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Articles by Daniel A Fitzgerald
Crocodile eggs cook in sun as rain comes late to Top End nesting season
Crocodile farms in the Northern Territory pay big money for wild eggs collected by Indigenous rangers. But many wild eggs have had unviable embryos this wet season due to hotter-than-usual weather and late rains. Croc parks with egg climate control say they have had "a really good year", hatching a strong new wave of saltwater crocodiles. Selling crocodile eggs is an important business for remote Indigenous rangers who brave Top End swamps to collect them for farms near Darwin.
Duxton Farms chosen to develop 24,000-hectare Wildman Agricultural Precinct
The ASX-listed agribusiness Duxton Farms has been chosen to develop the Northern Territory's Wildman Agricultural Precinct, covering nearly 24,000 hectares about 135 kilometres east of Darwin. Duxton Farms produces cereal crops, cotton, wool and livestock across 10 leased and owned properties in New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory.
Biosecurity levy bill scrapped by federal government in 'huge win' for farmers
The federal government has scrapped its proposed biosecurity levy, which would have seen $50 million per year collected from the agricultural sector. The proposed levy was deeply unpopular with farming groups and failed to get the support of the Coalition or the Greens. Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Julie Collins said the government had listened to farmers and withdrew the bill on Wednesday.
Arafura Rare Earths mine to receive further $200m in public investment
A federal government body will invest a further $200 million in developing a Northern Territory rare earths mine and processing facility, bringing total public funding commitments for the project to more than $1 billion. The National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) will make the equity investment in Arafura Rare Earths' Nolans Project, which aims to produce neodymium and praseodymium at its proposed mine, 125 kilometres north of Alice Springs.
Livestock shipping company Wellard to sell only remaining vessel, considers delisting from ASX
Livestock shipping company Wellard is considering its future after striking a deal to sell its only remaining revenue-generating asset, the Ocean Drover, for $81 million. The 176-metre-long vessel is capable of carrying 20,000 cattle or 75,000 sheep and was described by Wellard as "the world's second-largest purpose-built livestock carrier". It will be sold to a Turkish agribusiness, pending the approval of Wellard's shareholders, with an expected sale completion in July.
Project Sea Dragon appeal dismissed by Federal Court, company to be liquidated
The company behind a $1.5 billion plan to build the world's largest prawn farm on a remote Northern Territory cattle station will be liquidated following a failed appeal in the Federal Court. In February, the court found Seafarms subsidiary Project Sea Dragon had been insolvent since at least June 2020 with the judge ordering liquidators be appointed to wind up the company.
Gold prices are at record highs, so why can't new projects attract investment?
Gold prices have hit new record highs almost every month in the past year, with global conflicts and economic insecurity seeing investors flock to the precious metal. While gold producers are selling their product for never-before-seen prices, investment has not been flowing to those looking to develop new mines. Association of Mining and Exploration Companies chief executive Warren Pearce has described it as an "unusual situation" that has not occurred in about 50 years.
Darwin's waste helps power 1,200 houses a year as council creates circular economy
For the past 20 years, an energy project on the outskirts of Darwin has been quietly generating renewable electricity 24 hours a day. It comes from a huge pile of the city's waste. As organic matter disposed of at the Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility breaks down, it produces landfill biogas. Renewable energy company LMS Energy uses that biogas to fuel a modified Caterpillar engine, producing about 10,000 megawatt hours of electricity annually. "It powers about 1,200 homes on an annual basis.
Dewatering at South32's Groote Eylandt mine probed after vegetation dieback
The Northern Territory's environment department is investigating vegetation dieback on Groote Eylandt believed to have been caused by the dewatering of mining pits on the island. Named by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1644, Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria is home to a manganese mine owned by South32 subsidiary GEMCO.
Mining company ERA claims Jabiluka lease refusal 'secret' and 'unfair'
Federal Minister for Resources Madeleine King met with Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) for just 10 minutes one month before she gave "unfair" advice not to renew its Jabiluka mining lease in the Northern Territory, the company has claimed. ERA chief executive Brad Welsh outlined the limited engagement he received from the Commonwealth over the future of its Jabiluka project in Federal Court documents made public on Tuesday.
Cattle sector mourns loss of the 'greatest advocate' the industry 'ever had'
Australia's agriculture sector is mourning the loss of one of its most respected leaders, Luke Bowen. Mr Bowen led the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association (NTCA) for six years and steered the industry through its toughest crisis, the 2011 ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia. In 2023, he became the inaugural chief executive of Cattle Australia, the new peak body for grass-fed cattle producers.
