Mr Gunner repeated government promises for Katherine and the NT, but did not make any new announcements. 

About 160 people from Katherine and local industries gathered at Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre for Mr Gunner’s presentation. 

“Most small towns are backed by one industry, but Katherine has it all,” Mr Gunner said. 

“Katherine is advancing under this Government,” he said. 

With the recent decision to allow fracking to proceed in NT, Mr Gunner said his government had kept their promises. 

“We promised an independent inquiry, and we promised to accept the evidence,” he said. 

Mr Gunner acknowledged the emotion and disappointment felt by many Katherine locals, but made assurances that Katherine town would remain a no-go fracking zone. 

“49 per cent of the Territory will remain frack free,” he said. 

There is nothing like the NT in the world, “and it is high time we shout it from the roof”, Mr Gunner said. 

The government’s stimulus package to turbocharge the Territory’s tourism industry will go ahead. 

The investment will go towards upgrading tourism facilities and attractions, making walks accessible for more people, and creating more jobs. 

“We have invested $27 million for marketing to tell the world what we have here,” Mr Gunner said. 

Mr Gunner said this is a “great investment” which would see a $145 million return over two years. 

“This is a stimulus package that far exceeds anything we’ve done before,” he said. 

With Katherine being an important central agribusiness hub, the government is looking at more ways to support and develop the integral industries. 

“We are looking at growing new varieties of mangoes and new opportunities to grow soy beans and asparagus,” Mr Gunner said. 

There has also been a high level of interest from Chinese investors looking at donkey farming as demand for donkey products is on the rise and supplies in China fall. 

 Mr Gunner said the NT Government is up to about 50 different enquiries from different Chinese interests.   

“We are Australia’s future,” Mr Gunner said. 

“But there is more we can do to get people living here.”

With mining in resurgence, Mr gunner said more jobs are on the way. 

And with a $1.5 billion upgrade to defense infrastructure rolled out over the next five years, Mr Gunner said “this is an amazing opportunity for local businesses”. 

Discussing the recent crime issues facing Katherine, Mr Gunner said “no longer will wine be cheaper than water”. 

“We need to tackle alcohol problems and get Katherine Police back to what they are trained for,” he said.