Eva Lawler
Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics
Media Release
Northern Territory Infrastructure Blueprint Released
22 February 2022
The Territory Labor Government has today released a framework detailing infrastructure priorities.
Infrastructure NT is seeking stakeholder and public feedback on the new NT Infrastructure Framework position paper which sets the vision, purpose and implementation pathways to prioritise Government investment in infrastructure.
It ensures we invest in the right infrastructure, in the right place, at the right time to support the Territory’s economic and population growth.
The adoption of place-based approach to the Infrastructure Plan is a key proposed change. Place-based planning has a number of benefits including a clearer connection between local growth opportunities and the infrastructure investment needed to support that growth. It will also drive government’s infrastructure investment further through clearly linking opportunities in infrastructure delivery at the local level.
Key aspects of the position paper will continue to enhance our position for more projects recognised at the national level, including:
- Central Australian Tourism Recovery, which will include the National Aboriginal Art Gallery and upgrading the Mereenie Loop;
- NT Regional Logistic Hubs;
- Central Arnhem Road; and
- Darwin Harbour Marine Industry Park.
Work is also underway on a Government infrastructure audit, as well as identifying projects within the infrastructure pipeline from both government and private sector expenditure. This will assist in managing market capacity, the flow of work and help industry plan for their workforce requirements.
The Framework is also aligned to Infrastructure Australia’s framework. This sets the foundations to connect our infrastructure challenges and opportunities to the National agenda.
Currently, the Territory has eight projects on Infrastructure Australia’s priority list including:
- Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct;
- Northern Territory Remote power generation program;
- Tanami Road; and
- Darwin region water supply.
Comments on the Position Paper, including the foundations for a new Strategy, Plan and Pipeline are sought by 18 March 2022.
Targeted stakeholder discussions will be held in February and March 2022, and public input is welcome. Go to https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/ to read the Position Paper, listen to the power point presentation by the Infrastructure Commissioner and provide your feedback.
Quotes from the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler:
“Quality projects that enable economic development are important to the Northern Territory’s come back.
“Now is the time for a refocused approach to delivering strategic infrastructure planning and development to accelerate the Territory’s post COVID 19 economic rebound. This is the blueprint to how we will continue to grow our current projects and bring new builds to the Territory.
“We are a Government who is doing the work and making sure the Northern Territory is positioned to win projects and investment, which is in the interests of Territorians, jobs, business and our future.”
Quotes from the Infrastructure Commissioner, Louise McCormick:
“Refocussing our infrastructure investment strategy and planning will ensure we get the balance right between social and economic infrastructure to achieve government’s clear goals of economic and population growth.
“We are not starting with a blank page. The Framework has been informed by robust analysis of information, strategies and feedback. This has informed the development of the blueprint which articulates the foundations of the new Strategy, Audit, Plan and Pipeline.
“As Commissioner I have also been working closely with the Investment and Major Project Commissioners to ensure our blueprint connects the Territory’s investment pipeline. This will ensure we invest in the economic and social infrastructure needed to support growth.”
Northern Territory Government