Groundwater available for extraction in Western Davenport cut by 50 per cent
The amount of water available for extraction in the Western Davenport region has been cut by 70,705 megalitres. Environment Minister Kate Worden says the reduction is a reflection of community consultation, including with traditional owners. The water plan will be reviewed after three years, while its largest licence holder, Singleton Station, needs environmental approval before it can start using its 40,000 megalitre licence.
SunCable receives environmental approval for massive solar project
SunCable's project to develop "the world's largest renewable energy precinct" in the remote Northern Territory has received crucial environmental approvals, but a final investment decision on the $30 billion-plus project is not expected until 2027. The company plans to build a 10 gigawatt, 12,400-hectare solar farm near Elliott and transport electricity to Darwin via an 800-kilometre overhead transmission line, then on to Singapore through a subsea cable.
Stylo Station transformed into Indian sandalwood plantation
Stylo Station on the outskirts of Mataranka has been transformed over the past few months by Indian sandalwood company Tropical Forestry Services (TFS). The company bought the property, 370km south-east of Darwin, in December from the MacFarlane family, with a controversial 5.8 gigalitre water licence attached to the sale. Loading...
Northern Territory faces blackouts within four years unless investment in electricity grid increases, commission says
In short: The Northern Territory's electricity grid needs "significant" investment to keep lights on and reach the renewable energy target. The Utilities Commission warns of "shortfalls in capacity" within four years unless ageing generation capacity is replaced. What's next? The NT government says it is continuing to invest in infrastructure to support renewables.
$49 million Darwin floodplain property sale brings owner's beef export ambitions closer to reality
In short: Woolner Station has been bought by Rallen Australia, which owns six other cattle properties in the Northern Territory. The 65,000-hectare property includes extensive floodplain country in a tightly-held region. What's next? Rallen Australia says it will improve infrastructure and increase the station's carrying capacity. Woolner Station, one of the tightly-held floodplain properties east of Darwin, has been bought by Rallen Australia for $49 million.
Mystery disease killing thousands of Darwin mango trees and looms as NT election issue
In short: A disease known as mango twig tip dieback is killing thousands of trees and impacting mango production near Darwin. Farmers and agronomists are baffled by what causes the disease and how to treat it. What's next? The NT Department of Industry is researching its cause and the NT Farmers Association is calling for more funding to combat its impacts.
South32 rules out Groote Eylandt manganese exports for rest of 2024 after cyclone damage
In short: South32 will not export any manganese ore from Groote Eylandt for almost 12 months. Groote Eylandt's wharf was partially destroyed and South32's mine was extensively damaged during Tropical Cyclone Megan in March. What's next? South32 is continuing to repair mining infrastructure and it's still calculating the full cost of the cyclone damage.
Frangipani trees 'hammered' in Darwin by exotic papaya mealybug. Could ladybirds stop the spread?
In short: The papaya mealybug was confirmed to be in Australia in July 2023. It has since spread through the suburbs of Darwin and is a threat to commercial papaya production, as well as backyard trees. What's next? The NT government is releasing native ladybirds onto frangipani trees to combat the exotic pest. Frangipani trees across Darwin are getting "hammered" by an exotic pest called papaya mealybug.
Eni to review plans for carbon-intensive Verus gas field to minimise 'environmental footprint'
In short: Italian company Eni says it is reviewing plans to develop a new gas field in the Timor Sea to reduce its environmental footprint. The gas field has a very high carbon dioxide content, making it environmentally risky and expensive to develop. What's next? Eni has put its development plans on hold while it reassess the project. Italian resource giant Eni is reviewing multi-billion-dollar development plans for an extremely carbon-intensive new gas field in the Timor Sea.
After 'muddiest grand final ever', the race is on to get Darwin footy oval ready for NRL, AFL
In short: The NTFL grand final was one of the muddiest in history, after more than 200mm of rain and seven games in 24 hours on the same oval. Groundskeepers are confident they can regrow the grass. What's next? The Marrara oval will host an NRL game in April and two AFL games in May. To play in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) you've got to be willing to get dirty.
ERA applies to extend lease on Jabiluka uranium mine against traditional owners' wishes
In short: Mining company ERA has applied to extend its lease on the Jabiluka uranium deposit for another 10 years. Mirarr traditional owners are fiercely opposed to the lease extension and any mining at Jabiluka. What's next? ERA's lease application will be assessed by the NT government and the company needs to spend at least $2.4 billion to rehabilitate the former Ranger uranium mine.
