THE NORTHERN Territory government is worried about the financial status of Darwin Port operator, Landbridge.
A statement released by treasurer Bill Yan on 27 November, said the government had been made aware of concerns surrounding the financial status of the Chinese-owned Landbridge.
“We have provided notice to the federal government given the port’s national significance,” the report said.
“The Territory Government has written to Landbridge seeking further information about their financial status, and ability to meet their payment obligations.
“This additional information will guide the Territory Government’s next steps regarding operations at the Port.
“Our immediate focus is to ensure the Port remains operational while its longer term future is confirmed.
Mr Yan will meet with the federal government’s transport minister Catherine King, to discuss this issue in Canberra tomorrow.
“The Northern Territory is reviewing our rights, and our future action will be made in the best interests of Territorians.”
The purchase of Darwin Port nine years ago by the Chinese-owned Landbridge has been surrounded by controversy.
In 2015 Landbridge paid $506 million in a Northern Territory tender for a 99-year lease over the port.
The previous federal government ordered a review of the deal in 2021 because of fears over national security, however the defence department review said there were insufficient grounds to scrap the lease.
Darwin Port has been approached for comment.
