It is planned that the Chief Minister of the NTClare Martin, the Acting Premier of SA Kevin Foley and Senator Nigel Scullion will be at the site to assist in igniting the final thermit.

The railway project is more than 50% complete and this event will bring the spotlight onto this enormous project that links by rail Australia's north, south, east and west. The entire rail project is ahead of schedule with the first freight train likely to run from Adelaide to Darwin in early 2004.

The event is planned to take place at the Buchanan Highway ADrail Camp near Dunmarra NT.

A fully redundant digital satellite uplink (SNG) will be available on site for use by television networks covering the event. The uplink will be available on Friday 13th December from approx. 07:45CST until 09:00CST networks wishing to file from the event venue. Tape playback from camera only. While use of the uplink is at no cost, networks must provide their own space segment on Optus B1 and pay any sat-phone call charges. News Directors can contact Mark Knudsen (mark.knudsen@sngau.net MP 0439 48 77 64) or Kurt Neho (kurt.neho@sngau.net MP 0439 48 77 63) at Satellite News Gathering Australia for more information or to arrange feed times.

The event will take place between 6:30 & 8:30am. All media attending will be accommodated at their own cost at Dunmarra and transported to the site by bus - a dinner with all guests is being held at the camp on the evening of the 12th December .

If you have any intention of sending anyone to cover this event and have any requirements you must contact Libby Beath 08 89469591, 0401119710 or libby.beath@nt.gov.au as soon as possible please. More information on the railway project can be obtained at www.aarc.com.au