have already made huge inroads in streamlining our development processes however we continue to get complaints about red tape. Issues include lack of timeliness in regulatory approval processes, uncertainty about regulatory requirements and difficulty in dealing with government agencies. The Advisory Council will help address these concerns.” The Chair of the Construction and Development Advisory Council will be the former NT Administrator Mr John Anictomatis. “He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the construction and development industry, having established a successful business centred on construction of residential, commercial and industrial sites. He has also been active in community service,” Mr Giles said. Other members include:
Kerry Osborne (Deputy Chair), Denise David, Adrian Handford, Richie Ward, Shane Dignan, Paul Graham, Steve Brouwer and Allan King. “Together, this group of people have the expertise and experience to advise on the steps needed to ensure we have a balanced and competitive regulatory environment,” Mr Giles said. The Council has been asked to make recommendations to Government by 30 June 2015 about how to further reduce red tape in the construction and development sector. “It is imperative that the Northern Territory has the best possible regulatory environment as our economy and population base grows,” Mr Giles said. “There must be timely assessments and approvals, simple and transparent institutional arrangements, certainty and clarity in regulatory and administrative process requirements, appropriate safeguards for the environment and the public, and responsive regulators and government agencies with whom it is easy for firms and individuals to interact.” Reforms so far in the construction and development sector so far include: • Introducing an integrated building approval lodgement system. This allows
electronic lodgement of building permits and occupancy permits thus reducing paperwork and removing the need to attend a government office. • Allowing concurrent (rather than requiring sequential) assessment of planning scheme amendments (e.g. rezoning applications) and development assessments – shaving up to 3 months off approval times. • Removing the requirement for developers to obtain a second clearance from service authorities at the time of unit titling for a subdivision, shaving weeks off the approval process; • Issuing high risk work licences (scaffolding, forklift, dogging, rigging, crane operation and others) over the counter at Territory Business Centres – a time saving of up to 20 days. • Establishing a One Stop Shop for development applications allowing developers and the public to access information online about the application process and current applications. The Department of Business has a dedicated 1800 telephone number for businesses to contact the Business Advocate to discuss issues and delays they are encountering from any government agency. That number is 1800 754 466. or email cuttingredtape@nt.gov.au
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Exercise Kakadu
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Exercise Koolendong
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TERRITORY FOCUSED BY MICHELLE DRYBURGH
NOT YOUR AVERA GE
FAMILY BUSINESS
McMahon Services, Green Star Concrete Batching Plant in operation at the Port Melville site
Edith River bridge reconstruction
Ray Wilson
ICTHYS Project: Manigurr-ma Village at Howard Springs
page 40 TerritoryLife
Andrew McMahon
Ezion Port Melville, 30 Million Litre Fuel Farm and Facilities Under Construction
What started almost 25 years ago as a small business run by two brothers and 12 employees is now one of the most prolific construction companies in Australia. McMahon Services has grown to employ more than 1000 people nation-wide, including 450 employees through its affiliated organisation, Intract - an indigenous contractors division operating out of Darwin, Alice Springs and across Australia.
dramatically. Once a grass roots labourer, Andrew has worked in almost every facet of the business, as supervisor, operator, project manager, estimator, ‘basically everything’. “I still enjoy getting out of the office and onto the tools,” he says.
With services ranging from civil engineering, demolition, industrial and resources construction, to hazardous waste removal, building services, marine contracting and environmental remediation, McMahon Services offers clients a turnkey solution for a diverse range of projects. Founders Andrew and David McMahon were working for their father’s company focused on transport, waste and construction, when they identified a need to expand into new markets to better serve their existing clients and grow the business.
Andrew’s work requires regular travel all over Australia, but he calls the Northern Territory ‘home’ – spending approximately 60 per cent of his time in Darwin. “I have always loved Darwin, the place, people, culture and climate. To get away from work life I enjoy fishing, camping, overseas travel and spending time with the kids.
