Coalition set to announce regional infrastructure package

The opposition coalition is set to announce a regional infrastructure package on Thursday. Read what’s planned.

National Party Leader David Littleproud at a press conference in Bella Bar in Darwin on April 9, 2025. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Coalition will make a regional infrastructure announcement this morning, with hundreds-of-millions of dollars on the table for national projects.

Senior Nationals shadow ministers including CLP NT Senator Jacinta Price joined party leader David Littleproud in Darwin on Wednesday afternoon to make the case for the Coalition’s new gas policy.

Asked whether the Coalition would help fund planned upgrades at Tennant Creek airport, Mr Littleproud and deputy leader Bridget McKenzie both spoke in support of upgrading the facility.

Mr Littleproud and Ms McKenzie spoke in general terms about the infrastructure fund.

“You’re going to see Thursday morning, there will be an announcement by us around investing in regional Australia,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We’re sick of being the political football.

“What I want to do is leave a legacy for regional Australians that we should have the infrastructure that we need for the amenity, not only to provide the income that pays the bills in this country, but for people who live in regional Australia.

“This is a legacy item that I think goes to the very heart of the question about making sure that there is the key infrastructure to make sure that regional Australia has the tools to continue to deliver over $600b in exports every year.”

CLP candidate for Solomon Lisa Bayliss at a press conference at Bella Bar in Darwin on April 9, 2025. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ms McKenzie said she had met with Airport Development Group officials on Tuesday along with CLP Solomon candidate Lisa Bayliss and Lingiari candidate Lisa Siebert for a full briefing on Tennant Creek airport.

“We’re well aware of the project itself,” she said.

In good news for the Coalition, key Beetaloo gas player Tamboran Resources welcomed its national gas plan.

“Tamboran welcomes the Coalition’s announcement of policies designed to accelerate the development of the Beetaloo Basin to urgently address gas shortfalls in the Territory and the East Coast,” chief executive Joel Riddle said

“It also supports the continuation of strong bipartisan support towards Middle Arm’s development.

“The prolific Beetaloo Basin is a nation-building project that will change Australia’s energy future and urgently bring down energy costs.

“Tamboran will continue to support policies that accelerate Beetaloo gas into our energy supply, with a focus on ensuring energy security for Australian business and households.”

Ms McKenzie said the Beetaloo development would not be subject to the reservation principals that would apply to east coast gas producers, and that other components of its plan such as pipeline development would boost the project.

“Tamboran and Empire and other smaller projects in the Northern Territory will see the benefit of faster approvals, reduced production costs, clarity around consultation and they will benefit hugely from a more pro gas policy.”

Originally published as Coalition set to announce regional infrastructure package