New land priced to sell

Territorians looking for affordable land are expected to snap up lots in Johnston Ridge and Zuccoli.

Property developer Urbex has released 13  lots in the Palmerston East suburbs priced between $275 000 and $285 000.

With interest rates at an all-time low and increased local demand, Urbex General Manager Wayne Rex said the company expects the land to sell quickly to Territorian families.

“We have eight lots in Zuccoli and five in Johnston Ridge at great prices,” Mr Rex said.

“There are a variety of lot sizes available giving people an opportunity to choose a lot that suits their needs, whilst fulfiling the dream of home ownership at an affordable price.”

Johnston Ridge and Zuccoli each feature walking and cycle paths with easy access to schools, retail and commercial businesses in Palmerston and Coolalinga.

“There is a limited supply of land over the coming year and through to 2015, and property prices in the region show no sign of slowing,” Mr Rex said.

“I would encourage anyone looking to purchase land in Darwin or Palmerston to act now while lots are available and interest rates are at an all-time low.”

People looking to buy can view a scale model and development plans for Johnston Ridge and Zuccoli at the Urbex Realty, Sales and Information Centre at 18 Cavenagh Street, Darwin.


For further information visit www.johnstonridge.com.au, www.zuccolivillage.com.au or call Janzey Pratt on 08 8930 4444.

TIO to sponsor Traeger Park Oval

TIO has entered into a long term partnership with the Alice Springs Town Council for the naming rights of Traeger Park Oval.

From today the premier sports field will be known as TIO Traeger Park Oval.

Alice Springs Mayor Damien Ryan said the sponsorship over five years was a win for the people of Alice Springs.

“This is a partnership with the people of Alice Springs through Council,” Mr Ryan said.

“Sponsorship from TIO will ensure Traeger Park Oval continues to attract national and international sports fixtures and major events for the people of Alice Springs.”

TIO Chief Executive Richard Harding said the Oval was important to the people of Alice Springs.

“Whether it’s through AFL, NRL, cricket, the Masters Games or a major event, almost every Central Australian has a living memory at Traeger Park Oval,” Mr Harding said.

“This sponsorship not only demonstrates our commitment to the people of Alice Springs, but also compliments our work with the CAFL to improve road safety.”

Mayor Damien Ryan said Council will use the sponsorship to enhance the sound system at the Oval.

“An improved system will increase sound and clarity and help Alice Springs retain and attract major events,” Mr Ryan said.

Mr Harding said TIO said TIO has a long history in Alice Springs and is very confident about its future.  

“We want to help build confidence in the Territory and a more resilient community through insurance, home ownership, safer roads and Territorians fulfill their dreams and lifestyle,” Mr Harding said.

“TIO has made a conscious decision to align our sponsorships and community engagement activities to provide lasting benefits to the Territory.”

TIO Traeger Park Oval features new signage around the Oval grounds and street entries.

New flights available from Alice Springs to Tennant Creek and Kiwirrkurra

Outback Central Australia has been opened up to more travellers with the commencement of new flights from Alice Springs to Tennant Creek and Kiwirrkurra.

Territory company Chartair has commenced twice weekly services between Alice Springs and Tennant Creek and weekly services between Alice Springs and Kiwirrkurra.

Chartair Alice Springs General Manager Chris Nguyen said seven passengers could be accommodated on each flight, although the company would upgrade to larger aircraft if demand increased.

“It’s great to be able to offer these new services to travellers,” Chris said.

“For people travelling to Tennant Creek it cuts a five hour drive down to less than two hours in the air.”

Chris said the services were supported by the Australian Government’s Remote Area Subsidy Scheme and began this week.

Flight details are as follows:

·        Alice Springs to Tennant Creek departs Mondays at 7am and Wednesdays at 3pm.

·        Tennant Creek to Darwin departs Mondays at 9.30am and Wednesdays at 5.30pm.

