Have your say on Middle Arm

13 September 2022

The Territory Labor Government is working to transform Middle Arm into a sustainable ‘development ready’ industrial precinct and is seeking public feedback on the proposed development.

The Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct aims to capitalise on the Territory’s access to natural gas and renewable energies to grow manufacturing and value-adding jobs while supporting economic growth. The precinct is being master planned with a focus on low emission hydrocarbons, green hydrogen, advanced manufacturing, carbon capture and minerals processing.

Sustainable outcomes and environmental protection of the Darwin Harbour and surrounds are at the core of planning for the precinct.

Over the coming weeks, the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) will be in the community at local markets and shopping centres talking to people about the precinct and encouraging feedback.

DIPL is leading planning, design and environmental assessment for the precinct and has commissioned a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). The rigorous assessment is the first of its kind in the Territory and will determine ways to maximise positive benefits from the precinct and mitigate negative impacts. This includes preserving Darwin Harbour’s environmental value for generations to come.

DIPL will submit the draft SEA in the first half of 2023 and input from stakeholders and the community is an important part of this. The draft will also be placed on public exhibition for stakeholders and the community to comment on.

In addition to the upcoming community information stalls, people can provide feedback as part of the independent social impact assessment by completing a survey or dropping comments on a map via HaveYourSay.nt.gov.au.

To read more about the precinct, including opportunities to engage and dates of the community information stalls, visit dipl.nt.gov.au/projects.

Quotes attributed to the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler:

“The Territory Labor Government is committed to growing the economy to $40 billion by 2030.

“The Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct will help achieve this goal in a sustainable way that will also drive industry diversification, exports, jobs and population growth over the next 50 years.

“It’s an opportunity to not only invest in the Territory’s economic future but also plan for long-term growth and development in a cleaner way, taking into account the importance of preserving Darwin Harbour.

“Ongoing community engagement is crucial to ensuring Territorians understand what is proposed for the Middle Arm precinct and how to be involved.

“I encourage everyone with an interest in this development to visit the website, talk to the team at community stalls and have a say on the future of the Territory.”

Northern Territory Government