Building on $6.2 billion of Northern investment for a bright future

The Australian Government will continue to back Northern Australia’s future and build on the $6.2 billion already invested since the 2015 White Paper.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud today delivered his first annual ministerial statement to the Parliament on developing Northern Australia.

“The exponential growth of our nation will be driven by the North,”

Minister Littleproud said.

“The Federal Government has laid the foundations through the $6.2 billion already invested since 2015.

“That includes $189.6 million in three new measures for Northern Australia committed in the last Budget, to target our investment in Regions of Growth, connect people and businesses with better telecommunications, and grow businesses and industry.

“Today I am pleased to release Our North, Our Future: 2021-2026 ‘Targeted Growth’ – to report on our investment to date and our vision for the future of the North’s sustainable economic development.

“We will target regional strengths and opportunities for investment across governments, making it easier for private sector to invest, and for people to move up and make it their home.

“Above all we will make sure that the benefits generated in the North, stay in the North.”

The Special Envoy for Northern Australia, Townsville-based Senator Susan McDonald said the positive response from northern Australian businesses and communities in taking up these opportunities meant the benefits were being amplified from the ground up.

“While we are doing our part through record investment and leadership, I want to thank the communities and businesses who have taken a chance to invest in projects, expand their operations, employ more people and re-invest in their region,” Senator McDonald said.

“Australia’s north forms a vital part of our identity, national economy, and way of life and our Government is going to continue to stand by their side to grow and develop this great region.”

To access Our North, Our Future: 2021-2026 ‘Targeted Growth’ and further information on the Government’s strategy and investments in Northern Australia, visit the website.