·        Alice Springs to Kiwirrkurra departs Tuesdays at 8am.

·        Kiwirrkurra to Alice Springs departs Tuesdays 11am.

The Alice Springs-Kiwirrkurra route is $120 and the Alice Springs-Tennant Creek route is $385, which is higher due to operating costs.

Territory singers battle for music mentoring

Mark Holden & 2012 runner up Monique Chong of Alice Springs

Twenty young Territorians will sing to win three-days intensive mentoring with some of the music industry’s best when Mission Australia’s Urban Quest Semi Final gets underway at Casuarina Square on 28 June.

The young singers will perform one song to score mentoring with former Australian Idol judge Mark Holden and country singer Paul Costa, who’s latest single Big End of Town is at the top of the Australian Country Music Charts.

Holden, Costa and Music NT’s Amy Hetherington will select 10 singers from the Semi Final to take through to mentoring and the Urban Quest Finals Concert to be held under the starts at the Darwin Waterfront on 6 July.

“The talent among these young singers is really impressive,” Mission Australia’s Adrian McCann said.

“Urban Quest is really about helping young people build confidence through music and providing opportunities for aspiring singers to develop their voice and music potential. It seems to be working with a number of participants from last year, trying out again.”

Now in its third year, almost half of the Urban Quest semi finalists are from Alice Springs and Katherine.

The semi finalists include five performers from Alice Springs, including 2012 Urban Quest runner up Monique Chong, four vocalists from Katherine and sibling rivals Taylah and Brandon Folino-Driver from Darwin.

The Urban Quest Semi Final gets underway at 3pm at Casuarina Square on Friday, 28 June. The public are encouraged to attend.

“The whole community has really got behind this event, and I’d really like to thank our partners Larrakia TV and Radio, the Darwin Waterfront Corporation, Dreamedia, Casuarina Square, Music NT, Inpex, the Office of Youth Affairs, Darwin Airport Corporation and the City of Darwin.”

To follow the progress of the event visit facebook.com/MissionAust.

The 2013 Urban Quest Semi Finalists are:

Alice Springs:

•  Jenaya Allen (14 years), Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Alice Springs
• Monique Chong (11 years), Ross Park Primary School, Alice Springs
• Rita-Mae Ross (13 years), Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Alice Springs
• Micah Rothwell (18 years),Alice Springs
• Kirra Voller (19 years), Alice Outcomes, Alice Springs

Darwin:

• VJ Bumanlag (18 years), Darwin
• Tatiana Da Silva (14 years), O’Laughlin Catholic College, Darwin
• Brandon Folino-Driver (16 years), Darwin High School, Darwin
• Taylah Folino-Driver (13 years), Darwin Middle School, Darwin
• Charlotte Gittins (14 years), Dripstone Middle Collge, Darwin
• Charlee Mullins (14 years), Taminmin College, Darwin
• Alicia Ruta (15 years), Darwin High School, Darwin
• Helena Smith (16 years), NT Open Education, Darwin
• Phoebe Wear (11 years), Larrakeyah Primary School, Darwin
• Jason Woodward (17 years), Palmerston Senior College, Palmerston
• Gabrielle Wright (13 years), Kormilda College, Darwin

Katherine:

• Jasper Bowman (18 years), Katherine
• Dakota Oxenham (13 years), St Joseph’s College, Katherine
• Sarina Pech (18 years), Charles Darwin University, Katherine Rural Campus, Katherine
• Noella Turland (14 years), St Joseph’s College, Katherine

Alice Springs’ largest electricity user gets energy efficiency overhaul

The largest single electricity user in Alice Springs, the Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) has completed a major energy efficiency overhaul to save over $200,000 on its annual power bill and 700 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per annum.

The savings have been realised through a joint $631,000 project between the NT Department of Health and Alice Solar City, with outcomes released in a case study report today.

