Now we do, indeed have the Minister for Infrastructure and Logistics, Bill Yan on to talk about the major changes when it comes to our bus network. Now. Bill Yan had joined us a couple of weeks ago and flagged a review of the network was underway. He has now announced the closure of the Casarina interchange by October this year, upgraded safety measures, the launch of the new and improved nt bus tracker app, and a continuation of free bus travel beyond the first of July this year. The Minister for Infrastructure and Logistics, Bill Yan joins me on the line.

Now we do, indeed have the Minister for Infrastructure and Logistics, Bill Yan on to talk about the major changes when it comes to our bus network. Now. Bill Yan had joined us a couple of weeks ago and flagged a review of the network was underway. He has now announced the closure of the Casarina interchange by October this year, upgraded safety measures, the launch of the new and improved nt bus tracker app, and a continuation of free bus travel beyond the first of July this year. The Minister for Infrastructure and Logistics, Bill Yan joins me on the line.

Good morning Bill, Good morning Cadie, Good morning everyone on the top end.

Good morning Bill, Good morning Cadie, Good morning everyone on the top end.

Minister, great to have you on the show. Now, how is the closure of this interchange going to work? Because I've already got people messaging in this morning saying Wolfe, is this going to leaniual water Park? Is it being relocated somewhere or is it being closed all together?

Minister, great to have you on the show. Now, how is the closure of this interchange going to work? Because I've already got people messaging in this morning saying Wolfe, is this going to leaniual water Park? Is it being relocated somewhere or is it being closed all together?

Yeah? Look, the whole the annual water parks in Cage is a bit of a fur you know. I think it was something that was spoken about, I think by even all back in twenty twenty two, there was some talk about moving in the change out to Leannu, and that's certainly never It's never been a decision of us, and never ever been in consideration by myself.

Yeah? Look, the whole the annual water parks in Cage is a bit of a fur you know. I think it was something that was spoken about, I think by even all back in twenty twenty two, there was some talk about moving in the change out to Leannu, and that's certainly never It's never been a decision of us, and never ever been in consideration by myself.

It's not.

It's not.

Absolutely not Kate. I think something popped up a couple of months ago in Karama. I think a taxi company had applied for a permit to park a few taxis somewhere and everyone jump put two and two together and come up with a thousand and said that I were going to move the interchange. That's never been the case. The work has always been there in the background as to how we can actually remove the inner change and then how it will work at Casurinas. So the department's on a heap of work on this and they've got some really good plans. So the interchange at Casuina will go by October, and in and around that complex will be addition to the additional stops bus stops where you can pick up different services to different areas, So rather than having a one spece point where everybody congregates, you'll be able to get on and off at different stops and then catch your next bus on for your next destination. If if you're going from casuena're able to Parmo or into the city or some of those other areas, there'll be different stops that will be allocated.

Absolutely not Kate. I think something popped up a couple of months ago in Karama. I think a taxi company had applied for a permit to park a few taxis somewhere and everyone jump put two and two together and come up with a thousand and said that I were going to move the interchange. That's never been the case. The work has always been there in the background as to how we can actually remove the inner change and then how it will work at Casurinas. So the department's on a heap of work on this and they've got some really good plans. So the interchange at Casuina will go by October, and in and around that complex will be addition to the additional stops bus stops where you can pick up different services to different areas, So rather than having a one spece point where everybody congregates, you'll be able to get on and off at different stops and then catch your next bus on for your next destination. If if you're going from casuena're able to Parmo or into the city or some of those other areas, there'll be different stops that will be allocated.

So do you think that we're going to run the risk he of you know, the people that then are going to those different stops, that there's going to be issues at those stops, or do you think that this is going to you know, do you think that that bus exchange, that Casuarina bus exchange, just because it was so big and there were so many people there all the time, that that was what was causing the issues.

So do you think that we're going to run the risk he of you know, the people that then are going to those different stops, that there's going to be issues at those stops, or do you think that this is going to you know, do you think that that bus exchange, that Casuarina bus exchange, just because it was so big and there were so many people there all the time, that that was what was causing the issues.

