ASB and Port of Darwin, page-21

Thanks Astro for distinguishing between operating an entire port and ASB's commercial interest in operating just sustainment and repair facilities.

Despite the 28 December announcement by the Morrison government that the Landbridge lease can continue, more recent reports indicate this remains an open question.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-21/us-military-asset-link-port-of-darwin-landbridge/100847070

And ASPI has an interesting (to wonks) report out on Northern sustainment. Just read the Executive Summary.

https://www.aspi.org.au/report/northern-sovereign-maritime-sustainment

ASB with its recent purchase of Cairns ship facilities has joined the Cairns Regional Maintenance Centre grouping. A similar opportunity exists at Darwin - though whether ASB is interested is a moot point.

My thought was for ASB to take on PoD in an asymmetrical JV with a super fund desiring long life infrastructure assets while ASB operates the fun bits.

The Australian people and US DoD would take considerable comfort from PoD being managed by a trusted operator. Is there a buck in it for ASB? I don't know.

Ash