“In addition to making big savings, the project has helped inform and motivate energy management initiatives at the other four public hospitals in the Northern Territory”, says Alice Solar City General Manager Sam Latz.

“ASH had a detailed energy audit in 2009 and we have been pleased to work closely with the hospital since then to assist them achieve the greatest financial and environmental returns possible.”

At the time of the audit it was found that 57% of electricity was used for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and 24% for lighting.

One of the most important changes made was to the HVAC system, where outside air brought into the hospital was evaporatively ‘pre-cooled’.

“This allows evaporatively cooled and filtered outside air to condition the hospital during mild conditions - substantially improving indoor air quality and reducing the use of energy intensive refrigerative air conditioning.”

Stage two of the project saw the HVAC system fine-tuned to allow for further energy savings, and Stage three saw the upgrade of an existing gas fired boiler to improve the efficiency of the hospital’s piped steam system, used to pump steam around the hospital for a range of heating and sterilisation uses.

Other energy efficiency measures included:

 ·       Evaporative pre-cooling of the nurse quarters and re-instating economy cycles

·       Winding back air conditioning in the pathology laboratory after hours

·       Installation of motion sensors and time delay switches for split system air conditioners in 16 residential units

·       Replacement of electric hot water heaters in residential units with solar hot water

·       Installation of automatic lighting controls in the pathology laboratory

·       Variable speed drives on staff swimming pool pumps

·       Installation of 160 low flow showerheads to save both water and the energy required to heat water

 Health Minister Robyn Lambley commended the team at Alice Solar City and Alice Springs Hospital on their achievements through the energy efficiency project.

“The Alice Springs Hospital Energy Efficiency Project has been a model in cooperation in the Centre between government, industry and community. The result is an impressive reduction in the energy consumption of the town’s biggest energy user which means savings for the community,” Minister Lambley said.

The full Alice Springs Hospital Energy Efficiency report is available on the Alice Solar City website at http://www.alicesolarcity.com.au/research-and-reports

New web-based interactive tools help Alice Solar City legacy live on

Alice Solar City has today launched two new interactive web-based tools to help keep its legacy alive as it prepares to close its doors this month.

A Google Maps solar trail and a virtual tour of the Sustainable Living House are now available via the Alice Solar City website as a showcase of some of what Alice Springs has achieved in the last five years.

The launch of the online tools also coincides with the last ever Home Energy Survey, conducted this week at Matt and Donna Digby’s home in Eastside. The Digby’s energy survey was number 2,767 – covering over 30% of all homes in Alice Springs.

“The online tools will help tell our Solar City story, along with the thousands of energy champions who have undergone a home or business energy survey and taken measures to reduce their energy use”, says Alice Solar City General Manager Sam Latz.

“The Google Maps solar trail will take you on a journey of some of the commercial and large scale solar installations around town.”

“Back in March 2008 when we launched, there were only two residential rooftop solar power systems in Alice Springs. Now there are over 700, with 317 of those installed with Alice Solar City’s support.”

“Alice Springs now has a range of nationally significant large solar installations, and it’s something we should be proud of.”

The Sustainable Living House virtual tour includes video and audio of all the energy and water saving measures installed at the private Kurrajong Drive home, which was open to the public for two years from 2009 to 2011.

“Over 1200 people visited the house to see first hand the range of measures they could implement at home to save power and water, and we wanted that resource to still be available after we close.”

Both of the online tools are available via the Alice Solar City homepage at www.alicesolarcity.com.au

The website also contains residential and commercial case studies, an online ‘Wall of Champions’, downloadable fact sheets and detailed advice and information on going solar. A full report on the Sustainable Living House can also be download.

Alice Solar City’s Smart Living Centre at 82 Todd Street will close its doors on Friday 14 June, but the website will remain available into the future as a resource for the Alice Springs community.