I think that's what we seem to see, Katie. It was a congregation point for a number of people, and then when you get all those people together and you start to see that anti social behavior in that affects everybody else who's using that network. So by spreading this out, I don't think we're ever going to get rid of the issue, Katie of Samandy Socialiata, I'd love to city your hand on hearts to remove it. I can't in all good faith do that. But by changing the way that the service works and by spreading out the stops, we're reducing those congregation points, and we're moving them specifically a way from right next door to the shopping center, so like right at that outdoor and that car park, so it will certainly reduce them. We know with some of the stuff that we've done already with certain reduction in issues, so this will go that will do that next step to reduce those issues around that interchange. In the next part of work, of course is the Palmersan interchange. So the work will then be done on how we negate the need for the palms In to change and then of course the one in the city in Dala. And we can do this cardios oppose because CDC have moved their depot from in the city out to Berrimah. This is what has made that possible in some respects because it's easier for drivers to get to and from different buses and from buses to hop on and off the network because they're now shifted their power of operations.

I think that's what we seem to see, Katie. It was a congregation point for a number of people, and then when you get all those people together and you start to see that anti social behavior in that affects everybody else who's using that network. So by spreading this out, I don't think we're ever going to get rid of the issue, Katie of Samandy Socialiata, I'd love to city your hand on hearts to remove it. I can't in all good faith do that. But by changing the way that the service works and by spreading out the stops, we're reducing those congregation points, and we're moving them specifically a way from right next door to the shopping center, so like right at that outdoor and that car park, so it will certainly reduce them. We know with some of the stuff that we've done already with certain reduction in issues, so this will go that will do that next step to reduce those issues around that interchange. In the next part of work, of course is the Palmersan interchange. So the work will then be done on how we negate the need for the palms In to change and then of course the one in the city in Dala. And we can do this cardios oppose because CDC have moved their depot from in the city out to Berrimah. This is what has made that possible in some respects because it's easier for drivers to get to and from different buses and from buses to hop on and off the network because they're now shifted their power of operations.

And so when are you're anticipating that the Darwin and Palmerston bus exchanges are also going to.

And so when are you're anticipating that the Darwin and Palmerston bus exchanges are also going to.

Be removed, Well, that works under way. Our first concern was Casuarina, so the work and I suppose Catherine is probably one of the easier ones to do. So the department have done that work and working on that whole bus and public safety strategy. So Casualine was number one cap off the rank. So the work's been done on that, and now they're turning their attention to Casurina SR, to Palmeerston and how we then do Parmeerston. And we've already I've had a brief chat with Athena Pasco Bell out there the council because you've got the CBD of Parmeerson and again it's a little bit like casuine and there can be stops around the CBD week can catch those different buses onto those different areas rather than all happening in the one spot.

Be removed, Well, that works under way. Our first concern was Casuarina, so the work and I suppose Catherine is probably one of the easier ones to do. So the department have done that work and working on that whole bus and public safety strategy. So Casualine was number one cap off the rank. So the work's been done on that, and now they're turning their attention to Casurina SR, to Palmeerston and how we then do Parmeerston. And we've already I've had a brief chat with Athena Pasco Bell out there the council because you've got the CBD of Parmeerson and again it's a little bit like casuine and there can be stops around the CBD week can catch those different buses onto those different areas rather than all happening in the one spot.

And I mean this is all really about trying to minimize some of the issues that we've been seeing on our bus network and also at those interchanges. I mean I'm looking at some figures for this month comparatively to the year before. So this data is two consecutive twelve month reporting periods based on incidents reported to the Transit Safety Unit. So looking at the location, so Casuarina Bus Interchange. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but in twenty three twenty four, there was seventeen four hundred and fifty five incidents so jobs in that location then twenty four to twenty five, sixteen thy three hundred and nine, So obviously there's been a decrease. Minister, that is a phenomenal number of incidents.

And I mean this is all really about trying to minimize some of the issues that we've been seeing on our bus network and also at those interchanges. I mean I'm looking at some figures for this month comparatively to the year before. So this data is two consecutive twelve month reporting periods based on incidents reported to the Transit Safety Unit. So looking at the location, so Casuarina Bus Interchange. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but in twenty three twenty four, there was seventeen four hundred and fifty five incidents so jobs in that location then twenty four to twenty five, sixteen thy three hundred and nine, So obviously there's been a decrease. Minister, that is a phenomenal number of incidents.

