Developing Northern Australia Conference wrap up

The 4th Developing Northern Australia Conference on 11-12 July 2019 was a major milestone for our north.

Around 330 people gathered in the beautiful city of Karratha, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Delegates from government and industry, business owners, researchers, Indigenous leaders and entrepreneurs attended over 50 presentations and exchanged ideas.

The conference focused on achieving a more prosperous and sustainable future for northern Australia. Topics covered resources, land, water, energy, renewables, agribusiness, population and industry sector opportunities.

Conference and presentation highlights:

• The Minister for Resources and Northern Australia opened the conference by video.
• We launched the new Developing Northern Australia map.
• The Office of Northern Australia team facilitated an interactive panel on ‘Re-imaging northern development.’ In this provocative session, leading thinkers took the audience through the complexity and scale of transformation underway in the north. They shared an inspiring vision for the future and thoughts on creating vibrant and resilient communities. Panellists included:
  • Dr Stefan Hajkowicz, Senior Principal Scientist and Team Leader at Data61
  • Naomi Anstess, National Business and Workforce Development Manager at Intract Australia
  • Glenys Schuntner, CEO, Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland Committee
• Peter Yu, Northern Australia Indigenous Reference Group chair, delivered a powerful keynote calling for action on Indigenous development.
• The Minister for Indigenous Australians also presented on the importance of Indigenous involvement in northern development.
• Tim Hill, AusIndustry Business Services Regional Manager for the Northern Territory, and Cal Foulner, Director of AgTech, shared practical advice. They spoke about rapid global change and how businesses in the north can use customer-centric models to take advantage of emerging opportunities.

The event received great coverage in mainstream and social media. #DEVNTH trended on Twitter Australia-wide the first day!

The 2020 conference will be on 8-10 July in Rockhampton. You can learn more or register on the Developing Northern Australia Conference website.

Read more

• The Office of Northern Australia supports northern Australia development
• Read how we are growing a stronger north

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• Email northernaustralia@industry.gov.au
• Phone 08 8923 4403