Delegates to Seek Leveraging Opportunities at Northern Territory Major Projects Conference

Sept. 4, 2012 - PRLog -- The opportunity to capitalise on proposed infrastructure plans has encouraged over 400 delegates to confirm their attendance at the 3rd Annual Northern Territory Major Projects Conference being held at the Darwin Convention Centre on 30-31 October 2012. This event is the largest in the state’s infrastructure industry, bringing the private and public sector together to discuss the planning and delivery of critical development in resources and mining, housing, health, education, land, justice, tourism, water and transport sectors.

Attendees are eager to learn of openings in the resource sector from ventures such as the Wonarah Rock Phosphate project and the new export facility in the Gulf of Carpentaria for stockpiling bulk commodity. Inpex's offshore LNG project, Ichthys, was opened in March this year and is the second-largest single resources investment in Australia’s history. The cattle industry is also getting a boost with the Livingstone Valley meat processing facility which is among the projects expected to provide significant social and economic benefits to the Territory. Other topics at the conference, which is being supported by Platinum Sponsor DB Schenker, include the Darwin Prison, the marine supply base and tourism-related investment opportunities.

As a major gas hub the boom in the Northern Territory is showing little sign of slowing, making planned construction projects an attractive leveraging opportunity for businesses. Since 2001, infrastructure spending has risen 252 per cent and has injected a massive $10 billion into the economy. According to the Territory Economic Review released last month, private investment in the Territory increased by nearly 30 per cent in the March 2012 quarter, driven by interest in the major mining projects planned for the region.

Trade with Asia is of growing importance to Australia, accounting to almost 50 per cent of Australia’s merchandise shipments. Darwin’s proximity to Asia positions it perfectly to take advantage of these powerhouse economies. The fully integrated rail and road transport network with the East Arm Port and Darwin Business Park are all advanced initiatives showing private and public sector commitment to the region’s emerging status as a world leader in mineral exploration and extraction. To aid the further growth of the resources industry innovative strategic planning and continued infrastructure investment will be vital.

The Major Projects Conference is being supported by the Northern Territory government which plans to add $1.3 billion over the next 5 years to accompany investments made from the private sector. The expanding on land and offshore exploration activity has driven an influx of newcomers to the Northern Territory and the demand for skilled labourer is on the rise. To support this growth the Department of Construction and Infrastructure is planning new suburbs, road upgrades, and new buildings including hospitals, schools and recreation facilities as well as strategic land developments, all of which are vital in assisting the success of the resource industry.

The event’s notable line-up of speakers include expert geologist Ian Scrimgeour, Terry O’Connor, CEO of the Darwin Port Corporation and John Devereaux of the Power & Water Corporation, who will be revealing the strategic plans, funding requirements and detailing the major projects proposed for the region. Major events sponsors AECOM, QA Software, ProjectLink, Blackwoods, Leighton, MSS, Sitzler, Aconex, ILX Group and KPMG will be among the businesses keen to network with participants.

Expotrade, the organisers of the Northern Territory Major Projects Conference 2012 are expecting this year’s event to be the largest yet. Expotrade is a global conference and event organiser with its head office based in Melbourne, Australia who has delivered some of the largest, most successful B2B industry conferences and events.