They told it like it is, with no frills or false expectations.

What it could mean for the Barkly is incalculable.

We’ve become used to the ups and downs in the mining industry, and the short term nature of some mining projects.

But the Minemakers proposal is looking at a project of at least three decades.

There will be an impact on our local population, jobs and further development in the Barkly.

But in the meanwhile, there can be no getting around the fact that the Barkly and Tennant Creek will be affected by the Global Financial Crisis.

That’s why this year’s NT budget has been a real challenge.

The real question was how to protect Territory jobs while still building the Territory for the future when the downturn reverses.

The record $1.3 billion infrastructure budget is a key to getting the Territory – and the Barkly – in a strong position despite the recession elsewhere in the world.

For the last seven years, there has been a strong emphasis on capital works in our budgets, and this year sees the cash spending 350 per cent larger than back in 2002.

The highlight in spending terms is the $36.5 million joint Territory Commonwealth funding for housing in the Tennant Creek town camps.

This is the biggest capital spending in the town since the railway, and will boost local building and construction, as well as improving the living conditions of so many of our local citizens.

There will also be some $2 million allocated towards the establishment of the correctional services bush camp to provide prisoners with real work skills to improve reintegration on release and help break the cycle of crime.

For Tennant Creek spending will also include $3 million for a multipurpose sports facility at the Tennant Creek High School; $700,000 for the Stage 3 upgrade at the hospital and $420,000 for the Main Street and Green Street programs.