Next Gen North

Next Gen North

Join Stuart Cook on the new Next Gen North Podcast, where we discuss big ideas for the Northern Territory. With a range of guests from locals, business owners, political figures and more.

  1. Darwin's Fight for Survival: Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis' Plan to Save Australia's Tropical Capital

    JAN 12

    Darwin's Fight for Survival: Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis' Plan to Save Australia's Tropical Capital

    Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis opens up about Darwin's transformation from a struggling tropical city to Australia's strategic northern gateway. In this compelling conversation, he reveals the innovative projects reshaping Darwin - from powering 1000 homes with rubbish tip methane to the controversial $300K Cyclone Tracy memorial. Kon shares his journey from a 17-year-old in Greece to leading Darwin's bold vision for the future, including the truth behind the CBD crisis, the $61M development plan, and why creating opportunities for young people drives his mission to revitalise the city. -------------------- Timestamps and Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to Next Gen North with Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis 00:18 – Why Kon Still Calls Darwin Home 01:48 – How Knee Surgery Shifted the Mayor’s Perspective 02:57 – What Darwin’s Economic Future Looks Like 05:09 – Defence Forces Expansion & NT’s Population Growth 09:10 – Mining, Gas & Rare Earth Boom in the NT 13:43 – The Truth About Darwin Esplanade’s Controversy 20:31 – How Kon Plans to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour 27:16 – Why the CBD is Struggling & How to Fix It 36:58 – Handling Public Backlash & Big Decisions 43:15 – Cyclone Tracy 50 Years On – Lessons for Today 50:53 – What’s Next for Darwin’s Growth & Innovation 54:46 – Kon Vatskalis on Re-election & Future Plans -------------------- Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on your favourite platform. Facebook: NextGenNorth Twitter: @NextGenNorth Instagram: @nextgennorth_au Tiktok: @nextgennorth

    1h 11m
  2. NT’s $40 Billion Solar Gamble – Can It Power the Future?

    12/29/2024

    NT’s $40 Billion Solar Gamble – Can It Power the Future?

    Is NT About to Change the Global Energy Game?  In this episode, Stuart Cook sits down with Jett Street to unpack SunCable’s $40 billion renewable energy project – one of the boldest ventures in Australia’s history. Could the Northern Territory power Singapore and lead the green energy revolution?  Here’s what we cover:  How NT’s world-class solar and wind resources could drive economic growth The billionaire backers behind the project (Twiggy Forrest & Mike Cannon-Brookes) How this project could create thousands of jobs and reshape local industry The real challenges – from regulatory hurdles to environmental impacts Is this the future of Australia’s energy landscape – or just an ambitious dream? Watch now to find out.  Let us know in the comments – Could NT become a global renewable energy leader?  🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into NT’s biggest projects: http://youtube.com/@NextGenNorth  --------------------   Timestamps and Chapters:  [02:13] – Welcome Back! Jett Street Joins Next Gen North [04:26] – SunCable’s $40B Gamble – What’s the Vision? [07:33] – Why NT’s Solar and Wind Could Power Singapore [11:23] – $40B Breakdown – How This Will Transform NT [14:58] – The Future of Global Energy Trade – Can NT Lead? [19:18] – Battery Storage & Transmission – Does It Add Up? [24:13] – Jobs, Industry Growth & Long-Term Local Impact [28:46] – Twiggy Forrest, Cannon-Brookes & Billionaire Backing [33:23] – Key Milestones – What’s Next for SunCable? [37:56] – The Race Against Time – SunCable’s Biggest Hurdle [42:18] – NT vs WA – Who Will Lead Australia’s Green Push? [46:51] – Environmental Concerns – What’s the Real Impact? [51:33] – Renewable Lifecycle – 70 Years of Green Power [56:23] – Can NT Bring Back Manufacturing? [1:00:36] – Hydrogen, Data Centres & NT’s Next Frontier [1:05:08] – Cutting Through Red Tape – Fast-Tracking Progress [1:08:43] – Reflecting on NT’s Future & Christmas Cheer [1:10:31] – Closing Thoughts – NT’s Renewable Revolution   © Copyright by Next Gen North Podcast   -------------------- Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on your favourite platform. Facebook: NextGenNorth Twitter: @NextGenNorth Instagram: @nextgennorth_au Tiktok: @nextgennorth

