Born and bred Territorian Damien Ryan has spent the last 13 years serving his hometown of Alice Springs as Mayor. And now, he has turned his attention to the federal seat of Lingiari, running for the Country Liberal Party at the upcoming election.

He said he is passionate about the Territory and its future, and has "a lot of energy to offer the residents of Katherine."

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"Only the CLP - our team with Jacinta Price in the Senate and our policies - can deliver the strong economy that we need to ensure a stronger future for Territorians," he said.

Here's what he had to say about the key election issues the Katherine Times asked him about:

Environment

Conserving our unique Territory fauna and flora is important to me and I strongly support practical measures to protect our environment, such as the Coalition government's policy to help eradicate gamba grass.

Indigenous Affairs

Having visited numerous communities across the Territory over my time in local government and during this campaign, I know first-hand the need to deliver better housing and roads in particular. I will fight for the delivery of these and hold the Territory Labor Government to account around the liveability of these communities.

Crime

Crime is the number one issue people raise with me. If elected, I will pursue this issue because crime undermines the confidence of residents and businesses in Katherine, and people are entitled to feel safe in their own homes and at their workplaces.

Housing

Affordable housing is a major issue in the Territory because we want our young people to be able to enter the property market and we also want to be able to attract workers from interstate and overseas who will build our economy.

Economy

Only the Coalition government can grow the economy and deliver the local jobs needed in Katherine and the district, and that is why I am backing exciting projects like the $63 million logistics and agribusiness hub here in Katherine announced recently by Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce. That project and resource development, like out at the Beetaloo, will be crucial to secure the Territory's future.

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