RESOURCES ministers from Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory have outlined an exciting future for agriculture, mineral and farming exports during a conference in Cairns.
Ministers Dale Last (QLD), Stephen Dawson (WA) and Gerard Maley (NT) spoke at the Developing Northern Australia Conference.
Mr Last spoke of the potential for mining and agriculture, with the phosphate sector being developed in north-west Queensland.
Mr Maley talked of proximity to Asia and trade opportunities by way of gas, minerals, “quality clean food” and live cattle.
“The supply chain is critical. We are also Australia’s gateway to Southeast Asia, our government is taking decisive action to drive economic growth, attract investment and strengthen regional partnerships, benefiting both the Northern Territory and our nation,” he said.
“We share a common goal across northern Australia which is responsible development of resources to benefit our communities and benefit all of Australia.”
He noted the Northern Territory’s advantages for grazing and agricultural development, helping provide food security for Indonesia.
“Last financial year, we exported over 400,000 cattle through the Port of Darwin to Asia,” Mr Maley said.
Mr Dawson also outlined opportunities for agriculture with the Ord River Scheme as well as mineral trades from the Kimberley, the Gascoyne and the Pilbara.
Mr Dawson said agriculture was “a cornerstone of our regional development”.
A panel session featuring all three ministers highlighted the need for transport connectivity as a means of encouraging private sector investment.
The conference also included pre-recorded presentations from federal resources minister Madeleine King and Opposition resources spokesperson Susan McDonald, Ms King making particular mention of the need for strong road and rail infrastructure in Australia’s north.
The conference is being held at Cairns Convention Centre.