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The north is contributing to Australia’s growing prosperity.
News
Minister Canavan has presented the fourth Annual Statement to Parliament on developing northern Australia. The statement reports on progress and shows how we are advancing the northern Australia agenda.
Four years in and the government has delivered 43 out of the 51 measures under the Our North, Our Future: White Paper. That’s 85% toward full implementation.
A strong north is critical to our nation’s future security, identity and prosperity.
The north has always been a great place to live and do business, and its contribution to Australia’s prosperity is growing.
Since establishing our 20-year plan to unlock the north’s full potential, the region has become more liveable, vibrant and prosperous. We’ve invested in infrastructure, attracted investment, created jobs and ensured the right supports are in place to continue to grow its economy and communities. We also achieved major breakthroughs by partnering with industry, research organisations, Indigenous businesses and communities.
The Darwin foreshore is a great place for families.
Northern Australia is a great place to do business.
Vital work to improve access, safety and connectivity across the north includes:
Funding to improve water resources for agriculture and the community includes:
Improving roads for rural and remote communities in the Northern Territory.
Supporting water infrastructure is in the north.
The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) is boosting investment across the north. NAIF’s $5 billion in funding has helped build:
Approved NAIF projects are already estimated to generate $3 billion in public benefit and create more than 4000 jobs in regional areas across the north.
The government has also invested in resources projects to inject billions into the Australian economy. The resources sector remains the economic powerhouse of Northern Australia, generating over half of the north’s economic activity.
Building critical road infrastructure in the north.
Building and construction projects are boosting the economy.
The Cooperative Research Centre for Northern Australia is facilitating research on agriculture, food and aquaculture, health service delivery, and Traditional Owner led developments. The centre has contributed $9 million for 35 northern industry-led research and leveraged co-contributions of $20 million. Projects include:
The Hot North program, through Menzies School of Health Research, has delivered:
The Indigenous Reference Group continues to support economic opportunity for Indigenous businesses, communities and individuals.
More jobs are going to Indigenous people, including:
The Indigenous-owned, NAIF-funded, First Iron Project, will also create up to 240 new jobs in the Pilbara region.
Following the statement Minister Canavan and the Northern Australia Alliance co-hosted an event at Parliament House. Stakeholders, industry and community representatives came together with key government decision makers, MPs and Senators from all parties, to foster further interest and cooperation on northern Australian development.
Left to right: Senator Murray Watt (Shadow Minister for Northern Australia), Mr Khory McCormick (Chair, Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility), Mr Mike Lawson (Deputy Secretary).
Members of the Northern Australia Alliance. Left to right: Greg Bicknell, Tony Breugem, Patricia O’Callaghan, Senator the Hon Matthew Canavan, Trent Twomey, Senator Murray Watt, Derek Lightfoot, Tanya Dodd and Kylie Porter.
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Email northernaustralia [at] industry.gov.au