Vista Gold Announces Mt Todd Gold Project Preliminary Feasibility Study and Increase in Reserve of 44% to 5.9 Million Ounces of Gold

 

Denver, Colorado, May 29, 2013

Vista Gold Corp. (“Vista” or the “Company”) (NYSE MKT and TSX: VGZ) today announced the positive results of a new preliminary feasibility study (the “PFS”) for its Mt. Todd gold project (the “Project”) in Northern Territory, Australia.  The PFS evaluates two development scenarios including a 50,000 tonne per day (“tpd”) project that develops more of the Mt. Todd resource (the “Base Case”) and generates a larger Net Present Value (“NPV”) and a smaller and higher-grade 33,000 tpd project that focuses on maximizing return and operating margins (the “Alternate Case”).  The PFS was authored by Tetra Tech Inc. with Mine Development Associates, Resource Development Inc., Proteus EPCM Engineers (a Tetra Tech Company),  and Power Engineers, Inc.

 

Highlights of the 50,000 tpd Base Case include:
·         Estimated proven and probable reserves of 5.90 million ounces of gold (223 million tonnes at 0.82 g Au/t) at a cut-off grade of 0.40 g Au/t, an increase of 44% from the Company’s January 2011 PFS;
·         Average annual production of 369,850 ounces of gold per year over the mine life, including average annual production of 481,316 ounces of gold per year during the first five years of operations;
·         Life of mine average cash costs of $773 per ounce, including average cash costs of $662 per ounce during the first five years of operations;
·         A 13 year operating life;
·         After-tax NPV_5% of $591.3 million and IRR of 15.9% at $1,450 per ounce gold prices, increasing to $876.6 million and 21.1%, respectively, at $1,600 per ounce gold prices; and
·         Initial capital requirements of $1,046 million.

 Highlights of the 33,000 tpd alternate case include:

·         Estimated proven and probable reserves of 3.56 million ounces of gold (124 million tonnes at 0.90 g Au/t) at a cut-off grade of 0.45 g Au/t;
·         Average annual production of 262,826 ounces of gold per year over the mine life, including average annual production of 294,502 ounces of gold per year during the first five years of operations;
·         Life of mine average cash costs of $684 per ounce, including average cash costs of $676 per ounce during the first five years of operations;
·         An 11 year operating life;
·         After-tax NPV_5% of $440.2 million and IRR of 16.9% at $1,450 per ounce gold prices, increasing to $615.6 million and 21.4%, respectively, at $1,600 per ounce gold prices; and
·         Initial capital requirements of $761 million.

 Frederick H. Earnest, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vista, commented, “The positive results of this PFS continue to demonstrate the quality and scale of the Mt. Todd gold project.  By completing the PFS analysis on two separate development scenarios, we are highlighting the flexibility we have in the development of this robust project.  We have the option to develop the mine most appropriate at the time a development decision is made.  Furthermore, the location of the project relative to local towns and labour markets and the infrastructure investments made by previous owners of this project provide potential construction and operating advantages relative to many gold projects.”

Mr Earnest continued, “During the balance of 2013, we will continue to advance the Mt. Todd gold project.  We will be working with the Northern Territory Government to address areas vital for the completion of a feasibility study and ultimately for a project development decision.  These discussions will be undertaken within the framework of Major Project Status, which the Territory has recently accorded Mt. Todd indicating the importance that the Territory places on its development.  The PFS results allow us to finalize and submit the Environmental Impact Study (“EIS”) in June.  We continue to anticipate environmental approvals for the project around year end.   Because of the advanced state of this study, with most technical work already at feasibility levels, we estimate that a feasibility study would require four months to complete and cost approximately $2.5 million.”

 For the full release: http://www.mttodd.com.au/content/vista-gold-announces-mt-todd-gold-project-preliminary-feasibility-study-and-increase-reserve 

 

Young Territorians wanted for national survey

Mission Australia is calling on young Territorians to help highlight important issues in their lives by taking part in the charity’s 2013 Youth Survey – the nation’s largest annual stocktake of the views, concerns and values of young people between the ages of 15-19.

