AU Engine

Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

The Australian and Northern Territory governments are delivering long-awaited upgrades to key roads in Kakadu National Park to improve visitor access, boost safety and support economic growth.

The first tender under the Australian Government’s $70 million program of upgrades opens next week, with construction on Kubara Road and Maguk Road set to begin in 2025.

These works are part of the Australian Government’s $216 million Growing Tourism in Kakadu package.

The package was announced in 2019 and is now being delivered by the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Logistics and Infrastructure (DLI) in partnership with Parks Australia and the federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.

Between 2025 and 2027, upgrades will be completed on five visitor roads – Jim Jim Falls, Maguk, Gimbat, Gunlom and Kubara – to improve flood immunity, support tourism and business, reduce closures and extend safe access to some of the Territory’s most iconic sites.

Importantly, the works will be staged to minimise impact on visitors and operators. 

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“With the increase in unpredictable and extreme weather events, it’s important to have resilient roads which allow reliable access for locals and tourists alike.

 “Improving the standard of these roads will reduce closures, increase productivity and drive the tourism economy of Northern Territory. 

“We want to see tourists flock to Kakadu to take in the best of Australia’s fauna and flora – some of the best anywhere in the world.”

Quotes attributable to NT Minister for Parks and Wildlife and Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby:

“Kakadu is a key economic and cultural asset for the Northern Territory, and these upgrades will support our local communities and tourism operators.

“These improvements will make it easier to visit stunning places like Maguk Gorge, with its stone amphitheatre and plunge pool, and Kubara Pools, near the Nanguluwurr Art Site.

“It’s about delivering action, certainty and security for Traditional Owners, tourism operators and visitors.”

Quotes attributable to NT Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan:

“By raising and sealing roads, installing new culverts, and reducing flooding risks, these upgrades will make key Kakadu attractions safer, more reliable, and open for longer. 

“Construction will be managed carefully to ensure continued access – delivering certainty for locals and the tourism sector.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour:

“This investment will make it safer and easier for people to visit some of Kakadu’s most iconic locations and experience this World Heritage wonder.

“Upgrading these key roads will improve flood resilience and travel conditions, while supporting local businesses and tourism operators.

“These works are part of our broader commitment to making sure Kakadu remains a world-class destination.” 

Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

The final concept designs have been unveiled for the Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct, which will establish the Hunter region as an industry leader in Australia’s transformation to net-zero.    

Community members, prospective commercial partners and international investors attended a virtual-reality walk-through of the site today, where the future design of the precinct was brought to life.The Clean Energy Precinct will be located on a disused 220-hectare site on Kooragang Island, just north of Newcastle’s CBD and straddling the south channel of the Hunter River.

With a $100 million investment from the Australian Government committed in the 22/23 Federal Budget, the Port of Newcastle site will be transformed into a burgeoning industrial hub enabling the production, storage, distribution and export of clean energy products, including green hydrogen and ammonia. The precinct will integrate clean energy production and storage with the Hunter’s Hydrogen Hub gateway projects, the New South Wales Renewable Energy Zones, and offshore wind developments – making it a vital cog in our net zero future.

The Port of Newcastle has been progressing Front-End Engineering and Design and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) studies, backed by community consultation and industry engagement, and today’s release of designs allow the public and potential commercial partners to visualise the planned layout of the precinct infrastructure. 

The precinct infrastructure includes electrical and water services, production facilities, storage, vehicle access, and pipelines for distribution and export.

The EIS will be released publicly later this year, and construction of the precinct is expected to break ground in 2027. 

For progress updates on the Clean Energy Precinct, visit the Port of Newcastle’s website. 

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“Australia’s largest coal port is diversifying its offering and preparing to accommodate new and growing industries on the shores of the Hunter River. 

“Newcastle has always been one of the most productive industrial centres in Australia, and we’re ensuring its legacy continues with the Clean Energy Precinct. 

“It’s crucial that we develop the infrastructure now to be prepared for Australia’s energy future, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here on Kooragang Island.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:

“The Hunter has been an industrial and economic powerhouse for decades, making the Port of Newcastle an ideal location for a Clean Energy Precinct that can support decarbonisation of heavy industry and connect Australia’s renewable resources to the world.

“The Albanese Labor Government is supporting industrial regions like the Hunter to take advantage of the economic and job opportunities that come with reliable renewable energy.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“The Clean Energy Precinct will be the jewel in the crown of Newcastle’s future. 

