The Territory Labor Government is fast-tracking sustainable development precincts, to help attract private sector investment in agriculture and aquaculture.
Today the Government announced it will invest $500,000 to establish a Sustainable Agribusiness Precincts team, to develop pastoral and Aboriginal Land in partnership with land owners and stakeholders.
The Territory plays an important role in Australia's agricultural sector. Each year, local production exceeds $1 billion, and the sector directly employs more than 2400 people across the Territory – many in regional and remote areas.
The creation of the Sustainable Agribusiness Precincts team will help achieve the recommendations of the Territory Economic Reconstruction's final report.
The team will be made up of five individuals, who will work closely with the newly-appointed Investment Commissioner to advance new opportunities in the sector.
They will also work in partnership with existing agricultural investors to further develop pastoral leases and Aboriginal Land. This will improve international and domestic supply chain access from the Territory.
There are currently three land development opportunities under consideration following an Expression of Interest Process: the Keep Plains, Wildman and Larrimah Agricultural Developments.
The release of these large-scale projects will create more jobs and training opportunities to grow the Territory's agriculture sector. It will also see the Territory capitalise on the increasing demand for quality Australian produce.
The new team will include existing roles in the department plus three new positions which will be recruited to through a publicly advertised and competitive recruitment process.
Quotes from Chief Minister, Michael Gunner:
"This team of experts will hone in on new opportunities, and help cement private investment in the agricultural space.
"They will work closely with the Territory's Investment Commissioner, who is constantly hunting the Territory's next big project
"Our agribusiness and aquaculture industries provide so many jobs and opportunities for Territorians, and we want to keep doing everything we can to maximise this exciting space.
"We need to keep Territorians working, to ensure our economy continues to turn and local businesses feel the benefits."
Quotes from Minister for Mining and Industry, Nicole Manison:
"Developing sustainable agricultural precincts will offer significant investment opportunities and ongoing economic benefits to the Territory.
"Creating diverse industries will be pivotal for cementing long-term jobs for Territorians.
"This new team is critical to realising the full potential of our agricultural sector and capitalising on new investment opportunities."