In launching the 2013 survey, Mission Australia’s Youth Services Manager, Adrian McCann, said it gave young people a voice across a range of issues with the information being used to help community groups and governments plan and develop youth services.

“Mission Australia’s annual national youth survey is a ‘temperature check’ on what young people are feeling, what issues concern them, what they think are the main challenges facing the nation and how optimistic they are about the future,” said Mr McCann.

“Responses to the survey help governments, youth agencies and ourselves improve and develop programs and strategies that are shaped by the voices of young people themselves.”

When asked what they thought was the biggest issue facing the nation, young Australians in last year’s survey overwhelmingly chose ‘the economy’.

Accompanying the increase in concern around financial matters was the number of comments – many by children as young as 15 – about the need to get a job and contribute financially to keep their family afloat.

The leading issues of personal concern to young people in 2012 were coping with stress, school or study problems and body image with 43 per cent of young women significantly concerned about the latter.

“The range of concerns – from financial matters to stress, family conflict and body image –suggest young people are facing increased challenges as they make the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

“We’ve also taken the opportunity to refresh the survey – now in its 12^th year – and make it more relevant than ever.

“In addition to the questions we’ve asked every survey, this year we’re also asking young Territorians about their future job aspirations, how much time they spend on the internet and their perceptions around local job opportunities,” said Mr McCann.

Mission Australia’s 2012 Youth Survey can be completed online: missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey

The survey closes on Friday, 28 June with the results to be published later this year.

Family fun at Deckchair

The Deckchair Cinema will transform into a circus of colour, music and dance when Relationships Australia NT holds its free family film night as part of National Families Week on Thursday.

Celebrating culture and relationships, the night includes an African drumming workshop, performances by Indigenous dance troupe One Mob Different Country and screening of the popular animation Finding Nemo. 

National Families Week, which runs from 15 to 21 May, aims to bring awareness to the role of families in achieving a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Relationships Australia NT Chief Executive Officer Marie Morrison said the organisation increasingly works with families and children.

“We provide assistance to families in various ways including strengthening relationships, mediation, counselling and support for those going through tough times,” she said.

Relationships Australia NT services 3500 Territorians on average annually and more than 20 per cent are Aboriginal.

“Our Family Film Night is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy a night of free fun and entertainment.

“It will celebrate the different faces of family, tradition and community, and we encourage everyone to attend.”

The Relationship Australia NT Family Film Night starts at 6pm with Finding Nemo screening from 7:30pm.

A tasty array of foods including Greek and Indian, and snacks will be available for purchase.   

The Urban Quest is on

Young singers will have the chance to win mentoring with Australian pop idol Mark Holden and country star Paul Costa when Mission Australia’s Urban Quest auditions get underway this weekend.

The Urban Quest auditions will be held in Palmerston on Saturday and Malak on Sunday, before heading south to Katherine and Alice Springs next week.

Now in its third year, Urban Quest aims to help young people build self-esteem and confidence through music.

Mission Australia Youth Services Manager Adrian McCann said it is important Urban Quest is a part of National Youth Week.

“In the last two National Survey of Young Australians, Territory kids have ranked school or study problems and body image among their top personal concerns,” Mr McCann said.

“Urban Quest not only helps improve self-confidence, but it also connects young people with their local community and help services we offer including Youth Connections. It’s a celebration of young people.”

Urban Quest is open to singers and groups aged from 10 to 19 years.

This year the competition will culminate with a free Finals Concert under the stars at the Darwin Waterfront on 6 July, where ten Urban Quest finalists will perform their best song on the night to win.

The Urban Quest Finals Concert will be judged by Mark Holden and Paul Costa, and feature guest performances by some of Darwin’s favourite young stars including Shiane Hawke.

For more information visit www.missionaustralia.com.au/urban quest or facebook.com/missionaust.