A new report from the Property Council of Australia's NT Division is calling for a coordinated push to unlock Central Australia's economic, social and environmental potential, with a strong focus on Indigenous-led growth and workforce participation.
With the official launch set for Friday 5 December, at a Breakfast with Ministers in Alice Springs, the Growing Central Australia: Solutions for Regional Development and Sustainability report sets out a practical roadmap to:
Stimulate sustainable population and economic growth in the Red Centre
Improve housing, liveability and community infrastructure
Build regional connectivity and investment confidence
Support climate-resilient development
Expand a skilled, inclusive and Indigenous-led workforce across the property and construction sector.
Property Council NT Executive Director Ruth Palmer said the report is about turning Central Australia's unique strengths into long-term opportunities.
"Central Australia should be at the heart of the Northern Australia story, not just a stop on the way," Ms Palmer said.
"This report lays out a clear path to grow the Red Centre: more homes, better infrastructure, and a stronger, more inclusive workforce with Indigenous people leading and benefiting from the development of Country.
"We already have more than 70 leaders from government, industry and the community in the room for this week's launch, that tells you there is real appetite to reset the conversation about the future of Alice Springs and the broader region."
Building on the Property Council's Growing Northern Australia work, the new Central Australia report aligns with the organisation's Indigenous-led initiatives and its commitment to boosting Indigenous workforce participation and leadership in the property sector.
"Regions like Central Australia are the lifeblood of our national economy, and all eyes are now on the NT as other states grapple with deepening housing and infrastructure pressures," Ms Palmer said.
"If we can get the settings right in the Red Centre - with genuine Indigenous leadership, the right investment and a clear pipeline of projects, Central Australia can become a national example of how to tackle supply, grow jobs and build more liveable, resilient communities."
The research was delivered in partnership with Genexa Advisory, helping to shape a robust evidence base and a set of practical, staged recommendations to guide future policy and investment.
