Flood of ideas to get Northern Territory economy back on track

THE Chief Minister’s Economic Reconstruction Commission has received 170 submissions, containing more than 800 recommendations and substantial funding requests

Andrew Liveris and Paul Henderson (inset below) will brief Chief Minister Michael Gunner (inset above) in November.

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The Chief Minister’s Economic Reconstruction Commission has received 170 submissions, containing more than 800 recommendations and substantial funding requests for consideration to be included in it’s road map to Territory economic recovery.

Commission co-chair Paul Henderson said the Commission is on track to provide its final report to the Chief Minister at the end of November as scheduled.

He said he was delighted with the bank of ideas and proposals submitted to the Commission.

“The Commission thanks all those who have taken the time to put forward their submissions,” Mr Henderson said.

“I am pleased to report that the Commission is on track to provide our final report to the Chief Minister at the end of November as scheduled.”

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In addition to the submissions, Commissioners are also investigating additional opportunities to position the Territory for future investment, leading to jobs and economic growth.

The Commission’s focus is on what must happen now to position the Territory for future investment leading to jobs and economic growth in the short, medium and long term.

Key areas the Commission is focused on are: resources; agribusinesses; energy; manufacturing; supply chain and logistics; infrastructure; water infrastructure and supply; regional development; marine Industries; defence; digital and technology; aboriginal economic leadership; education, skills and population; tourism; housing; more efficient regulation and administration.

In it’s July interim report the Economic Reconstruction Commission outlining 15 head recommendations on how to help the NT economy grow in the medium term.

This included a focus on energy, via both renewables and gas, resources, agribusiness, water, infrastructure, tourism, digital industry and regulatory and administrative reform as broad subjects.

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In terms of renewables, the report said the “fast-growing sector” has considerable potential for further significant growth in the Territory and investment in enabling infrastructure is required to achieve that potential.

“To help understand the economics and opportunities of the renewable sector, the Commission recommends the Territory and Australian governments jointly undertake a study into an electricity highway based on high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission links between Darwin and Alice Springs,” the report stated.