28 January 2004
Passenger
Terminal ready for first Ghan
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The
Darwin Passenger Terminal at East Arm is all but complete and ready for
the first Ghan passenger train Acting Transport and Infrastructure
Minister, John Ah Kit, said today.
Viewing the Larrakia indigenous art work on display at the facility Mr Ah Kit said minor works would be completed before The Ghan arrives and finishing touches would be added to the art.
“The terminal looks great and the Larrakia artwork is an excellent example of the skill of the two indigenous artists, Joe Raymond and Ken Reid,” he said.
“I would like to congratulate Territory construction company Sunbuild for delivering this $2.4 million project on time - it’s a great example of a construction company working with indigenous arts organisations to deliver a quality Territory product.
“The passenger facility was
one of the last remaining chapters to complete the
Mr Ah Kit said that while interest in the first freight train was immense he expected the first passenger train to match it with thousands of people set to welcome The Ghan as it travels up through the Territory.
“The Ghan is less than a
week from arriving and with it a new wave of passengers and an important
boost for our tourism industry.”
Mr Ah Kit also said that up to $100,000 would be spent building permanent tourist information booths at the Darwin and Katherine terminals.
“All passengers will be greeted by tourism representatives at the station, however, we believe the facility will be improved by permanent information booths to meet the huge influx of passengers on the Ghan,” he said.
The new Darwin Passenger Terminal features:
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1200-metre long rail height platform
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Rail/Bus transfer facility
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Parking and access for vehicles, including coaches/taxis/hire cars
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Public toilets and showers
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Air-conditioned seating areas
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Undercover outdoor seating
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Office/First aid facility
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Landscaping
Work on the