It absolutely is, Katie, and that's why we've been committed to doing this work for our public transport safety and safety on that network. So from the minute we got in the government of the public transport issue has been on my radar. We worked really hard for the safety of the drivers. Immediately got in with those screens. We've seen the assaults on those drivers and the work hadn't been done previously to make those drivers say that that was one of the first things we did. We pulled out all stops to make that happen. And the second part of that work now, of course, is the entire network to make sure that we can have a good, reliable network, reduce the anti social behavior, make it safe, and have a decent and pleasant experience with people using our public sector now transit network.

It absolutely is, Katie, and that's why we've been committed to doing this work for our public transport safety and safety on that network. So from the minute we got in the government of the public transport issue has been on my radar. We worked really hard for the safety of the drivers. Immediately got in with those screens. We've seen the assaults on those drivers and the work hadn't been done previously to make those drivers say that that was one of the first things we did. We pulled out all stops to make that happen. And the second part of that work now, of course, is the entire network to make sure that we can have a good, reliable network, reduce the anti social behavior, make it safe, and have a decent and pleasant experience with people using our public sector now transit network.

Now part of that we now know that there's going to be continued free buses. You've said that this is a move to improve antisocial behavior, Like how because I know a lot of people listening are going to be going, oh, you know, I don't really agree with that. If you make people pay, then you know you're not going to see that same level of antisocial behavior because if you can't afford to get on, or if you don't have the money, then you're not able to cause trouble on the bus.

Now part of that we now know that there's going to be continued free buses. You've said that this is a move to improve antisocial behavior, Like how because I know a lot of people listening are going to be going, oh, you know, I don't really agree with that. If you make people pay, then you know you're not going to see that same level of antisocial behavior because if you can't afford to get on, or if you don't have the money, then you're not able to cause trouble on the bus.

Yeah. Look, it's a bit of a double sword kie And of course this is something we've's been running through mind mind of course, but when I said, when we first looked at this, the old ticketing system that was in I remember the previous Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure came out side this is a cost of living measure. We're going to remove fares for a period of three or six months from a network. Well, it wasn't a cost of living measure. The ticketing system has broken Cardian and it was it wasn't actually working. So it was costing US nine hundred thousand dollars for a ticketing system and we're only getting about one point two to one point three million dollars in revenue for it. And it was broken. It would have had to have been replaced. And because we were sort of small, we need a bit of a bespoke system. But what they were doing was making the drivers take cash, which of course just made them targets. They become targets to criminals who were trying to roll them and steal their money. So the reason, one of the reasons for making the fairs free was to stop that issue for the drivers and of course make them safe and way up. Okay, what a cost for a ticketing system versus what revenue we get. But we know clearly from the data and from talking to the drivers and CDC since where we move the fares the issues for drivers and other people on the network have reduced significantly. So you balance up. Okay, I get this much in revenue versus do you giving free fair and then safety for the drivers and issues on the network, And there's a fine balancing act. Now we're going to have to make the decision at some stage do we return fares or do we return fairs on certain routes. These are the things that this whole review is going to look at, Katie, so that we can determine what we do into the future and what is best for territories and what's best for the network.

Yeah. Look, it's a bit of a double sword kie And of course this is something we've's been running through mind mind of course, but when I said, when we first looked at this, the old ticketing system that was in I remember the previous Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure came out side this is a cost of living measure. We're going to remove fares for a period of three or six months from a network. Well, it wasn't a cost of living measure. The ticketing system has broken Cardian and it was it wasn't actually working. So it was costing US nine hundred thousand dollars for a ticketing system and we're only getting about one point two to one point three million dollars in revenue for it. And it was broken. It would have had to have been replaced. And because we were sort of small, we need a bit of a bespoke system. But what they were doing was making the drivers take cash, which of course just made them targets. They become targets to criminals who were trying to roll them and steal their money. So the reason, one of the reasons for making the fairs free was to stop that issue for the drivers and of course make them safe and way up. Okay, what a cost for a ticketing system versus what revenue we get. But we know clearly from the data and from talking to the drivers and CDC since where we move the fares the issues for drivers and other people on the network have reduced significantly. So you balance up. Okay, I get this much in revenue versus do you giving free fair and then safety for the drivers and issues on the network, And there's a fine balancing act. Now we're going to have to make the decision at some stage do we return fares or do we return fairs on certain routes. These are the things that this whole review is going to look at, Katie, so that we can determine what we do into the future and what is best for territories and what's best for the network.

