The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering on its promise to grow the economy, create jobs and protect the Territory's unique lifestyle, with a major boost to the agriculture and fisheries sectors in Budget 2025-26.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has been allocated $65.5 million in total funding, including an increase of $1.3 million in Territory Government operational funding, to support the growth and sustainability of industries that contribute over $1.3 billion to the Territory economy and support thousands of jobs.
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said the CLP Government recognised the vital role of the sector in the Territory's future.
"Through these investments, we're backing Territorians who grow our food, export to global markets, and protect our fisheries, which supports jobs on land and at sea," said Mr Maley.
Budget 2025-26 includes:
$1 million commitment over two years to implement an integrated research program to combat Mango Twig Tip Dieback (MTTD), safeguarding the NT's $100 million mango industry.$1 million for the continued operation of the Fisheries Compliance Unit to ensure the sustainability of the Territory's aquatic resources and maintain the integrity of commercial and recreational fishing.Strategic investment is also being made to strengthen research farms streamline projects, meet industry demands, and help grow the sector.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has identified the likely cause of MTTD and is now working with the NT Farmers Association and the Australian Mango Industry Association to implement research trials to reduce its impact.
The NT Farmers Association estimates MTTD is costing the Darwin mango industry, which produces more than half of Australia's mango crop, around $7 million annually.
The CLP Government is continuing to protect the NT's aquatic resources, with $1 million allocated in Budget 2025-26 to continue the operations of the Fisheries Compliance Unit.
The Unit works closely with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Aboriginal Marine Rangers, Fisheries Inspectors and other enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with NT fishing rules.
We're also delivering more support for recreational fishing through the 2025 Northern Territory Recreational Fishing Grants Scheme.
The second round of funding opens in August 2025, providing grants of up to $75,000 for larger infrastructure projects aimed at expanding recreational fishing opportunities across the Territory.
Fishing contributes more than $280 million to the Territory's economy each year and supports over 2,700 jobs.
Like all government departments, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is contributing to broader government savings, delivering $174,000 in efficiencies this year as part of a $20 million whole-of-government savings strategy.
Budget 2025-26 is a long-term, strategic plan to ensure the ongoing success of our agriculture and fisheries sectors, with targeted investments that will support industry development and secure our economic future," said Mr Maley.
