Creating Further Economic Growth in the Top End Region

12 September 2022

The Territory Labor Government and the Top End Regional Economic Growth Committee have released a long term plan to grow the economy, increase job opportunities and improve liveability in the Daly, West Arnhem, Top End Rural and Unincorporated area, and Tiwi Islands.

The plan stemmed from the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission (TERC), which recommended a focus on the Territory’s regions to realise their economic vision and potential. 

Identifying economic opportunities across agribusiness, tourism, resources, and energy transitions pathways, the eight year plan includes: 

• growing native bush foods industry, in particular Kakadu Plum businesses in Wadeye, Maningrida and Jabiru, 
• expanding the buffalo industry in the Tiwi Islands and West Arnhem region, 
• implementing opportunities region wide for on-country cultural and nature based tourism businesses,
• progressing development of the Blacklip Oyster from research to commercial operations on South Goulbourn Island and Tiwi Islands, 
• development of crocodile farming on the Tiwi Islands,
• restarting pastoral operations in the West Daly region, 
• supporting mine rehabilitation activities at Jabiru and Rum Jungle, and 
• supporting plans to develop a largescale green hydrogen export on the Tiwi Islands.

The Territory Labor Government has been releasing economic growth plans for each region of the Territory to plan out our way to reach a $40 billion economy by 2030. 

View the Plan here.

Quotes attributed to Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles:

“To reach our ambitious goal of a $40 billion economy by 2030, we need to develop and invest in our regions. 

“The Top End Regional Growth Plan promotes a range of business opportunities leveraging the region’s natural environment, resources and its unique location to domestic and international labour and trading markets.

“With a focus on agribusiness, resources, tourism, energy transition, construction and civil works, the Plan sets out a pathway to create local jobs, economic growth and attract private investment.”

Quotes attributable to Top End Rivers Regional Economic Growth Committee Chair, Chris Tedcastle:

“The Top End region is a large and diverse region that has enormous potential to grow the economy and create employment opportunities for our people. 

“The Top End Regional Economic Growth Plan ensures we are focused on each opportunity across every unique part of our region.

“We look forward to continuing our work in partnership with key NT Government agencies to ensure the enabling infrastructure required to grow our economy and increase the liveability of our region are progressed and the support required to realise our growth opportunities is accessible.”

Northern Territory Government