Two five-year contractor panels established to fast-track road repairs after natural disasters.
In a major move to cut red tape to speed up repairs, there are 29 panel appointments involving 18 companies.
The Government has also awarded a $3.2m contract to upgrade the Territory’s key 24/7 operational emergency communications centre.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is strengthening the Territory’s disaster readiness by cutting red tape with the establishment of two contractor panels to help communities recover faster when severe weather strikes.
The Government is also awarding a $3.2m contract to upgrade the Territory’s key 24/7 operational communications centre in readiness for the upcoming Higher Risk Weather Season, being launched today by Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley and NT Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Andrew Warton.
The fast-track disaster repair panels will enable quicker mobilisation of civil contractors for emergency repairs and longer-term reconstruction, reducing delays in restoring vital road connections.
The Emergency Restoration and Immediate Reconstruction panel includes 13 companies to undertake emergency works and immediate reconstruction within the first three months following a natural disaster.
Logistics and Infrastructure Minister Bill Yan said the panels would cut red tape and speed up urgent repairs.
“Having pre-qualified contractors in place means we can streamline procurement once damage is assessed and get crews working sooner,” Minister Yan said.
“Every road reopened helps reconnect a community, get freight through and support local businesses. Faster repairs mean a faster recovery for the Territory.”
The Reconstruction of Road and Bridge Assets Panel includes 16 companies to deliver longer-term reconstruction of roads, bridges, culverts, footpaths and drainage.
In the event of a natural disaster, the NT Government will assess the damage and award work to businesses based on their capability and proximity to the affected location. This streamlined process will help crews mobilise sooner, restore vital road connections faster and accelerate recovery.
The severity of the Wet Season and the scale of damage to NT roads will determine the value and frequency of works awarded to businesses. The value of the panel contract may vary based on the repair works required.
Together, the panels comprise 29 appointments involving 18 companies, with several businesses appointed to both and contractors are based across Territory regions.
Minister Yan said the panels would help get repairs underway sooner and keep the Territory moving.
“When severe weather cuts our roads, it cuts communities off from essential supplies, disrupts businesses and puts pressure on families,” Mr Yan said.
“Last wet season showed just how much damage severe weather can cause. We are preparing now so we can mobilise contractors faster and get on with repairs when disasters strike.”
The new panels will support three stages of recovery following damage assessments by the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure: emergency works to temporarily restore access and essential functions, immediate reconstruction, and longer-term rebuilding to restore assets to their pre-disaster function.
The arrangements align with the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, supporting joint Commonwealth-Territory funding and streamlined compliance and reporting.
The panels build on the CLP Government’s $30.5m Roads Repair Package and $100m Flood Recovery Fund announced earlier this year, backing recovery and stronger infrastructure across the Territory.
Meanwhile, the Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre (JESCC) will receive a $3.2m upgrade.
Based at the NT Police Peter McAulay Centre (PMC) in Berrimah, the JESCC is the communications hub for the Northern Territory’s emergency services, including NT Police, St John Ambulance and NT Fire and Rescue Service.
Operating around the clock, JESCC staff receive Triple Zero calls, communicate with frontline units and dispatch police, fire and ambulance resources.
The contract has been awarded to Maxcon (NT), with works expected to begin in November 2026 and be completed by May 2027.
Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley said the expansion would strengthen the centre’s capacity to support emergency services communications across the Territory.
“When Territorians call for help, they rely on the people answering those calls and coordinating the response,” Minister Maley said.
“These teams work around the clock, supporting frontline emergency services and helping people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
“We are backing them with additional workstations and more operational space to support growing demand.
“With works expected to finish by May 2027, we’re aiming to have the upgraded centre up and running by the middle of next year, ahead of the next summer and wet season.
“The CLP Government is investing in the infrastructure and resources our emergency services need to keep Territorians safe.”
