Future NT 2024: Santos, CDU, Darwin Port, Tamboran, Sitzler and NT Government partner for event

The NT News’ Future Northern Territory campaign returns for its third year next month as the push to create a $40bn economy by 2030 continues and this year will include a live leaders debate.

The NT News’ Future Northern Territory campaign returns for its third year next month as the push to create a $40bn economy by 2030 continues – and what better time to talk about shaping the future than in an election year.

The 2024 event is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever, with Charles Darwin University once again coming on board as a major partner along with Santos and Darwin Port, while Tamboran Resources, Sitzler and the NT Government will be supporting partners.

Just weeks out from a Northern Territory election, the event will feature a live leaders debate between Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler and CLP Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro.

Country Liberal Party leader Lia Finocchiaro and NT Labor leader Eva Lawler ahead of the 2024 Territory election.

A new addition at this year’s event will be a presentation from urban futurist Lucinda Hartley.

Ms Hartley, who was named one of Australia’s 100 Most Influential Women, is a leading expert in the social trends shaping the future of cities and work.

As in previous years, a panel discussion will be held with speakers from partners such as Santos, Darwin Port, CDU and more, will explore what the Territory is doing and what it needs to do to achieve a $40bn economy by 2030 – a goal set by the government in 2022.

Matt Cunningham at the NT News’ second annual Future Northern Territory event in 2023. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin.

Sky News Darwin Bureau Chief Matt Cunningham will again play a major role in the event, which will this year be broadcast live to a national audience through a series of Sky News crosses.

NT News editor Melanie Plane will also host a fireside chat with a CDU representative, regarding the university’s health training focus.

NT News editor Melanie Plane and former Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison at the NT News’ 2023 event. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin.

This year’s campaign will again have a strong focus on energy, while also exploring Defence opportunities, education, migration and population growth, housing, tourism, sports tourism and accessibility, and emerging industries such as manufacturing and Indigenous business.

Next Friday, the NT News will launch a two week editorial campaign exploring these key areas, how our economy has progressed in the past year and what new challenges and opportunities have emerged.

The campaign will culminate in a lunch event on Thursday, July 18, at Mindil Beach Casino Resort.

The NT News has a long history of standing side-by-side with Territorians to campaign for a fair go and is excited to continue the Future NT series.

To purchase a ticket to the event on July 18, click here.