New plan: Croc farming, buffalo exports and more to reach $40bn economy

There’s a new plan to hit the NT government’s ambitious $40bn economy goal. It features crocs, buffalo, the Kakadu plum and plenty more.

Crocodile farming on the Tiwi Islands, expanding the native bush food industry and creating unique tourism opportunities are components of a new plan to boost the Top End’s economy.

The Top End Region Economic Growth Plan 2022-2030 outlines opportunities across agribusiness, tourism, resources and energy transition to drive the NT to reach a $40bn economy.

The plan stems the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission and emphasises development in the Tiwi Islands, Daly, West Arnhem and other remote Top End areas.

For the Tiwi Islands, the plan identifies a pilot to harvest crocodile eggs and hatchlings.

The pilot is in the initial stages of seeking environmental permissions, with $1.5m from the Aboriginals Benefit Account to be allocated upon approval success.

“Tiwi Enterprises will construct and operate the hatchery, with the eventual aim, in year 2, to take in 2100 eggs for incubation,” the plan reads.

Aquaculture and the buffalo industry are more highlights for the region.

“An aquaculture prospectus has been created to promote potential areas for aquaculture development of different species, including prawns, barramundi and oysters,” the plan details.

“Approximately 18,000 head of buffalo live on the Tiwi Islands. Feasibility planning is underway to develop the industry, including safari-style tourism, live buffalo exports and developing a meatworks that would service the local population and crocodile farm.”

In the Daly region, expanding the Kakadu plum industry and revitalising cattle and abattoir operations at Palumpa Station are on the list.

“Led by Traditional Owners, work is underway to develop a road map to make the pastoral station a commercial cattle enterprise,” it read.

“Other initiatives include developing Kakadu plum orchards and exploring the commercialisation of other bush foods found on country.”

For West Arnhem, rehabilitation of the Ranger mine, the remediation of Jabiru township infrastructure, fisheries and aquaculture were identified as growth opportunities.

“Significant interest has been expressed by Traditional Owners along the coast of West Arnhem to be involved in wild-catch fisheries, an industry that can deliver considerable health outcomes through local sales of seafood and the opportunity to work on Sea Country,” it read.

“A partnership between Traditional Owners and Northern Territory Fisheries continues to progress the development of a sustainable aquaculture industry in West Arnhem.”

Top End Rivers Regional Economic Growth Committee chair Chris Tedcastle was eager to work alongside the NT government to progress these opportunities.

“The Top End region is a large and diverse region that has enormous potential to grow the economy and create employment opportunities for our people,” he said.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said executing the plan would be crucial to the Territory’s goal of a $40bn economy.