The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering on its election commitment to fast-track the conversion of vacant commercial buildings in the Darwin CBD into much-needed student accommodation.
The Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne has amended the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to allow vacant commercial buildings to be used as student accommodation, helping to quickly unlock supply and revitalise the CBD.
A two-year timeframe has been placed on the initiative, providing sufficient time for landowners and developers to access the expedited process while ensuring timely progress.
The amendment not only delivers on a CLP election commitment, but goes further by also enabling vacant commercial buildings to be developed into hostels, guest houses and worker accommodation, increasing the range of accommodation options in the CBD.
"We know student accommodation is in high demand and short supply, especially after the opening of the new Charles Darwin University city campus," said Mr Burgoyne.
"We are taking action to change that with this practical amendment, which will deliver real results for the Northern Territory - repurposing buildings that would otherwise be sitting there empty, while saving time and reducing costs.
"We promised we would reduce government approval timeframes by 50% to get urgent projects moving and rebuild our economy - this is part of that plan."
In 2024, the CLP Government firmly rejected a proposal by the previous Labor government to implement 'soft caps' or 'cuts' on international student numbers at Territory universities and colleges, instead backing international student growth with a clear plan to expand accommodation.
Member for Port Darwin and Minister for International Education, Migration and Population, Robyn Cahill said increasing student accommodation options would not only improve access to accommodation for international students it would also provide a significant boost to the CBD.
"International students play a key role in our government's commitment to rebuild the economy," said Ms Cahill.
"The latest data shows the International Education and Training sector contributed $156.2 million directly to our economy, with each student estimated to contribute $50,448 annually."
"As of October 2025, there were 5,577 international students enrolled in the Northern Territory, up 3.6% from last year. We want students to see the Territory as their top choice for university, and perhaps even stay and call it home - to achieve this, more accommodation is vital."
Property Council of Australia NT Executive Director Ruth Palmer said repurposing vacant buildings would create more well-located accommodation for international students while bringing new life, activity, and vibrancy back into the city.
"This is a real opportunity to increase the liveability of the CBD and for developers and landowners to reimagine under-utilised assets. We hope many take advantage of the chance to turn vacant buildings into much-needed accommodation," said Ms Palmer.
Student Accommodation Property Council of Australia Executive Director Adele Lausberg said: "There is a chronic undersupply of student accommodation in the Northern Territory and any efforts to increase the number of beds is always welcomed by our sector."