“We grew up with construction and machinery in our blood,” says Andrew. “Dad was a hard worker and also a hard task master who imbedded in us the work ethic you need to survive in the industry today. I am very grateful for what he did for us as a father, a mentor and a great mate. He still continues today in his transport business at the age of 78, employing over 150 staff.”
The boom and bust nature of the industry has its challenges too. But Andrew accepts that as ‘just part of the game’. “You need to be multi skilled and quick on your feet to ride the up’s and downs,” he says. “When a company positions itself to listen to its customers and its own people, and ensure it’s agile enough to react quickly and respond, that is powerful. “People want to be heard and that’s our advantage, as not enough companies listen and respond like us.”
Since inception of McMahon Services in 1990, Andrew and David’s lives and roles have changed
“That said, what I have always enjoyed about the construction industry is the people, fun and enjoyment you get out of it. You can look back and see what you have achieved in a hard day’s work.”
Andrew says one of the biggest challenges is occupational health and safety, but it’s a gold star field for McMahon Services which is underpinned by a strong safety culture. The company has obtained third party accreditation in Health Safety and Environment, as well as Federal Safety and Achilles accreditation. “We all need to deliver safety, from the top down and the bottom up, it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure our work mates arrive at work and get home safely to their families,” says Andrew. “We are proud of our safety achievements but you can’t drop the ball, it is the most discussed activity in everyday life at McMahon and Intract.” The company’s focus on safety and putting people first has resulted in remarkable staff retention, with many second generation employees and 60 per cent of the workforce having 20 years’ service or more. Staff will be central to delivering the brothers’ vision for the future of the business. That is to continue steady growth over the next 10 years and maintain delivery of high quality and professional services, while investing in state-of-the-art plant and equipment to stay ahead of the game. “And to have fun, because if you don’t enjoy your job, you shouldn’t be there,” says Andrew. “Work to me is just a very large family and I very much treat it that way, we are all working together to survive and achieve.”
For more information on McMahon Services visit www.mcmservices.com.au
page 41 TerritoryLife
Ezion Port Melville 160 Man Camp Site under Construction
Supporting the Territory’s new Port
Tom McMahon, Mick Sherlock
McMahon Services is playing a key role in the development of a deep sea port at Port Melville, constructing an accommodation village to house 160 off-shore workers and port support staff. The port development will be a world-class export facility in a prime location, close to emerging oil and gas developments and central to shipping lanes linking the Australian and Asian markets. The development will also include a 30-million litre fuel storage facility providing Tiwi communities with fairer fuel prices and profits from sales. As part of the accommodation construction contract, McMahon will employ a minimum of 20 per cent local indigenous labour. When the camp is operational it will employ 80 per cent local indigenous people to undertake camp operation and maintenance.
Sinking ships
Scuttling of the former HMAS Adelaide
The decommissioning and sinking of HMAS Hobart and HMAS Adelaide were major projects by McMahon Services – and two of Andrew McMahon’s personal career highlights. The ships were scuttled to create artificial dive wrecks in South Australia and New South Wales respectively. But sinking a ship is no easy feat. First, all environmental hazards had to removed, and the former operational war ships were stripped back to a bare skeleton, including cleaning an area of 90,000sqm by hand. “The team was required to work on ways to make the vessel do what it was never designed to do – sink,” says Andrew. Ship Scuttle Statistics – HMAS Hobart • 20,000 km of communication and electrical cable • 280 tonnes of steel bulkheads and equipment • 156 tonnes of lead ballast ingots • 32 tonnes of liquid fuel-oil • 42 tonnes of rubbish, timber, plastic
page 42 TerritoryLife
Roy & Andrew – Galiwinku
Ezion Port Melville
Territory Alliance
In partnership with Sitzler and Laing O’Rourke, McMahon Services joined Territory Alliance to deliver works in the Federal Government’s Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program, to bridge the gap between Indigenous disadvantage across the Northern Territory. It was the largest Indigenous housing program ever undertaken in Australia’s history. The Territory Alliance completed a lion’s share of the project including: • 518 new houses and six subdivisions • 314 rebuilds • 442 refurbishments • Installation of new power, water, roads and street lighting Territory Alliance employed more than 750 workers during the five-year program and exceeded the Government’s target of 20 per cent local Indigenous engagement, reaching 35 per cent in many communities. “The highlight of this project for me was working with local construction professionals such as Steve Margetic, Steve Shenfield, Dick Guit, Steve Jones and Alan McGill, who are also very passionate about Indigenous employment outcomes; and the many dedicated Government staff who made the project a success,” says Andrew McMahon.
