Australia's minerals industry has proposed the development of an east-west and north-south infrastructure axis as part of a minerals processing and manufacturing hub to unlock hundreds of billions of dollars in mineral, manufacturing and agricultural wealth.
A submission by the Minerals Council of Australia to the Inquiry into Preparing for Emerging Industries Across Northern Australia - released during Minerals Week 206 in Canberra - outlines how road and rail networks can connect Northern Australia to create a backbone for mining, industrial, agricultural, defence and community activity across Australia's northern arc.
The MCA's submission outlines a $44 billion plan to fix missing infrastructure links across Northern Australia via a nation-building transport corridor including:
- Completion and hardening of the Great Northern Highway
- Complete sealing of the Tanami Road
- Integrating north-south rail integration with an east-west corridor, via a new Halls Creek to Alice Springs or Tennant Creek rail link along with a new Alice Springs to Mt Isa rail link
- An intermodal and industrial facility at Alice Springs supported by integrated logistics and industrial hubs at Katherine and Tennant Creek and other strategic nodes
- Rail upgrades between Mt Isa and the Port of Townsville.
'While governments have already invested heavily in infrastructure in the NT, northern WA and Queensland, further strategic investment in infrastructure will enable access to trillions of dollars in mineral resources as well as supporting agriculture, defence manufacturing and communities,' said MCA Tania Constable.
'If we neglect the development, growth and success of Northern Australia, we will miss out on many opportunities to boost Australia's economic future, national security and integration into the rapidly growing South-East Asian region.
'When a derailment like the one in January 2026 shuts down all east-west bulk goods transfer by rail or the wet season makes northern roads impassable, it's clear that much more investment in basic infrastructure is required.
'Northern Australia is the frontline of Australia's engagement with South-East Asia and the gateway to the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
'Geoscience Australia's Mineral Potential Models suggest significant critical mineral and strategic material deposits across the north of Australia including bauxite, manganese, vanadium, copper, gold, lithium and rare earth elements, along with one of the world's largest potential agricultural expansions.
'Yet this remarkable region cannot develop its resources potential while it remains constrained by a lack of basic infrastructure for transport, water security, aviation, ports and power.
'Limited freight and logistics connectivity, insufficient energy and communications infrastructure and under-investment in enabling services, compounded by a shortage of skilled local workers all act to restrict private investment, weaken export competitiveness, and limit mobility.'
The MCA's submission outlines why a new deal on multi-use infrastructure for Northern Australia is not just about securing mineral opportunities - it will also help to secure our nation's defences.
The same infrastructure fundamental to Australia's defence strategy is needed to deliver the logistics efficiency fundamental to unlocking mining, processing, agriculture, biofuels and food production along with the economic viability and livability of communities.
Northern Australia is one of the most strategically important regions in the world from a defence, economic potential and community and social development perspective.
With coordinated infrastructure investment, Australia can unlock vast economic value while anchoring our national resilience and deepen our integration with South-East Asia - delivering benefits to regional communities, national defence, global partners and future generations.
