And so it should be. The test results from Tamboran’s Beetaloo are exciting. It now seems highly likely that a final investment decision about the onshore gas project will be positive and that gas will be powering the Middle Arm Sustainable Industrial Precinct within a couple of years. It has been quoted that there are more gas reserves at Beetaloo than the whole of Russia so that may help put the scale of this huge resource into perspective. This means wealth, jobs and training for Territorians. Data from the NT Industry Capability Network adds to the morale-boosting news by showing that $13.2 billion worth of major projects are about to begin in the Territory. And that figure doesn’t include onshore oil and gas. The indicators are clear and the message clearer: don’t go anywhere – the Territory is going places. The Federal Court decision in favour of the Santos Barossa pipeline is also heartening news. The court challenge delayed not just the Barossa project but other related projects in Northern Australia – investors were hesitant to commit their money until the case was finished. So, the Environment Defenders Office, which the judge found had misled Traditional Owners, has a lot to answer for. Hopefully this case is a wake-up call to organisations that manipulate the truth and get in the way of progress.

There has been a string of great news for the Territory over the past few weeks. The Feds are finally realising that the NT Government, no matter its political complexion, cannot tackle our enormous social problems on its own, so have put together plans for $1 billion to be spent on remote housing and $1 billion on public schools. The housing program is good news for Aboriginal people – how can kids be safe, let alone do homework, in a three-bedroom house holding at least 17 people? Overcrowding and reduced school attendance rates go hand in hand so this approach is most welcome. And it’s good news for the construction industry.

Territory Q likes to publish stories not just about multibilliondollar projects but about the mum-and-dad companies that are the backbone of our economy. So please enjoy the feature on Remote Territory Healthcare. It shows what brave entrepreneurs can do for our community. Also, please read the article about M&J – a business started in a caravan that is now thriving. The fact that the owners are an interstate couple who fled the chill of the south to make a new life in the land of opportunity makes it a particularly stirring read.

The long read feature in this issue is on the future of commercial and recreational barramundi fishing. It will no doubt touch a few nerves. We make it very clear: we don’t take sides in this often angry debate and Nigel invested many hours interviewing and researching the topic from all angles. TQ just wants to present the facts and let you make up your own mind. The only thing to be sure about is that we haven’t heard the last of this topic by a long mile.

Our cover girl for April is one of Darwin’s most respected retailers Darlene Chin. She was blown away when I tapped her on the shoulder to tell her story. It took years of convincing her to do it because these days Darlene likes to fly below the radar. I assured her it was about bloody time that she is recognised as a trailblazer of style and business. It is with a huge amount of respect to her, and the five generations of Chins before her, that we tell Darlene’s story.

Campaign Edge Sprout are looking forward to a busy year. We are not sitting around waiting for work to fall in our lap and have created our own opportunities, such as the new Blak Business magazine in partnership with NTIBN. This magazine is the first business publication in Australia dedicated to showcasing the capabilities of Aboriginal-owned and allied companies and should be celebrated as another great Territory first.

I have long believed that Darwin is the city of second chances and the Territory has always been two steps ahead when it comes to the private sector. The Federal Government has committed $600,000 to mark the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy and there is a sub-committee working away on a whole raft of projects as well. TQ will be independently producing a special business resilience edition in October to commemorate the event. TQ would love to hear from Territory businesses who overcame adversity and stuck it out; also those businesses created from the devastation and the stories of operating before, during and after 1974.

Our Editor in Chief, Nigel Adlam, is taking long service after 11 years and 44 issues. Nigel has been committed from the beginning and deserves a well-earned break. He is taking three months off to chase birds all over the world. We welcome Fred McCue, who is going to get us through the next edition, so please be gentle. I have long been a fan girl of Fred’s and I’m sure he’s going to do a great job. We are constantly working on TQ throughout the year, but keep in the back of your mind if you have any branding, social media, marketing or communication campaigns you would like scoped and quoted. Just get in touch. I love being busy, but we can always be busier. Contact me directly on publisher@territoryq.com.au or anya@campaignedgesprout.com