Sustainable development of Northern Australia

• Northern Australian Land and Water Taskforce
• Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

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19 February 2010This report finds that developing northern Australia as an integrated, sustainable region presents a complex challenge that requires strategic focus, national leadership and close collaboration between governments.

In particular the report identifies the potential for sustainable development through:

    • Expanding agricultural production by developing small scale, widely distributed appropriately located production units - mosaic agriculture.

    • Intensifying production in the billion dollar beef industry through the irrigated production of fodder crops across the north. An expanded beef industry also provides the potential for sustainable wealth creation in indigenous communities.

    • Protecting the north's natural ecosystems to ensure the long term sustainability of the multibillion dollar tourism industry.

    • The recognition of conservation and natural resource management across northern Australia as a valuable contributor to the region's economy.

    • Acting on the opportunities for indigenous people to build on their comparative advantage in providing customary and commercial services on the vast indigenous estate in northern Australia.

Image: cicadas / flickr