Yeah, Minister, we've got to power through because there's a few things I still want to ask you about. What is the what's the announcement this morning? I understand that the government's essentially saying that this art gallery in the CBD, it's underfunded. It's now estimated to cost more than one hundred million dollars over budge. So as a result, an expression of interest process is going to go out to identify the most cost effective and impactful use of the building. So what's that mean it's no longer going to be an art gallery.

Yeah, Minister, we've got to power through because there's a few things I still want to ask you about. What is the what's the announcement this morning? I understand that the government's essentially saying that this art gallery in the CBD, it's underfunded. It's now estimated to cost more than one hundred million dollars over budge. So as a result, an expression of interest process is going to go out to identify the most cost effective and impactful use of the building. So what's that mean it's no longer going to be an art gallery.

Well, that's why we're putting it out to expression of interest K because we want to make sure that we get the best experience for terry drawings, the best day for TERRRI drawings, I think, a best return on our investments budget well, and that will come back from the EURI. So we're not just going out to done. We're going out nationally and internationally for an expression of interest on what could go into that building. Now, the buildings sort of specific in the way that's been built, so it has to be something that will work within that building. It'll be interest to see what expressions of interest we get back from proponents and industry. What we want to try and do is get something that's really really exciting and fit for purpose, that invigorates the CBD here in Darwin and effectively, at the end of the day, gives territory tax payers a good return, but doesn't cost us any more money either, Kady, because this thing, as you said, is blown one hundred million dollars over budget and there was no operational funding put in by the previous government to run the dam thing.

Well, that's why we're putting it out to expression of interest K because we want to make sure that we get the best experience for terry drawings, the best day for TERRRI drawings, I think, a best return on our investments budget well, and that will come back from the EURI. So we're not just going out to done. We're going out nationally and internationally for an expression of interest on what could go into that building. Now, the buildings sort of specific in the way that's been built, so it has to be something that will work within that building. It'll be interest to see what expressions of interest we get back from proponents and industry. What we want to try and do is get something that's really really exciting and fit for purpose, that invigorates the CBD here in Darwin and effectively, at the end of the day, gives territory tax payers a good return, but doesn't cost us any more money either, Kady, because this thing, as you said, is blown one hundred million dollars over budget and there was no operational funding put in by the previous government to run the dam thing.

So it's effectively going to be like it's going to be leased out like a commercial commercial entity or a commercial building.

So it's effectively going to be like it's going to be leased out like a commercial commercial entity or a commercial building.

Well that's going to be part of that EOI crisis, kt. So I know that Minister Charles's office is working up what that expression of interest looks like. We'll get that out to I said, all proponents nationally and internationally, and we'll see what we get back. We may get some really great ideas, some exciting ideas, maybe something a little bit different. It still could be a gallery, Katie, but we need to see what those expression of maasterants come back with.

Well that's going to be part of that EOI crisis, kt. So I know that Minister Charles's office is working up what that expression of interest looks like. We'll get that out to I said, all proponents nationally and internationally, and we'll see what we get back. We may get some really great ideas, some exciting ideas, maybe something a little bit different. It still could be a gallery, Katie, but we need to see what those expression of maasterants come back with.

I guess my question is, though, like is it going to be I mean, are you planning for it to be something like a gallery or or a museum or something like that, Because or are you planning for it to be like commercial office space? Because if you're planning for it to be commercial office space, isn't that a bit odd to be going into competition and effectively with the private sector.

I guess my question is, though, like is it going to be I mean, are you planning for it to be something like a gallery or or a museum or something like that, Because or are you planning for it to be like commercial office space? Because if you're planning for it to be commercial office space, isn't that a bit odd to be going into competition and effectively with the private sector.

