Measures from last week's Federal Budget designed to support the people of Northern Australia were discussed at the first meeting of the new Northern Australia Ministerial Forum held today in Darwin.
Key among the Budget measures was an additional $2 billion for the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, which will benefit local communities, support the creation of new industries and boost local employment opportunities.
The re-established Ministerial Forum, chaired by Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King, brought together Queensland Minister for Regional Development Glenn Butcher, Western Australia Minister for Regional Development Alannah MacTiernan, and Northern Territory Minister for Northern Australia and Trade Nicole Manison.
It is the first collective meeting of portfolio Ministers representing northern jurisdictions since 2019
Ministers committed to working through the forum to drive economic growth - to benefit Australians now and into the future.
Developing a shared vision and goals for enduring prosperity right across the north was a key outcome of this week's forum, with agreed priorities to diversify and strengthen the north's economy including through:
- Human capital: Engagement with First Nations people; justice reinvestment; housing availability; migration and mobility; and workforce skills and training development
- Enabling infrastructure: digital connectivity; enabling roads, rail and ports; common user infrastructure; and water
- Economic development and diversification: transformational projects; agriculture and biosecurity; and data to support decision making and investment.
Last week's Federal Budget has already introduced measures that will help drive these shared priorities for Northern Australia, by delivering targeted support for community liveability and amenity across the north, financing major industry and infrastructure development, upgrading roads and ensuring First Nations people can access the services and facilities they need.
The Government's other nation-building investments in northern Australia include:
- $1.5 billion towards common user marine infrastructure within the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct, providing a pathway to a decarbonised economy by helping emerging clean energy industries.
- $440 million for Northern Territory Regional Logistics Hubs in Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.
- $565 million in the Pilbara to boost the region's readiness for new green hydrogen markets and its transition to renewable energy.
- $150 million for the Cairns Marine Precinct and $50 million for the Central Queensland University, Cairns campus.
