NT drone industry strategy

The Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission’s final report identified drones as one of the emerging technologies that will play a critical role in achieving the government’s vision of a $40 billion economy by 2030.

To ensure the Territory capitalises on the opportunities presented by drones, the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations is developing the Northern Territory (NT) drone industry strategy.

What it aims to do

The strategy will provide a framework to grow the size, scope and, capability of the drone industry.

A mature drone industry will result in increased productivity and economic participation across all sectors. The industry presents significant opportunities for the Territory, including in regional and remote regions.

Objectives of the strategy include:

• setting targeted, practical initiatives to grow the industry, build technical capability and increase jobs and investment in the NT
• identifying unique factors that will support or challenge the Territory’s participation in the drone industry
• considering the availability of skills and jobs required to grow the industry.

Consultation

The draft NT drone industry strategy was released for public consultation on the Have Your Say website from 6 March to 14 April 2024.

Read the Summary of stakeholder feedback PDF (5.4 MB)

Other reports and publications

• Opportunities to grow the Territory drone industry PDF (6.6 MB) - Ernst and Young Australia’s report on potential growth opportunities in the Territory.
• Aviation Green Paper - sets the Australian Government’s direction to 2050 for the aviation sector:
  • read it on the Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.
• The RPAS and AAM strategic regulatory roadmap - outlines the approach for regulations over the next 10 to 15 years:
  • read it on the Civil Aviation Safety Authority website.