Growth plan Big one

THE NT government, in partnership with the Big Rivers Regional Economic Growth Committee, has developed a 10-year “road map” for economic growth in the Big Rivers region south of Darwin.

Stretching south of Kakadu, including Pine Creek, Big Rivers extends 500km south to Kalkaringi and stretches Territory-wide between the WA and Queensland borders, covering 360,000sq km.

Launched last week, the Big Rivers Regional Economic Growth Plan sets a 10-year target to grow a $3bn economy, create an additional 1000 jobs, and deliver a significant population boost.

The plan identifies four strategic growth areas, including active support for Aboriginal people to lead commercial developments on country and to create jobs and new economic opportunities.

Other pillars of the plan promote the region’s competitive advantages, target improving liveability perceptions to boost the population and better co-ordination of regional infrastructure and workforce planning for industry growth.

A new marketing tool, Brand Big Rivers, was also launched to attract people and investment to the region.

Big Rivers Regional Economic Growth Committee chair Alison Ross welcomed the collaboration that led to the plan.

“We have immense economic opportunity in the Big Rivers and our growth plan ensures the region has a focused, collective development effort to make this happen,” Ms Ross said.

“We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with all levels of government as we strive toward the sustainable growth of the Big Rivers.”

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said regional economic committees were driving priorities and setting targets across the Territory.

Arnhem MP Selena Uibo said the plan created a pathway to infrastructure development and improved regional liveability.