Minister Madeleine King outlines $30B plan for jobs, housing, and infrastructure in the North to drive economic growth.
In her annual statement to Parliament, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King outlined how the Albanese Government is driving substantial investments and economic growth across the north, with a clear focus on creating well-paid jobs and expanding opportunities for the region.
A major part of this vision is the Northern Australia Action Plan 2024–2029, which highlights over $30 billion in investments aimed at boosting economic prosperity, improving infrastructure, and addressing housing and education challenges.
Minister King emphasised the importance of northern Australia to the nation’s future, stating, “A strong north means a strong Australia.” According to her, the Government’s comprehensive strategy for the region is central to Australia’s long-term prosperity. “This Government is delivering for communities in the north, creating well-paid jobs, opportunity and prosperity,” she said.
One of the key areas of focus is infrastructure development, with a record investment in northern roads. The Government has allocated $888.3 million for improvements, including funding for both new and existing roads. This is part of a broader commitment to modernise transport networks and improve accessibility across the region.
In addition to roadworks, significant support is going towards major projects like the Middle Arm development in Darwin, which promises to create thousands of highly skilled jobs. “The Middle Arm project will unlock the immense economic potential of the Northern Territory,” Minister King remarked. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of attracting investment and fostering local industries in northern Australia.
Another vital aspect of the plan is the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF), which has already committed over $4.6 billion across the north. This funding is expected to generate nearly $40 billion in public benefits and support more than 20,000 jobs, including over 1,100 positions for First Nations people. Indigenous procurement has also seen a marked increase, with $87 million in procurement opportunities directed towards Indigenous businesses.
The Government has not forgotten the housing crisis in the north, with substantial funding allocated to address shortages in Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. A total of $355.4 million will go towards housing in Queensland, $190.2 million in Western Australia, and $55.6 million in the Northern Territory under the National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness.
Additionally, the Government has extended the Indigenous Reference Group for another two years to continue supporting economic outcomes for First Nations communities in the north. An upcoming expression of interest process will allow individuals to join this important initiative.
Minister King concluded, “Importantly, all of this work is being designed and driven by communities in the north. The future of Australia is in northern Australia.”
For more details, you can access the Northern Australia Agenda on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts website.
Also read: Over $1M in grants power local projects in rural Australia
Milton writes as both an occupation and a hazard. He also works on the newsletters you see on Tuesday and Thursday with articles you should find interesting.
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