No. No, the way that the building's been designed, it could never be commercial office space. It doesn't lend itself that. So the building is quite specific in its design, so it only lends itself to like that. The gallery slash museum by things and look, I've seen some really interesting things overseas. I remember going to Germany with my family once and seeing a technic museum where it was actually hands on and you could walk inside this big wooden wheel and lift up a one ton stone block or there was you can actually see. They had a car assembly robot in operation. You can actually see, but you can actually touch and feel. There's some of the things that I'm hoping we may see proponents put forward the expression of interest, something a little bit different, something that's exciting that the people actually want to come to and go and see, because I think the territorians and for people in darn Okay, another gallery you're walking, you maybe have a look at it once and you won't go back. But if you can get an exhibit that changes on a regular basis, that's exciting and it's good for kids and good for families. Who knows what we could do, Katie. So yeah, we've got to wait to see what those wives come back with.

No. No, the way that the building's been designed, it could never be commercial office space. It doesn't lend itself that. So the building is quite specific in its design, so it only lends itself to like that. The gallery slash museum by things and look, I've seen some really interesting things overseas. I remember going to Germany with my family once and seeing a technic museum where it was actually hands on and you could walk inside this big wooden wheel and lift up a one ton stone block or there was you can actually see. They had a car assembly robot in operation. You can actually see, but you can actually touch and feel. There's some of the things that I'm hoping we may see proponents put forward the expression of interest, something a little bit different, something that's exciting that the people actually want to come to and go and see, because I think the territorians and for people in darn Okay, another gallery you're walking, you maybe have a look at it once and you won't go back. But if you can get an exhibit that changes on a regular basis, that's exciting and it's good for kids and good for families. Who knows what we could do, Katie. So yeah, we've got to wait to see what those wives come back with.

Well, I encourage our listeners to send us a message and let us know what they think should go there. Minister a couple of really quick ones because I've got the police waiting on the line. But if someone goes to Casarina, this is a question from Paul in Malak. If someone goes to Casarina and then wants to get to Royal Darwin Hospital on the bus network, how do they do that us?

Well, I encourage our listeners to send us a message and let us know what they think should go there. Minister a couple of really quick ones because I've got the police waiting on the line. But if someone goes to Casarina, this is a question from Paul in Malak. If someone goes to Casarina and then wants to get to Royal Darwin Hospital on the bus network, how do they do that us?

Paul in the lac Yeah, look, I said, with the removal of the interchange, there'll be other specific stops around the Casarina Center that will be those connectors, so you might be you might get on like it'd like to be like a circuit. I don't know the exact details from d Alive, but they've explained it. Seeing that you'll be able to get off on a stop around that Casarina Center there somewhere, and then there'll be another bus will come past and you'll be able to jump on that bus to get to the hospital. And that's where the bus tracker app plays a large part in it, so you be able to see real time where the bus us, say, going to the bus that you're on, and where the bus going to the hospital is so that you can make that connection.

Paul in the lac Yeah, look, I said, with the removal of the interchange, there'll be other specific stops around the Casarina Center that will be those connectors, so you might be you might get on like it'd like to be like a circuit. I don't know the exact details from d Alive, but they've explained it. Seeing that you'll be able to get off on a stop around that Casarina Center there somewhere, and then there'll be another bus will come past and you'll be able to jump on that bus to get to the hospital. And that's where the bus tracker app plays a large part in it, so you be able to see real time where the bus us, say, going to the bus that you're on, and where the bus going to the hospital is so that you can make that connection.

All Right, we'll talk more about that, I'm sure at some point. Another one here, the Mandora Fairy. The dredging is welcomed by locals, but some saying that they're hoping to have some time changes so that they're still able to, you know, get to where they need to go if they're living over there or if they're over there at Mandora.

All Right, we'll talk more about that, I'm sure at some point. Another one here, the Mandora Fairy. The dredging is welcomed by locals, but some saying that they're hoping to have some time changes so that they're still able to, you know, get to where they need to go if they're living over there or if they're over there at Mandora.

Yeah, well the dredging started. I know they're working twenty four to seven on this kadio. This thing silted up a couple of years prior to what they had planned. Now there was planned five I think it was seven year dredging of that channel, and it's silted up far earlier than that. So that's why we moved Heathery and Earth to get dredge in there.

