It wasn’t a good start for of the Barkly’s economic future when news broke recently about Sun Cable’s entry in voluntary administration.

Member for Barkly and Shadow Minister for Mining and Tourism Steve Edgington says the announcement seriously undermines Labor’s promise of a $40 billion economy by 2030.

“The Fyles Labor government keeps talking about their $40 billion economy but they’re not capable of building one,” he said.

“In six years, Labor has not delivered a single major project and all the major projects they were backing for the $40 billion pledge are under a cloud or folded.”

Mr Edgington said major projects like Sea Dragon, Waterfront Hotel, and the $10 million NT Beverages debacle were all failures while the $100 million Ship Lift project is now a $515 dollar project (from an original $100 million) with a joint venture partner under administration.

“Labor promised the world but delivered nothing, proving they can’t be trusted with the economy,” he said.

“This Labor government lacks the business expertise or experience to identify and deliver major projects.

“Territorians would be justified in having zero confidence in their ability to deliver a $40 billion economy by 2030.”

The Sun Cable project hit the rocks after billionaire investors Mike Cannon-Brookes and Andrew “Twiggy Forrest” could not agree on its future. 

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 20 January 2023.