Perhaps the known unknown that could push us right to NAIF's Jan 2021 deadline would be a delayed Queensland election result. It does look like Labor will win comfortably, however, we require a functioning State Govt to execute the NAIF paperwork. With over a million postal votes anticipated it's possible we'll be waiting 2-4 weeks (i.e. potentially till early Dec.) if a party refuses to concede early.
This may have been NAIF's thinking when extending to Jan 31st. I'd give a significantly delayed election about a 5% chance, and I'm sure all parties are aware of this scenario.
As you'd expect, we have had strong support being a fully-funded job-generating project in a recession. However, Powerlink are visibly impatient and keen for us to accept the O&M offer, conclude the JV arrangements, and reach financial close.
