CHINESE ownership of the Darwin Port is again under scrutiny.
Northern Territory representatives are heading to Canberra on Thursday for discussions with the federal government about the future of the port and the possibility of the federal government funding its purchase from Chinese owners Landbridge.
In a statement released by Northern Territory logistics and infrastructure minister, Bill Yan on 4 March, he said the Darwin Port is critical to the Territory’s economic development and is a significant national security asset.
The Territory and federal governments have been engaged since November 2024 looking at options for the port.
There have been questions about Landbridge’s financial position, which Landbridge denied in November 2024.
Following on from the Minister’s announcement Landbridge released a statement saying the announcement had come as a surprise.
None-executive director for Landbridge in Australia, Terry O’Connor said Landbridge and Darwin Port have not been involved in any discussions on the matter.
“As previously stated, and confirmed by our owner today, the Port is not for sale,” Mr O’Connor said.
“Landbridge considers the Port a long-term investment that has reported record operational performance this year. We expect this growth to continue in the future.
“We will await engagement from the Northern Territory Government.”
Earlier the Northern Territory Government had said in a statement that it will take all steps necessary to secure the port’s future.
Agency representatives have been given a very clear Territory-first directive.
Long-term opponent of Landbridge’s ownership the Member for Solomon Luke Gosling has put forward a proposal for a public-private partnership involving federal funding.
Given Mr Gosling’s commentary Mr public commentary, Mr Yan said the federal government needed to end the uncertainty they have created on the future of Darwin Port.
