The Australian Government has emphasised its commitment to communities in northern Australia by providing details of billions of dollars in funding for projects in the region.
The Federal Government is working to ensure that the $3.8 billion allocated to defence in the north benefits local communities, according to the annual ministerial statement to Parliament on Northern Australia delivered by Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain on behalf of Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King.
“A strong north means a strong nation and this government is delivering for the north by supporting industry, local jobs, the economy and social outcomes,” Minister McBain said.
In her statement, Minister King stated that the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) has already authorised nearly $4 billion in lending for the north’s critical minerals, energy, agriculture, aquaculture, universities, and airports.
The Federal Government has increased NAIF financing to $7 billion and extended its remit to cover Australia’s Indian Ocean Territories, Christmas Island, and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
Minister King held the Northern Australia Ministerial Forum in Cairns earlier this month, where federal and state government representatives discussed the best way to allocate $3.8 billion for defence force bases.
“This government is delivering substantial investment to deliver a once-in-a-generation transformation of the northern Australian economy,” Minister King said.
Last year, Minister King announced a refresh of the Our North, Our Future: White Paper on Developing Northern Australia to tackle challenges and opportunities better.
According to the Minister, the White Paper would also ensure that the Government and industry collaborate with First Nations people through projects such as the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy and the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program.
Other significant commitments detailed in the Statement include the Government’s $565 million investment in Pilbara Ports Upgrades at Lumsden Point and Dampier, as well as a $70 million investment in the Townsville Hydrogen Hub, all of which will support clean, sustainable exports.
The new Critical Minerals Strategy, according to Minister King, will focus on establishing local jobs, industries, and secure supply chains, with $500 million set aside for critical minerals initiatives.
Meanwhile, the $1.5 billion investment in Darwin’s Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct aims to establish a globally competitive precinct.
It is in addition to more than $1.5 billion invested in critical road infrastructure that serves key industries such as beef and agriculture.
The Federal Government is providing nearly $299 million for the Better, Safer Future for Central Australia Plan to ensure the security and safety of central Australians.
The plan, in collaboration with the local community, focuses on enhancing youth services in Alice Springs and funding infrastructure for amenities, water, power, and housing.