AWARDS McMahon Services has been recognised for outstanding performance on many projects over the years. These are some of the recent achievements. Ezion Port Melville - unloading accommodation units
premier partners since 2012
The International Association for Public Participation 2012 The Territory Alliance was awarded Project of the Year for Community work with the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Project. The IAP2 Core Values Awards recognise and encourage projects and organisations that are at the forefront of public participation.
Michael Long and Andrew McMahon at the sponsorship announcement
Master Builders Association Winner 2008 Award for Excellence in Services - City Central Tower 2 Redevelopment
Civil contractors federation Winner 2013 National CCF Earth Award - Adelaide Oval Redevelopment Detailed Civil and Stormwater Works Winner 2013 SA CCF Earth Award - Adelaide Oval Redevelopment Detailed Civil and Stormwater Works Winner 2012 SA CCF Earth Award - Remediation and Rehabilitation of former SA Water site, Thebarton Winner 2011 National CCF Earth Award - Mead Street Birkenhead High Level Waste Remediation Winner 2011 SA CCF Earth Award - Mead Street Birkenhead High Level Waste Remediation
Economic Development Australia 2011 National Economic Development Australia Awards for Excellence ‘Highly Commended’ - Indigenous Economic Development Award - Intract - Indigenous Contractors
Demolition & Recycling International 2014 D&R International Top 100 Listing - POSITION: 12 2013 D&R International Top 100 Listing - POSITION: 11 2012 D&R International Top 100 Listing - POSITION: 6
Edith River bridge reconstruction following flash flooding and train derailment
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BY MICHELLE DRYBURGH
INDIGENOUS ENTERPRISE
LOCAL COMPANY. LOCAL PEOPLE. Intract was established with a vision to open doors for indigenous training and development, and deliver stable, long-term employment for Aboriginal Australians. Since its inception as a division of McMahon Services in 2010, Intract has employed and trained more than 150 Indigenous people. Today it is a stand alone organisation operating out of Darwin, Alice Springs and across Australia. The company is 51% Indigenous owned and operated, headed up in the NT by General Manager / Director Michael Rotumah who is born and bred in the NT and is a Traditional Owner of Murgenella and Croker Island in the West Arneham Land Region. Michael has vast experience in program and project management in the construction industry working for the Australian Government for most of his career. Micahel is committed to Indigenous employment and positive outcomes where he has excelled over many years. Michael is supported by fellow Director John Briggs, a proud Indigenous man that identifies with the Yorta Yorta People from Cummrugunja, which is part of the Barmah Forest on the Victoria, New South Wales border on the Murray River. John has devoted a large portion of his working life sharing his experiences and working with Aboriginal people across all states and territories of Australia. For over 15 years, John worked in the mines in Western Australia, nine of those years with Rio Tinto and six years as a supervisor trainer with ATAL (Aboriginal Training and Liaison). With the likes of AFL superstar and successful businessman Andrew McLeod as board member and shareholder and AFL legend Michael Long as Intract’s Indigenous ambassador, the company is in good hands. “Michael Rotumah and Michael Long have been long-time friends and an inspiration to me,” says Andrew McMahon, Intract co-founder. “They have mentored me so I have a greater understanding of Indigenous culture and heritage. “I have always been passionate about Indigenous employment. Having worked and specialised in remote construction since the inception of our company, we have had a long association with Indigenous people throughout the country.”