“It will create thousands of secure and well-paid jobs for Novocastrians, and stimulate the economy of the CBD and surrounds thanks to its central location.

“Being here today to see the plans first hand fills me with excitement for what the future holds for our city, it’s people, and the greater Hunter region.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force are calling for information in relation to an alleged assault that occurred in Tennant Creek early this morning.

Around 1am, emergency services received reports that a woman, aged in her 40’s, was allegedly physically assaulted in the vicinity of Maloney Street by and unknown man, who then also attempted to indecently assault her.

The woman received minor injuries and was conveyed to the Tennant Creek Hospital for assessment.

Investigators have canvassed all available CCTV and are now requesting the publics assistance.

Police are urging anyone who was in the vicinity of Maloney Street around 1am on Sunday 27 July 2025, or who has information about this matter to contact 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500075470.

Anonymous reports can also be made through CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force have charged a youth after a serious assault at the Royal Darwin Show overnight.

Around 8:20pm, police received reports that a 15-year-old male had assaulted another 15-year-old male with a knife at the showgrounds after an altercation.

Police and St John Ambulance attended, and the victim was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital where he currently remains in a stable condition.

The alleged offender fled the scene, with police arresting him a short time later at a residence in Palmerston.

He has now been charged with Recklessly endanger life and Possess, carry, use a controlled weapon.

The 15-year-old remains in custody awaiting a bail review.

Police are still urging anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference P25199834.

Source: New South Wales – News

Just after 11pm on Saturday 26 July, police were called to a house on Stebonheath Road after reports of a disturbance.

A struggle has occurred between two men at the house after one of the men made threats with a firearm.

Patrols arrived and found a 53-year-old Taperoo man dead from a gunshot wound, believed to be from a gun in his possession.

The gun was recovered nearby.

A 31-year-old man from the house is assisting police with their enquiries.

There are no other persons sought over the matter.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

Source: New South Wales – News

It will be alleged that about 5.15pm on Saturday 27 July, a man forced his way into a massage business on Hindley Street and barricaded himself alone inside the premises.

Staff members were not injured.

Security Response Section members and negotiators were called to the scene to assist patrols in removing the man from the business.

Police used capsicum spray and a taser to safely detain the suspect, a 43-year-old Camden Park man.

He was taken to hospital for a mental health assessment and later released into police custody, where he was charged with trespass, disorderly behaviour and resist arrest.

He was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 15 September.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force are investigating after an aggravated assault at the Royal Darwin Show this evening.

Around 8:20pm, police received reports that a 15-year-old male had assaulted another 15-year-old male with a knife at the showgrounds after an altercation.

Police and St John Ambulance attended, and the victim was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital in a serious condition.

The offender fled the scene, and efforts are underway to locate him.

A crime scene has been declared and police are urging anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference P25199834.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Fatal crash, Forth

Saturday, 26 July 2025 – 6:12 pm.

At approximately 12.40pm today, emergency services responded to reports of a crash on Wilmot Road where a tree had fallen onto a 4WD utility as it was travelling on the roadway.
Sadly, the driver of the vehicle, a man in his 50s died at the scene.
The passenger in the vehicle, a woman in her 50s was provided medical assistance at the scene and was being flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital with serious injuries.
Our thoughts and condolences are with everyone affected by the crash.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force no longer hold concerns for the welfare for Nicholas, as it is believed he has gone bushwalking until the 30 July 2025.

Officers from the Search and Rescue Section received the information a short time ago.

Police would like to thank the public for their assistance.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force hold concerns for the welfare of Nicholas, who was last seen on Thursday evening at the Karnamarr Campground, near Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu National Park.

Nicholas arrived at the camp on Wednesday 23 July and paid for one night. On Friday 25 July, the campground manager noticed that his vehicle and camp were still at the location. After conducting initial enquiries around the camp he contacted Kakadu National Park management and the concerns were later escalated to Police. Kakadu National Park Rangers began conducting search operations early Saturday morning, utilising their experienced Rangers and a JetRanger Helicopter.

At 9am on Saturday, the Northern Territory Police Search and Rescue Section were notified and began coordinating search efforts.

A large search operation is underway in the vicinity of the campground and within the Jim Jim Falls region involving ground and aerial teams. Police are working closely with Kakadu National Park Rangers and Traditional Owners.

Anyone who was in the area since Wednesday 23 July who may have dashcam footage or have seen or spoken to the Nicholas is asked to contact NT Police on 131444 and quote reference number P25199346.