Yeah, well the dredging started. I know they're working twenty four to seven on this kadio. This thing silted up a couple of years prior to what they had planned. Now there was planned five I think it was seven year dredging of that channel, and it's silted up far earlier than that. So that's why we moved Heathery and Earth to get dredge in there.

Orant to work with those locals so on some potential time changes if needed.

Orant to work with those locals so on some potential time changes if needed.

Well it could be, but that'll come down to c Swift, who run the service. But the man can't wait for tye Ktie is the saying man. Man can't move with tides, so we have to work with the tide and what the dredging is doing.

Well it could be, but that'll come down to c Swift, who run the service. But the man can't wait for tye Ktie is the saying man. Man can't move with tides, so we have to work with the tide and what the dredging is doing.

So just ask any fishermen.

So just ask any fishermen.

Hey, yeah, exactly. I know the team are doing their best to make sure there's the absolute least disruption for the people over there at Mandora.

Hey, yeah, exactly. I know the team are doing their best to make sure there's the absolute least disruption for the people over there at Mandora.

Yeah, fair enough, all right. Another one. We've got a question here, what's the go with traffic lights these days? So many have blown globes and they aren't getting repaired. There are ones in Halts that have been reported but still haven't been fixed since February. This person's saying they are dangerous.

Yeah, fair enough, all right. Another one. We've got a question here, what's the go with traffic lights these days? So many have blown globes and they aren't getting repaired. There are ones in Halts that have been reported but still haven't been fixed since February. This person's saying they are dangerous.

Okay, well, I know that there's a reporting system for that, but I'll take that on barcade and I'll get straight onto the agency and make sure they're aware of that. But here people see traffic lights that are out or broken globes. I know there is a way to report it, I think via the DLI website or somewhere else.

Okay, well, I know that there's a reporting system for that, but I'll take that on barcade and I'll get straight onto the agency and make sure they're aware of that. But here people see traffic lights that are out or broken globes. I know there is a way to report it, I think via the DLI website or somewhere else.

Get on find out bill. Another quick one, what's the go with the Tiger Brennan duplication? What's the update. I understand that there've been, you know, like some sort of movement here. I think I was told that the kids at one of the schools at Hailearburry out there had started a petition.

Get on find out bill. Another quick one, what's the go with the Tiger Brennan duplication? What's the update. I understand that there've been, you know, like some sort of movement here. I think I was told that the kids at one of the schools at Hailearburry out there had started a petition.

Absolutely, Katie, and it's not going ahead. I'm going to be very clear on that. I went out and I met with the kids at Haylerburry and they put a petition in. I met with some businesses out there, and only we spoke with Tomo's Pies and they'd been suffering with the overpass because less traffic going past, and of course their business had suffered. They were absolutely petrified that this duplication would take place and then put them further behind the eight ball. So we're not progressing with this project, Katie. It's not needed. There was putting businesses at risk, it was delaying development for the school, so we're not going to proceed.

Absolutely, Katie, and it's not going ahead. I'm going to be very clear on that. I went out and I met with the kids at Haylerburry and they put a petition in. I met with some businesses out there, and only we spoke with Tomo's Pies and they'd been suffering with the overpass because less traffic going past, and of course their business had suffered. They were absolutely petrified that this duplication would take place and then put them further behind the eight ball. So we're not progressing with this project, Katie. It's not needed. There was putting businesses at risk, it was delaying development for the school, so we're not going to proceed.

It had a tender already been awarded for it or no.

It had a tender already been awarded for it or no.

No, no. There was some planning being done and that was about it, but there was there was no cash allocated to the project. And the way that was looking and the disruption was going to course the school and businesses was beyond the benefits of what the project was going to do, so we've ceased it well.

No, no. There was some planning being done and that was about it, but there was there was no cash allocated to the project. And the way that was looking and the disruption was going to course the school and businesses was beyond the benefits of what the project was going to do, so we've ceased it well.

Bill Yan, the Treasurer also Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, thank you for your time this morning. We'll catch up again soon.

Bill Yan, the Treasurer also Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, thank you for your time this morning. We'll catch up again soon.

Jeez, do you have a great day you too,

Jeez, do you have a great day you too,