Gas stops flowing from Northern Territory to east coast as $800m pipeline sits idle
Gas has stopped flowing through the only pipeline from the Northern Territory to the east coast, highlighting uncertainty in the region’s gas supply. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Gas stops flowing from Northern Territory to east coast as $800m pipeline sits idle
In short: The Northern Gas Pipeline is not transporting any gas from the Northern Territory to Queensland. Supply issues in an offshore field mean there's not enough gas to run the NT's electricity grid as well as export gas. What's next? The pipeline may reopen in June, when gas supplies increase. Gas has stopped flowing through the only pipeline from the Northern Territory to the east coast, highlighting uncertainty in the region's gas supply.
Wild-caught barramundi is a dining table favourite, but can it continue? Original
In short: The future of the wild-caught barramundi is uncertain, with a number of groups calling for bans on the use of gill nets. The NT Seafood Council has defended the industry as "sustainable". What's next? Restrictions have been placed on the commercial sector and the industry is being reviewed. When tourists head to northern Australia, many people want to try some local, wild-caught barramundi.
Northern Land Council elects Matthew Ryan as chair as CEO Joe Martin-Jard departs
In short: Northern Land Council's chief executive will depart just days after the organisation elected a new chair. Matthew Ryan was elected as chair of the powerful Indigenous organisation. What's next? The council will begin recruitment for a new chief executive. One of the Northern Territory's most powerful organisations, the Northern Land Council, has had a leadership shake-up with the election of a new chair and departure of its chief executive.
Embattled prawn farm project liable for multi-million-dollar payout after being ruled insolvent
In short: The Federal Court has ruled Seafarms' $2 billion prawn project on a NT cattle station is insolvent, pending an appeal. The project entered voluntary administration in February 2023. What's next? The ABC understandsProject Sea Dragon will appeal the decision. Renewed plans to build one of the world's largest prawn farms on a remote Northern Territory cattle station look to have been derailed by a Federal Court ruling.
A new type of high stakes agricultural land sale is emerging, and it's making millions by selling 'highly problematic' investments
In short: Two NT cattle stations are being marketed for their ability to generate carbon credits in a deal claimed to be worth more than $100 million. Critics have questioned "highly problematic" carbon credit methodology. What's next? If a deal is struck it will be the first of its kind for the emerging carbon sector. Two Northern Territory cattle stations have been put up for sale, with a specific buyer in mind: companies with a large carbon footprint.
NT Supreme Court dismisses legal challenge over massive groundwater licence at Singleton Station
The Northern Territory Supreme Court has dismissed a legal challenge over whether the NT government acted lawfully when it re-granted one of the largest groundwater licences in Australia's history to the owner of a Central Australian cattle station.
Victims in live export class action 'denied justice' as federal government rejects latest multi-million dollar settlement
The federal government has rejected an offer to settle the long-running live export class action, a move described as "callous" by the National Farmers Federation (NFF).
Billionaires Andrew 'Twiggy' and Nicola Forrest increase stake in Australia's largest cattle company
Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest and his former partner Nicola Forrest could be on the verge of launching a takeover of Australia's largest cattle company after their shareholding increased to just under the takeover threshold this week.
Australian helium production ends after Santos's gas supply for Darwin plant runs out
The only helium production plant in the southern hemisphere, located in Darwin, has shut down after its gas supply was exhausted. BOC has ceased helium production at its Darwin plant Santos's Bayu-Undan gas field has depleted, shutting down Darwin LNG New helium resources are being explored in Central Australia BOC had been producing helium as a by-product from the Santos-owned Darwin LNG plant since 2010.
Live export ban class action seeks up to A$900m from Australia's federal government in counter offer
By Daniel Fitzgerald The applicants in the long-running class action over Australia's 2011 live export ban have made a counter offer for compensation from the federal government in an attempt to settle the case more than three years after a court ruled in their favour.
Live export ban class action seeks up to $900 million from federal government in counter offer
The applicants in the long-running class action over Australia's 2011 live export ban have made a counter offer for compensation from the federal government in an attempt to settle the case more than three years after a court ruled in their favour.
Rio Tinto's demolition of Gove refinery on its way to recycle 142,000 tonnes of scrap metal
Mining company Rio Tinto says it is undertaking the largest demolition project in Australia's history, taking apart an old alumina refinery in north-east Arnhem Land with the first scrap metal from the site shipped to Asia.
