The Federal Government has outlined how it’s supporting economic development and opportunities in northern Australia.
In her annual statement to Parliament, Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Madeleine King, outlined over $30 billion of investments the government is making in the region.
The government’s Northern Australia Action Plan 2024–2029 is supporting the north with a renewed focus on economic opportunities, housing, education and infrastructure.
Record investment in northern infrastructure has been made, including $888.3 million for 17 new and 17 existing roads.
The Federal Government is backing projects such as the Middle Arm development in Darwin, which will create thousands of skilled jobs and help unlock the economic potential of the Northern Territory.
The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) has committed over $4.6 billion across the north, supporting more than 20,000 jobs and generating nearly $40 billion of public benefit.
The Federal Government says these investments are delivering real outcomes for First Nations communities, with over 1,100 forecast jobs filled by First Nations people and Indigenous procurement exceeding $87 million.
The government has continued its focus on housing with $355.4 million allocated to Queensland, $190.2 million to Western Australia and $55.6 million to the Northern Territory under the new National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness.
The Indigenous Reference Group has been extended for another two years to continue its important work in advancing economic outcomes for First Nations communities in the north. An expression of interest process will be undertaken early in the new year, for those wanting to join the group.
Federal Minister for Northern Australia, Madeleine King, said Australia’s future economic prosperity was dependant on the future of northern Australia.
“A strong north means a strong Australia,” Minister King said.
“This Government is delivering for communities in the north, creating well paid jobs, opportunity and prosperity.
“Importantly, all of this work is being designed and driven by communities in the north.
“The future of Australia is in northern Australia.”
