There are a number of documents published by the NT Government which set out strategic directions for the future of the territory, focusing on the issues of planning, infrastructure provision and development.
The NT Department of Lands and Planning released the Building the Future: Northern Territory Government 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy in 2011. This provides a strategic overview of the infrastructure targets that can deliver the greatest economic value to the NT. It sets priorities and objectives across the medium and long-term.525
The NT Government's Territory 2030 Strategic Plan, released in 2009, sets out objectives across a range of public policy issues, with a commitment to maintain public spending on targeted infrastructure projects.526
The NT Government has committed to release a number of additional plans and strategies with direct relevance to its infrastructure priorities, including the Regional Infrastructure Study and the Integrated Transport Planning and Investment Roadmap. The NT is also participating in the process to develop a National Remote and Regional Transport Strategy through the Transport and Infrastructure Council.
The Australian Government has commissioned a White Paper on Developing Northern Australia, which is due for release in 2015. Focusing on the area of Australia north of the Tropic of Capricorn, across the NT, WA and Queensland, the White Paper will discuss the most effective policies and projects to develop the region's future prospects and influence major decisions on infrastructure and planning over the next 20 years.527
A key concern in the NT is that many strategic objectives and planned projects rely upon continued development within the mining and resources sector. The withdrawal or suspension of operations by commercial firms, such as Rio Tinto's decision to suspend alumina refinement at its Gove refinery in 2014,528 can have dramatic impacts on the broad social and economic factors supporting local communities. It is essential that, wherever possible, the NT Government work with major commercial firms to ensure that long-term infrastructure needs and objectives are resilient to shocks in the shorter term.
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525. Northern Territory Department of Lands and Planning (2011)
526. Northern Territory Department of the Chief Minister (2009)
527. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (2015a)
528. Rio Tinto (2013)