Sea Dumping legislation to allow Santos's carbon capture and storage project
The federal government's Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Amendment (Using New Technologies to Fight Climate Change) Bill has passed the Senate with the support of the Coalition. With a title like that, you'd be forgiven for thinking it wouldn't have much to do with fossil fuels. But speaking in the Senate, the Greens' Peter Whish-Wilson called the legislation "a naked and shameless attempt to facilitate the dirtiest fossil fuel project in our nation's history".
Fires lit by 'scumbags' have burnt millions of hectares and NT land managers are livid
More than 13 million hectares of Northern Territory land has gone up in flames in the past two months. Many recent fires are believed to have been deliberately lit Land managers are "livid" about repeated arson About 80 per cent of the NT is expected to burn before March 2024 The extent of country burnt has not been seen in more than a decade, with close to 80 per cent of the NT expected to burn by March 2024.
Beetaloo Basin greenhouse emissions significantly underestimated, climate institute claims
Beetaloo Basin’s greenhouse gas emissions could be 45 per cent more than estimates in a crucial CSIRO report, which a climate institute has labelled “systemically biased”. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Beetaloo Basin greenhouse emissions significantly underestimated, climate institute claims
The amount of greenhouse gas that will be produced by developing the Northern Territory's Beetaloo Basin has been debated almost since the resource was first discovered.
Cattle company fined for breaching biosecurity rules with 'complete disregard' for industry
A cattle company has been convicted and fined in the Darwin local court for three counts of breaching Northern Territory biosecurity regulations.
Bushfire continues to burn through more than 2.8 million hectares in the Northern Territory's Barkly
Northern Territory cattle producers are hoping a series of backburns over 160 kilometres long will help stop a fire that has burnt more than 2.8 million hectares in the Barkly region.
NT fire that has burnt through 2 million hectares rages towards Queensland border
A major highway in the Northern Territory has been closed because of a monster fire in the Barkly region that has been burning for weeks and scorched more than two million hectares.
Traditional owners impose snap ban on barramundi fishing in north-east Arnhem Land
The traditional owners say the practice of gillnetting is having an unacceptable impact on the environment and are pushing to establish a joint management agreement with the NT government. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Traditional owners impose snap ban on barramundi fishing in north-east Arnhem Land
Yolngu traditional owners have halted commercial barramundi fishing in an important region in north-east Arnhem Land, claiming industry practices have led to the deaths of dolphins, dugongs, turtles and crocodiles.
Darwin mango season kicks off, with 2.3 million trays expected to be picked
The Northern Territory's mango season is underway, with 23,000 trays of fruit sent to southern markets last week. NT's first mangoes of the season are being picked and packed Darwin region expected to produce about 2.3 million trays of mangoes Mango growers will not be able to use popular post-harvest pesticide The Darwin region is forecast to produce about 2.3 million trays this year, according to the Australian Mango Industry Association, down from about 2.6 million last season.
NT's Annaburro Station sold to ex-V8 race car driver Neil Schembri Original
The Northern Territory's Annaburroo Station has been bought by an ex-V8 race car driver and businessman from New South Wales. Neil Schembri has bought Annaburroo Station in the NT The 29,010-hectare property was sold with about 2,600 cattle Several other large NT cattle stations are on the market Neil Schembri — who drove in the V8 racing competition in the 1990s — has purchased the 29,010-hectare cattle and buffalo property, which sits about 120 kilometres south-east of Darwin.
Malaysia suspends import of live cattle from Australia citing lumpy skin disease concerns
Malaysia has become the second country to suspend live imports from Australia, following Indonesia’s concerns over the livestock disease. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Malaysia suspends import of live cattle from Australia citing lumpy skin disease concerns
Malaysia has paused the import of all live cattle and buffalo from Australia, following Indonesia's decision to halt imports from four Australian facilities over concerns about lumpy skin disease (LSD) last month.
Wild Barra Fisheries' Darwin barramundi processing facility aims to utilise 100 per cent of a fish
The barramundi is an icon of the Northern Territory, but for a long time a lot of the wild-caught barra was sent to southern states for processing.
Live export industry awaits lumpy skin disease testing, responding to Indonesian concerns
Cattle producers in northern Australia are facing a nervous wait, as authorities scramble to test animals for lumpy skin disease (LSD) to reassure Indonesian authorities it is not in the country.
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