Significant Project Champions
22 May 2019
Attracting
private sector investment to the Territory will
be made easier with the introduction of a dedicated team to collaborate
with significant project proponents.
Budget 2019 is providing $1.566m over two years for a team of
Significant Project Champions to help investors navigate the regulatory
and operational environments to expedite their projects.
The team will facilitate investments which are less than $100 million
and are deemed significant. This will fill a gap for support to projects
not large enough to receive Major Project Status, but larger than those
supported by the Small Business Champions.
By providing the resources to support business, private sector
investment can be further leveraged to accelerate and diversify the
Territory’s economy and create more
jobs.
The new team will be supported by a renewed focus on securing timely
delivery of private sector investment across the Territory including
major projects and the expansion of existing businesses large and small.
Major Projects to the value of $55 billion are currently being
facilitated, involving more than 10,000 jobs during construction and
3,000 when operational.
Establishing the Significant Project Champions team is consistent with
The Plan for Budget Repair recommendations, including that an Office of
Investment Attraction be established within the Department of Trade,
Business and Innovation.
The Office will support a more coordinated approach to attracting,
securing and delivering private investment to the Territory. The
specific structure of the Office is being designed to ensure investment
attraction activities deliver maximum value for the Territory.
The Champions will help facilitate the delivery of significant projects,
including helping proponents with relevant legislation, authorisations,
licences and permits.
The Significant Project Champions will operate within the Department of
Trade, Business and Innovation. The creation of the positions will not
increase the agency’s staffing cap.
Quotes from the Minister for Trade, Business and Innovation,
Michael Gunner
“We are open for business and we want to make it as easy as possible to
invest in the Territory.
“We need to ensure the process for investors is streamlined, efficient
and presents the Territory in a consistent and professional manner.
“Our Significant Project Champions are designed to make the investment
journey easier.
“From outlining opportunities, to assisting with approvals and
applications, to final investment decisions, to making projects a
reality, they will help drive economic growth and create jobs.
“There are incredible proposals on the horizon and our Significant
Project Champions will be key to securing these investments.”
--ENDS--
Source: Northern Territory Government - www.newsroom.nt.gov.au
Contact: Media contact: Cameron Angus 0404 021 192.
External Links: N/A
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