Anthony McGregor, Patrick Harvey, Ian Conroy – Ranger Kakadu Nation Park
Through Intract, workers can gain qualifications and certifications, expand their skill set, earn money to support their families, and inspire and encourage younger generations to follow in their footsteps. Through this process, Intract is able to provide a ‘work ready’ labour force along with mentoring and support for staff, and is aiming to lead the field in Indigenous employment outcomes by becoming an employer of choice and nationally recognised Indigenous company within the civil and construction sector. Within a short time frame, Intract has gained strong project experience, working with companies such as Santos, OZ Minerals, Genesee and Wyoming Australia, as well as several government departments. Following the success of the company’s initial project - a four-wheel drive track upgrade at Jim Jim Falls - Intract Australia secured two, four-and-a-half-year contracts for housing maintenance and tenancy management services in remote Western Arnhem Land at Maningrida and Gunbalanya. The maintenance contract covers minor, non-trade housing repairs and maintenance for more than 500 public housing and government employee properties across both communities. Intract is providing 10 fulltime positions, eight have been filled by local
Indigenous people. Five housing officers have been employed to assist and advise tenants on their rights and responsibilities, aiming to make long-term improvements to tenants’ living conditions. “I am putting enormous effort into growing our Indigenous work force and helping to increase their skills,” says Andrew. “Part of that growth includes educating government departments on how we can work together to better deliver community outcomes on Indigenous land, which will increase employment and see local people deliver local services. “I am very passionate about the upskilling and employment of Indigenous Australians and won’t fail on this topic. I just don’t accept the concept of drive in drive out contractors in Indigenous communities.” Both McMahon Services and Intract have a dedicated focus on giving back to the community, donating money and services for projects in the locations they operate. “Our largest sponsorship is Premier Partners of Territory Thunder Club. The NT Thunder sets out to inspire Aboriginal people to participate in sport to improve education, employment, training, health, leadership and wellbeing in local Indigenous communities across the Territory. We conduct a number of football and netball clinics each year within these communities.”
For more information on Intract visit www.intract.com.au
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Territory Management Services Rhonda Manbawan Community Housing Officer Gunbalanya
Jim Jim Falls 4WD access track upgrade
Success from the start
Michael Rotumah on a recent community visit to Maningrida
Michael Rotumah - Intract Director General Manager NT
Andrew McLeod (Director), John Briggs (Director)
Providing early access after the wet season to two popular waterfalls in the Kakadu National Park was the first project for Intract Australia. The four-week project involved upgrading the four-wheel-drive track leading to Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls. The three-person team overcame challenging conditions, including living onsite together in a modified 20-foot shipping container for the four-week duration of the project. While only one kilometre of road needed upgrading, including boxing out and filling with 150mm trap rock to provide better traction – tough terrain made it slow moving work. Some parts of the access track were only wide enough for a 4WD ute, and the eightkilometre stretch from the rock pit to the outer limits of the project site was a two hour round trip for trucks and loaders. Despite the challenges, the team successfully delivered the project and were commended by Parks Australia for their hard work. This project was completed with over 65 per cent Indigenous employment.
A winning formula Intract Indigenous Contractors was named the 2013 Training Program of the Year by the Civil Contractors Federation. Commenting on the award, the judging panel said, “The unique nature of Intract as a contracting entity adds significant value for stakeholders at every step of the process. From the regional communities that benefit from employment and skills enhancement through to the clients who see advantage from engaging a culturally relevant workforce, Intract has been a positive force within the industry at a time when good news has been scarce. McMahon Services should be commended for their efforts with Intract.” Maningrida Housing Maintenance and Tenancy Management Team with Andrew McLeod and Michael Rotumah
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NT RESOURCES WEEK 2014 PHOTOGRAPHY BY : JE NNA NATALI ZIO
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ENVIRONMENT AND LIFESTYLE The design of your community will deliver a sense of connection to Mitchell Creek with a supporting network of green parks and tree lined streets where you can enjoy playing, walking or riding. There will be plenty of open space with a 3 ha community site and landscaped parks. The adjoining Mitchell Creek conservation corridor offers a range of bush paths where you can enjoy walking or riding in the beautiful natural surroundings.