    1h 8m
  3. Transparency vs. Secrecy in NT Politics

    12/22/2024

    Transparency vs. Secrecy in NT Politics

    Don't forget to subscribe to our channel: http://youtube.com/@NextGenNorth    Our Host: Stuart Cook  Today’s Guest: Lucio Matarazzo  The Northern Territory is facing a critical turning point. With declining public service permanency, soaring labour hire costs, and an $11 billion deficit, bold reforms are urgently needed.   Economist and industrial relations expert Luciano Madarazzo joins this conversation to break down the solutions that can stabilize NT’s population, improve transparency, and restore trust in leadership.  💡 Can NT achieve sustainable growth? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!*  📺 Watch now for bold insights into NT’s challenges and opportunities  --------------------   Timestamps and Chapters:   0:00 – Welcome to the Next Gen North Podcast3:45 – Meet Luciano Madarazzo: Economist and Advocate6:30 – Reflecting on Cyclone Tracy: 50 Years Later12:00 – NT Public Service: Why Permanency is Declining17:10 – The Hidden Cost of Labour Hire Contracts21:40 – Stalled Population Growth: What’s Causing It?27:20 – Transparency and Accountability in Public Service Salaries32:10 – Tackling NT’s $11 Billion Deficit Head-On36:50 – Should the Army and Federal Police Assist the NT?42:20 – Restoring Trust in NT’s Leadership Practices46:40 – Can the NT Avoid Federal Bailout?51:30 – Ethics in Politics: Raising Standards Post-Office56:50 – Final Thoughts: A Call for Courage and Change-------------------- Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on your favourite platform. Facebook: NextGenNorth Twitter: @NextGenNorth Instagram: @nextgennorth_au Tiktok: @nextgennorth

    1h 6m
  4. The Esplanade Series: Part 3 -$7 Billion Vision

    12/15/2024

    The Esplanade Series: Part 3 -$7 Billion Vision

    Don't forget to subscribe to our channel: http://youtube.com/@NextGenNorth    Our Host: Stuart Cook  Today’s Guest: Craig Doyle  What if $7 billion could completely transform Northern Australia?  NAIF (Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility) is investing in bold, high-risk projects that promise long-term economic benefits, jobs, and sustainability across the North.  In this exclusive episode, Craig Doyle, NAIF’s CEO, shares insights into their transformative mission. From tackling the housing crisis with modular solutions to driving renewable energy and rare earths projects, NAIF is reshaping Northern Australia’s future.  Discover how NAIF is unlocking opportunities, supporting local communities, and revitalizing the North’s economic landscape.  Watch now and join the conversation: What would you do with $7 billion for Northern Australia? Let us know in the comments below!  --------------------     Timestamps and Chapters:    0:00 – Welcome to the Next Gen North Podcast 0:15 – NAIF Unveiled: $7 Billion to Transform the North 6:36 – Solving NT’s Housing Crisis: Modular Housing Innovation 14:30 – Your Guide to Securing NAIF Funding 20:15 – NAIF’s Big Wins: Rare Earths, Agriculture, and Renewable Energy 27:45 – Lessons Learned: How NAIF Tackles High-Risk Projects 33:10 – NAIF’s Vision: Building Jobs and Sustainable Communities 41:00 – Craig Doyle’s Journey: From CEO to Transforming Northern Australia 50:00 – How to Get Involved: Contact NAIF for Funding Opportunities -------------------- Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on your favourite platform. Facebook: NextGenNorth Twitter: @NextGenNorth Instagram: @nextgennorth_au Tiktok: @nextgennorth

    53 min

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Join Stuart Cook on the new Next Gen North Podcast, where we discuss big ideas for the Northern Territory. With a range of guests from locals, business owners, political figures and more.