THE Northern Territory government is progressing its plans to transform Middle Arm into a sustainable industrial precinct.
Northern Territory minister for infrastructure, planning and logistics Eva Lawler said the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct would help grow the territory’s economy to $40 billion by 2030 in a sustainable way that will also drive industry diversification, exports, jobs and population growth over the next 50 years.
“It’s an opportunity to not only invest in the territory’s economic future but also plan for long-term growth and development in a cleaner way, taking into account the importance of preserving Darwin Harbour,” she said.
“Ongoing community engagement is crucial to ensuring Territorians understand what is proposed for the Middle Arm precinct and how to be involved.”
The Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct aims to capitalise on the territory’s access to natural gas and renewable energies to grow manufacturing and value-adding jobs while supporting economic growth.
The precinct is being master planned with a focus on low emission hydrocarbons, green hydrogen, advanced manufacturing, carbon capture and minerals processing.
Sustainable outcomes and environmental protection of the Darwin Harbour and surrounds are at the core of planning for the precinct, according to the territory government.
Over the coming weeks, the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics said it would be in the community at local markets and shopping centres talking to people about the precinct and encouraging feedback.
DIPL is leading planning, design and environmental assessment for the precinct and has commissioned a strategic environmental assessment.
The assessment is the first of its kind in the territory and will determine ways to maximise positive benefits from the precinct and mitigate negative impacts. This includes preserving Darwin Harbour’s environmental value for generations to come.
DIPL will submit the draft strategic environmental assessment in the first half of 2023 and input from stakeholders and the community is an important part of this. The draft will also be placed on public exhibition for stakeholders and the community to comment on.