Great
Place
TO INVEST! Darwin represents fantastic rental returns!
... innovative planning and design
GROWING COMMUNITY Mitchell Creek Green is located within easy access to the Palmerston city centre. Palmerston is a fast growing community with a range of community facilities available to its residents including healthcare, meeting spaces, sports clubs, libraries, shopping and much more. There is an abundance of local schools with six primary schools, one middle school and one high school nearby.
... build with confidence
AFFORDABILITY Mitchell Creek Green will provide a range of lot sizes. Enjoying the benefits of dramatic sloping natural landscape, Mitchell Creek Green will include a number of elevated home sites that will allow capture of landscaped views and cooling breezes.
... a beautiful vision for you and your family
mitchellcreekgreen.com.au
S p e c i a l F e at u r e
PEOPLE
IN BUSINESS YOU SHOULD KNOW TO MAKE LIFE IN THE TERRITORY EASIER
The old saying “It’s not just what you know but who you know” is as valid today as when it was coined. Business can always use a little help and even better if that help is from an expert in their field. Each edition, TerritoryLife is going to seek out masters in their fields and get them to share their expertise with us.
If their background is what you need right now, pick up the phone and set up a meeting. It could be that little extra boost you’ve been needing to take your business to the next level. This networking is the very essence of why TerritoryLife exits- to put people in touch with each other.
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SHARING VISION By Michelle Dryburgh
THE
Gimbells Landscaping
LANDSCAPING AN ENTIRE SUBURB WAS JUST THE BEGINNING OF WHAT PROMISES TO BE AN EXCITING FUTURE FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN DARWIN.
The construction of Lyons was the first project delivered by major development group CIC Australia in the Northern Territory, and has set a new benchmark for residential precincts in the region. For more information about Gimbells Landscaping visit www.gimbells.com.au
Jeremy Clarke Project Manager, The Heights
Gimbells Landscaping was awarded the contract to complete the iconic landscape for the project, which was a joint venture with CIC and Defence Housing Australia. As the Territory’s leading landscaping professionals, Gimbells has again been engaged by CIC Australia and Charles Darwin University to develop The Heights, Durack, currently under construction 20 minutes east of Darwin’s CBD. Gimbells director David McWilliam says the success of the projects relied on a shared vision with CIC Australia, and its careful planning and consideration for the environment, indigenous heritage and community feedback. “We believe the standards set at Lyons through extensive public consultation, preservation and
incorporation of the existing natural environment, and the structured development of a community, have resulted in a market expectation that sees other like projects improving their product,” he says. “We were pleased to win the first stage of the project at tender, and very soon realised CIC went the extra yards in listening to their stakeholders and responding with meticulous, detailed planning, then delivering over and above their own commitments to residents.” The suburb of Lyons was named after senior Larrakia elder Tommy Lyons, and comprises a total land holding of 77 hectares and 694 dwelling sites. It was the first masterplanned residential community developed in Darwin’s northern suburbs since the 1980’s,
underpinned by DHA’s requirement for 315 homes for Defence families over the life of the project. At Tommy Lyons Park in the Lyons subdivision, Gimbells played a pivotal role in refining design around existing vegetation, and creating an historic link with the construction of a central masonry feature, based on previous WWII gun emplacements found at the site. The park won the MBA Excellence in Commercial Landscaping award in 2010 - one of two such awards received for the Lyons project. At The Heights, Gimbells has been engaged to provide landscaping of streetscapes, parks and public areas, as well as design advice, preservation of existing vegetation, construction of hard and soft landscaping and extended maintenance.
As part of the State Government’s Housing the Territory initiative, The Heights will accommodate 822 residential dwellings and 60 independent living retirement dwellings. With around a third of the lots released to date, completion of the project is expected by late 2019. “CIC has certainly led the way with its vision for social connectedness and community creation,” says David. “Gimbells takes pride in quality and whole of life principles, so the association with CIC, and support for its vision, was a comfortable fit that continues today. We’ve been pleased to contribute to the landscape for both Lyons and The Heights, and have endeavoured to bring local knowledge and insight to both projects.”
