New Federal Government confirms backing for Gove offer

ADAM GILES - CHIEF MINISTER

Chief Minister Adam Giles has welcomed the appointment of the new Federal Coalition Cabinet which is well placed to manage the important issues facing the Northern Territory.

“I look forward to working with Julie Bishop and Andrew Robb in my capacity as Minister for Asian Relations and Trade, David Johnson in the important portfolio of Defence and Warren Truss on tackling the Territory’s infrastructure needs,” Mr Giles said.

“I would also like to congratulate the Territory’s own Nigel Scullion on his appointment as the Minister for Indigenous Affairs.

“In line with the Federal Coalition’s election commitments to the North, I am also pleased to see Queensland MP Warren Entsch will chair a special committee for development of Northern Australia.”

Mr Giles today spoke with the incoming Federal Industry Minister, Ian Macfarlane, to congratulate him on his appointment.

During the call, Mr Macfarlane confirmed the Australian Government’s support for the East Arnhem region and the NT Government’s offer of gas to Rio Tinto to ensure the Gove refinery stays open.

"Mr Macfarlane has reconfirmed his commitment to underwrite the funding for the building of the gas pipeline from Katherine to Gove in conjunction with the Territory Government’s offer of 175 PJ of gas and 78 PJ of gas coming from another company,” Mr Giles said.

“Both the NT Government and the Australian Government believe that the current offer, combined with financial underwriting of the construction of the gas pipeline,  is a sound deal that will provide certainty for the operations of the Gove processing operations.

“This offer remains predicated on Rio Tinto committing to the Refinery staying open for 20 years, regardless of who the current or future owners may be.

“I look forward to continuing discussions with Rio Tinto and the Australian Government on a long term solution to the energy needs of the Gove Refinery and providing certainty to the businesses and residents of Nhulunbuy.

“I’d particularly like to thank companies Eni, Santos, ConocoPhillips, and APA, along with Ian Macfarlane, for their diligent efforts in working to find a solution to the energy demands of Rio’s Gove refinery.”

Source: ProjectLink.com.au

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