NT - Port of Darwin leased to China

[Rorschach]

So who agrees with this decision... that the Chinese be given a 99 year lease of the Port.

[mantra]

Aside from our politicians - only the Chinese would agree with this deal. Two other ports are included. Not only will we be coping with the Chinese FTA exacerbating the dumping ground we've already become - we'll have thousands of Chinese workers entering via these ports without security checks by the coast guards and immigration. We are losing control of Australia. We may as well write the NT off. I don't believe Turnbull's crap that Defence has no security concerns about the lease.

The Prime Minister has repeatedly defended the lease arrangements.

"Naturally Defence has access to the port if required," the statement said.

"Regardless, Defence has made it very clear it has no security concerns about the lease."

The Prime Minister also stressed Defence could step in and take over management of the port for national security reasons.

But Luke Gosling, the Labor candidate for the federal seat of Solomon in Darwin, said the Prime Minister had misunderstood the port lease deal.

"According to the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory's release, the facilities that are included in the lease of the port for 99 years — almost a century — includes facilities like Fort Hill Wharf that are used not only by the Australian Navy but also the militaries of other countries as well, so it would be good if the Prime Minister, when coming to the north, knew what he was talking about," Mr Gosling said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-20/t ... ry/6958404

[Rorschach]

Well you'd think considering its position where Darwin is, it is an important strategic port militarily. IMO the decision is poor and wrong.

[Black Orchid]

So who agrees with this decision... that the Chinese be given a 99 year lease of the Port.

A definite NO from me.

[AiA in Atlanta]

Probably part of the greater Chinese strategy which includes reclaiming lands in the South China Sea. The Americans object to the lease, of course. But Americans are quick to sell their own infrastructure to pay off debt.

[IQS.RLOW]

I think it's about time the NT started to earn some $$$ from leasing their infrastructure. They've been a drain on everyone else for far too long and the Chinese angle is simply xenophobic bullshit.

[AiA in Atlanta]

I don't know the details of this Chinese deal but I suspect the Chinese got the better of the Aussies just like they do with the Americans: American states sell/lease toll roads and other infrastructure to Chinese companies and get a large sum of money up front in return but that money is gone in a few short years while the Chinese are still collecting tolls/fees 99 years later. Typical politician MO - make a move that looks good in the short-run and helps your political career but fucks everyone else in the long-run.

[Rorschach]

The dumb line being dragged through the media is one reminiscent of the cries of RACIST back in Keatings days... an attempt to silence dissent.

They now claim that being against the leasing is just racism or xenophobia... only an idiot would believe that. Only and idiot would not see the military importance of Darwin due to its geographic position.

[mantra]

I don't know the details of this Chinese deal but I suspect the Chinese got the better of the Aussies just like they do with the Americans: American states sell/lease toll roads and other infrastructure to Chinese companies and get a large sum of money up front in return but that money is gone in a few short years while the Chinese are still collecting tolls/fees 99 years later. Typical politician MO - make a move that looks good in the short-run and helps your political career but fucks everyone else in the long-run.

It is being leased for $506 million - I assume per annum, but wouldn't be surprised if it was for a longer period. Even so - half a billion is nothing compared to the environmental damage which will be caused by the huge volume of cargo (and other) ships which will commence using the ports. The security and occupation problem will be far more serious.

Clyde Palmer is saying what the government should be saying.

BILLIONAIRE Clive Palmer has called on the Coalition Government to take control of the Darwin Port, raising fears the Chinese Government may be using it as a starting point for a secret invasion.

Mr Palmer told The Australian over the weekend the Federal Government should take over the port immediately and give back Landbridge’s $506 million lease payment.

“The Government should resume the port now, the Federal Government, give the Chinese back their money and keep our faith with our American allies,” he said.

“If you remember D-Day it was very difficult setting up a port invading the country (of France) at that time. If you could just sail up, unload your troops, catch a bus to downtown Darwin, it might be easier. Darwin was set up mainly, for a lot of reasons, as a defence facility. We’re forgetting that, a lot of Australians, we’re stupid.”

http://www.ntnews.com.au/business/billi ... 7619700980

[Neferti]

Clive Palmer is a fat fool. I would ignore anything he says.