Geoff Smith CIC Regional Manager NT/SA
“Gimbells quality systems, management and administrative approach has been clearly evident in the successful completion of various projects with a high level of finish.” TONY COX, CLOUSTONS
Landscape Design & Construction • Maintenance • Irrigation & Drainage • Environmental Services
ACCREDITATIONS
Federal Safety Commission Approved Certified Irrigation Designer – Commercial AS/NZS 4801:2001
LICENCES
Professional Ground Spraying Business Licence No DB/003 Northern Territory Builders Licence Registration No 15110CU Certified Landscape, Turf, Commercial Irrigation Designer LTC2120
REGISTRATIONS
Contractor Accreditation Limited (CAL) Northern Territory Building Practitioners Board
1 0 Bo ul t er R o a d B e rrim ah NT 0828 Tel (0 8 ) 8 9 4 7 3 666 | F ax (08) 8984 4689 Ema i l a d mi n@ g im be lls .co m .au w
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Upfront
AN INTERESTING YEAR IN REAL ESTATE
Newton’s theory that “what goes up must come down” has certainly been tested this year in the real estate market.
The start of the calendar year saw a very strong start to the property market. In the first quarter of the year we saw a small drop in the volume of properties traded, but this was coupled with some extraordinary rises in median values with houses in the Greater Darwin area going up a further 1.6 percent, or $10,000 in the quarter and units took a sizeable jump in median value by 18 percent or $80,000. This upward trend at the start of the year was mirrored in the Palmerston market which took a sizeable hit on sales volumes with house sales volumes falling by 17 percent in the quarter and unit sales volumes were down by 63 percent. But this was countered by very strong gains in the median values with house prices up by 5.6 percent in the quarter to $570,000 and units up by a very strong 18 percent to $490,000. The big news for the property market for the year came at the end of the financial year when we reported the strongest ever financial year sales, since the REINT started keeping statistics. Overall sales (houses and units) came in at a record $1.88 Billion dollars $1,885,454,838 to be more exact. That was $1,024,400,818 in house sales across the NT
and $861,054,020 in units and townhouses. This period also marked the change in the market place. While I am loath to use terminology such as a sellers’ market or buyers’ market, the second half of the year has seen a move to more availability of stock and lower asking prices – essentially a market that favours the buyer. The exception to this being the Palmerston market which, after showing a decrease in sales in the first half, rebounded strongly in the second half and has continued to trade well into the latter part of 2014. Whilst we are awaiting the finalisation of the September Quarter data, anecdotally we are seeing a continuation of lower pricing and longer days on market which is likely to continue for the remainder of this year. However, before people take the Chicken Little approach that the “sky is falling”, we must remember that the housing market, like all other commodity markets, is cyclical and that lower prices do not indicate a market slump, merely an adjustment of pricing and this in turn will require a shift in vendor (seller) expectations. Properties are still selling well, so long as the prices are at market expectations. As to what 2015 holds
for us? Give me a very large crystal ball and I’ll take a stab at predicting the market! Longer term we still have issues of supply as the current stocks are continuing to sell and in the next 12 months to 2 years there are no new major land developments coming to fruition. Depending on what happens with the economic climate and ongoing project growth, coupled with the expected population growth, we could well be heading back into an undersupply position in the not too distant future. But a lot of this is predicated on, and dependent upon, what occurs in the business sector post the INPEX project. All in all the Greater Darwin property market remains robust and for investors it is still producing the highest rental yields in Australia. We just have to remember that the property market does move up and down over time and we also have to remember that when one is selling their ‘home’ – full of memories and wonderful renovations, the buyer is buying a ‘house’ – bricks and mortar and nothing else. You cannot attach intrinsic value to the sale price. So listen to your Agent’s advice; price accordingly and be ready to negotiate.
QUENTIN KILIAN (GAICD, FAIM, PHF, GradCertMigLaw, Commisioner for Oaths NT) Chief Executive Officer Real Estate Institute of Northern Territory Inc.
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VOLVO
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