The $5 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility is not expected to make a decision on the $900 million loan to the Adani's $16.5 billion Carmichael mine until next year.

The NAIF, established by former treasurer Joe Hockey in 2015 to help boost development in the northern parts of Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, has only made one loan recommendation – a $16.8 million loan for the $125 million Onslow Marine Support Base in WA.