Government announces $440m investment in three NT logistics hubs

Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has announced a multi-million investment in three new logistics hubs across the Northern Territory to help industries get goods to market.

Joyce, who is campaigning in the NT ahead of the May 21 election, said the federal government would invest $440 million in the new logistics hubs.

The facilities are expected to benefit miners, farmers and developers of new industries in the NT.

He said they would unlock the region’s vast resources, strengthen supply chains and boost exports.

“Building better and stronger logistics connections will help the Territory realise its full potential as a resources powerhouse and facilitate greater export activity,” the deputy prime minister said.

“Our investment in new hubs at Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Katherine will ensure valuable commodities such as gas and critical minerals reach ports and international markets faster, generating more export income and making our nation wealthier and stronger,” he said.

The funding will support three projects, including a $216.8 million for a multimodal logistics hub at Tennant Creek; a $160 million for a logistics and agribusiness hub at Alice Springs; and a $63.2 million for a logistics and agribusiness hub at Katherine.

There is strong interest in the Northern Territory in gold, zinc, bauxite and gas development, with the resources sector valued at $6.45 billion.

Joyce said that only by having stronger and more efficient freight connections can the gold, zinc, bauxite and gas from the NT continue to generate the income that underpins our standard of living

The federal government’s investment in the new logistics hubs forms part of the $7.1 billion investment pipeline under the Energy Security and Regional Development Plan.

The plan includes a $2.6 billion budget set aside for infrastructure projects in the NT, in which $1.5 billion had been committed to a new port infrastructure in Middle Arm.

“Through targeted investments in infrastructure, low emissions technology and energy production, resources extraction and processing, and water infrastructure, we will open up new frontiers of production and growth,” he said. 

with news from AAP