Opportunities to boost Northern Australia’s agriculture and biosecurity sectors and establishing objectives for disaster resilience were highlighted at the Northern Australia Ministerial Forum in Kununurra.
Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King said the forum, the first Northern Ministerial Australia forum held in Kununurra in nearly six years, was also an opportunity to reaffirm the Australian Government‘s commitment to updating the Our North, Our Future: White Paper on Developing Northern Australia, which was produced in collaboration with northern ministers.
Queensland Minister for Regional Development Glenn Butcher, Director General of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Heather Brayford, Western Australian Minister for Regional Development Don Punch, Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister Brent Potter MLA, and Minister for Northern Australia Nicole Manison, all attended the forum, which was presided over by Minister King.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt took part in talks on how crucial the north is to the Federal Government’s strategy for handling new biosecurity hazards.
According to Minister King, agriculture in Northern Australia contributes significantly to the country’s economy, and the Albanese Government is dedicated to helping farmers and producers in the north.
Minister King stated that the Commonwealth is continuing to cooperate with the Western Australian Government to recover from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie damage, focusing on infrastructure repairs, especially the Fitzroy Bridge, bringing the area back on track.
The Northern Australia White Paper update, according to the Minister, is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to tackling the difficulties that exist in the north in terms of supporting development and economic activity.
She stated that stakeholder engagement would influence the refresh to determine objectives, problems, and opportunities, which will feed into a new five-year action plan for the north.
“I am focused on the critical importance of social infrastructure and community-led development, while supporting industry to expand and create sustainable regional jobs,” Minister King added.
Minister Butcher said the open conversation at the Forum allows for reaffirmation of commitments to address difficulties and confirmation of the refreshed Our North, Our Future: White Paper on Developing Northern Australia.
“The Palaszczuk Government is already delivering innovation and good, stable jobs for Northern Australia through the Queensland Energy & Jobs Plan. The work we conduct through these forums directly impact the liveability of communities and attract young people to regional and remote Australia,” Minister Butcher added.
Minister Manison stated that critical infrastructure is required for connectivity to support the north’s economic and social growth.
“Northern Australia is the nation’s front line when it comes to defence and biosecurity, and it is imperative we ensure the region works together to tackle our unique challenges and build greater outcomes for the people who live and work here,” Minister Manison said.
