ADG - Infrastructure and Upgrades - IES Summary November 2021

Project Overview

NAIF’s loan will support a range of investments as part of an infrastructure expansion package across airport sites in Darwin, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs including:

• the construction of a freight and cold storage and an export hub at Darwin International Airport;
• solar energy farms at Darwin, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs along with an off-site multi-user battery; and
• upgrades to Alice Springs Airport including the resurfacing of the airport’s runway, taxiways and apron and installation of new runway lighting.

The project investments will increase the operational capacity of each airport, create jobs, drive new export opportunities into Asian markets, boost the Northern Territory’s tourism potential and support energy security for businesses and residents in the north.

Key Commitments

• Seek to deliver an Indigenous employment target of 10%.
• Develop a Procurement Plan focusing on Indigenous employment and training opportunities. For each capital project a Project Management Team will oversee procurement activities, workforce commitments and broader partnerships with specialist Indigenous engagement experts and employment service providers.
• Engage with key Indigenous stakeholders, including the Larrakia Development Corporation for the delivery of cultural awareness training and the exploration of other economic development/ business opportunities.

Community Engagement

The IES anchors NT Airports’ commitment to strengthen Indigenous engagement, targeting social and economic advancement for Australia’s First Peoples. NT Airports is seeking to put frameworks and strategies in place to better engage with Indigenous businesses and work in partnership with Indigenous people to develop community and business leadership, enhance mutual respect and cultural understand, and to create prosperity and leverage opportunities for local communities and the broader region.

NT Airports are seeking to:

• Identify positive economic development and business opportunities for Indigenous people throughout the business;
• Enhance cultural awareness, inclusivity and education regarding Indigenous people throughout the business;
• Commit to provide a supportive environment for all employees;
• Encourage Indigenous business enterprises to participate in NT       Airports procurement processes.

Supporting stronger communities – employment and contracting

Mandatory cross-cultural competency training delivered by local specialist – contractors will be invited to participate. Training and education for project managers and tradespeople will be sought from Larrakia Development Corporation (or other suitably qualified training providers).

To build stronger employment prospects NT Airports will coordinate pathways to further upskill Indigenous staff where traineeships, apprenticeships and/or work experience opportunities arise.

To provide procurement, contracting and business development opportunities NT Airports will:

• Explore partnership opportunities with Indigenous employment agencies including potential best practice employment approaches, mentoring, capacity building etc.
• Develop procurement practices supporting and encouraging use of Indigenous contractors and promoting Indigenous participation from planning stage of capital works.
• Developing communication strategies to share supply opportunities with Indigenous contractors.
• Explore partnership opportunities with the NT Indigenous Business Network.

Ongoing IES progress reports will be made by the CEO to the Board.