Northern Territory Government

The Northern Territory (NT) has a number of advantages that make it attractive to potential investors. Darwin, the capital of the NT, is the closest Australian capital city to Asia, providing the shortest transport routes for two-way trade between the Asian economies and Australia.

The NT has one international airport, Darwin International Airport that operates 24/7. The deep water Port of Darwin provides modern freight handling facilities, a dedicated bulk liquids berth and links with an intermodal road-rail network. There are significant mineral and energy resource precincts onshore in the NT, and in offshore waters accessed from the NT. Many of these precincts have been commercialised, with significant investment from international partners. Natural gas and petroleum exports form an important and growing sector of the local economy.

There are also significant areas devoted to agricultural products such as meat, seafood, fruit, vegetables, crops, forestry and ornamental plants. The NT environment is largely undeveloped. The potential commercial benefit from native flora and fauna, food and medicines is largely untapped. The NT Government has an Aa1 credit rating, similar to other Australian states and territories, reflecting the level of debt required to fund the infrastructure necessary to underpin current and future economic growth.