Its now or never.Infrastructure funds in theworks to ease NT...

Its now or never.

Infrastructure funds in theworks to ease NT tourism hit after closure of Kakadu, Uluru

NATASHAEMECK, NT News

March 28,2020 1:30am

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PRIMEMinister Scott Morrison is working with the NT Government to shortly roll outseveral “shovel ready” infrastructure projects in the Territory following theclosure of two major tourist attractions.

Tourismoperators have been seriously troubled by the closure of the Kakadu andUluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks to the public on Thursday.

KakaduTourism said almost all services except skeleton staff at the two hotels wouldbe shut and staff stood down.

Aspokesman from Mr Morrison’s office responded to questions from the NT News onwhat they were doing to help the Territory’s struggling tourism industry.

Thespokesman said the PM’s office was currently working closely with the NTGovernment to consider further “shovel ready” infrastructure projects, a numberof which are actively under assessment.

“Onebillion dollars has also been announced to support those regions that have beendisproportionately affected by the economic impacts of the coronavirus,including those heavily reliant on tourism,” he said.

“Thiswill include the waiver of fees and charges for tourism businesses that operatein Commonwealth national parks, such as Kakadu.

“Thesealso include additional assistance to help businesses identify alternativeexport markets or supply chains, as well as targeted measures that will bedeveloped to further promote domestic tourism.”

KakaduTourism chair Rick Allert said the decision to stop operations for tourists hadbeen made to safeguard the welfare of nearby indigenous communities.

“As afully indigenous-owned business, our first priority is the health and wellbeingof our staff and the population within Kakadu National Park,” Mr Allert said