A $1.5 billion funding package for a new port could be used by the military, as Defence chiefs voice concern over the Solomons Island-China security pact.
Senior ministers have confirmed the federal government is exploring building a new port in the Northern Territory that could also have military uses after ruling outDefence experts have blasted Landbridge’s ongoing ownership of Darwin Port, saying it posed a security risk and impeded an increased military presence by Australian and US warships in the strategically located city.
The Solomons Island government issued a statement saying officials from both countries had “initialled elements” of the agreement before it would be “cleaned up” for ministers to sign.While the Morrison government tries to fend off China in the Pacific, it used Tuesday’s budget to address the long-running sore over the former Northern Territory government’s 99-year lease of Darwin Port to Landbridge.
“This port is for economic development. It may also have benefits for defence, they’re not to be discounted,” he said. “We look forward to continuing to work cooperatively with the Northern Territory government and industry stakeholders to help make this exciting opportunity a reality,” Mr Wallach said.
Mr Dutton last year commissioned a review into the 2015 lease with Landbridge, but it found there were no fresh security grounds to terminate the lease.