Rio Tinto assistance for Gove a positive start

ADAM GILES - CHIEF MINISTER

The Territory Government is pleased to see Rio Tinto finally offering some details about its transition assistance for Nhulunbuy residents but longer-term support will still be required from the mining company.

“It’s a good start that will address some of Nhulunbuy’s short to medium term needs and we look forward to more heavy lifting from Rio Tinto to support the region as the refinery winds down,” Chief Minister Adam Giles said.

Rio Tinto has today outlined a three year transition support package for businesses and residential property investors in Nhulunbuy.  

This package includes utilities subsidies for businesses, rent reductions for tenants of Rio Tinto commercial properties and mortgage subsidies for people experiencing financial distress.

“These are measures that I’ve been lobbying Rio Tinto to confirm and announce to the people of Nhulunbuy for some time,” Mr Giles said.

“I know the provision of rent relief for businesses was a particular concern and I’m sure these announcements will give some peace of mind to people on the ground.

“The Territory Government continues to support the people of Nhulunbuy through its office in the town.

“The Government has also engaged a panel of independent economic experts to investigate opportunities for new industries and enterprises across the region.

“Panel members were on the ground in Nhulunbuy today listening to ideas from the Taskforce and the Regional Economic Development Committee about potential economic development initiatives for the region.

“These experts will be looking at some of the underpinning infrastructure which might be required to facilitate future growth in the region.

“There is no doubt that transport logistics, air access, ports and roads will be crucial to broadening the economic potential of the region.

“This sort of infrastructure comes with a significant cost however and the Northern Territory Government will be talking to Rio Tinto and the Federal Government about how they could facilitate any major projects.”

Source: ProjectLink.com.au

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