Business bulletin: 13 July 2023

The Northern Territory Government and West Nusa Tenggara Government, Republic of Indonesia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to help further strengthen cultural, social and economic ties between our 2 regions.

This announcement builds on from a Letter of Intent signing between the Northern Territory Government and the Government of West Nusa Tenggara Province in 2022 on the establishment of twin province cooperation.

The MoU recognises and reinforces the strong relationship between West Nusa Tenggara and the Northern Territory. It also supports the establishment of a sister province agreement between the Northern Territory Government and the West Nusa Tenggara Government.

The key activities of the MoU plan of action include support around two-way trade missions, training and assessment scholarships, knowledge and skill sharing in the creative industries, tourism industry development and improving biosecurity capability.

Indonesia is one of the Northern Territory’s closest economic neighbours and is an important economic and strategic partner for Northern Territory businesses.

Indonesia is also identified as one of 6 high priority markets in the Northern Territory’s International Engagement Strategy 2022-2026.

The MoU signing will enable the Northern Territory to explore new trade opportunities with Indonesia, further grow Indonesia-Northern Territory partnerships and expand trade links within Asia.

Avenira Limited, a current proponent of the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct has signed a Mining Agreement with the Arruwurra Aboriginal Corporation to continue to develop its Wonarah phosphate Project.

The Wonarah Phosphate Project in the Barkly will initially export phosphate rock, and later supply to Avenira’s lithium iron phosphate (LEP) project at Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct.

Both projects will provide significant and strategic opportunity for the Northern Territory.

It is estimated that the Wonarah project will initially create 25 jobs in the Barkly, growing to 50 jobs during the Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) program. This is in addition to the 100 jobs estimated in the first stage of the LFP facility, generating more than US$4 billion in revenue annually once scaled to full production.

Phosphate is traditionally used in agriculture fertiliser, and is an in increasing demand for use as a critical active material used within an electric vehicle batter or energy storage battery.

This agreement is a founding step in a strong relationship between Avenira and Arruwurra’s members, and creates pathways to sustainable commercial outcomes and social benefits.

Together with this project and other proposals, Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct is set to become a renewable energy hub while creating 20,000 jobs in the process.

A new tourism campaign encouraging Australian travellers to start their summer early and book a trip to the Territory has kicked off.

The Summer Done Differently campaign aims to inspire Australians to travel to the Territory between September 2023 and March 2024 with enticing travel deals.

Tourism NT has partnered with Australian airlines, online travel retailers and travel agents to deliver summer deals to the NT and massive savings for travellers. Campaign partners include Webjet, Jetstar, Virgin, Expedia/Wotif, NT Now, Travello and Tripadvisor.

The Summer Done Differently campaign promotes the Territory summer as a unique experience where you can escape the colder southern temperatures, beat the crowds and get more bang for your buck when you book "off peak".

The Territory Summer is the perfect time to see nature really show off, explore rugged landscapes and delve deep into exciting cultural experiences.

The campaign will run until the end of November across TV, out of home, digital advertising, social media and newspapers in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Local tourism operators can also get involved by downloading the industry toolkit and sharing the Summer Done Differently assets on social media, websites and products. You can access the industry toolkit here.

To plan you Territory summer holiday and get access to great summer deals visit www.northernterritory.com/summer

DefenceNT will lead an industry delegation to INDO-PACIFIC 2023, the signature maritime industry event in the Indo Pacific, where maritime and naval suppliers can promote their capabilities to key defence and industry decision makers.

Naval infrastructure and new platforms, like the Army’s littoral watercraft fleet will have a significant presence in Darwin and northern Australia in years to come. INDO-PACIFIC will be an opportunity for the Northern Territory to promote its strategic geography, enabling infrastructure and maritime maintenance and sustainment capabilities at a time where there is increased focus on Defence posturing and investment into the region.

INDO-PACIFIC will be held in Sydney from 7 to 9 November 2023. The DefenceNT stand will have 18 co-exhibitors, where businesses have a physical business pod, and additional rovers who can use the DefenceNT stand as a base to rove the exhibition. The Northern Territory Government will support local defence related businesses to co-exhibit on the DefenceNT stand and promote their capabilities to key Defence and Allied Forces and maritime industry stakeholders.

A formal Expression of Interest (EOI) process is now open – inviting Territory businesses to express interest in forming part of the Maritime Industry Delegation.  Please return this form to defencent@nt.gov.au by COB Friday, 21 July 2023.

For more information, go to the INDO-PACIFIC 2023 website.

The Business Support Guide has been updated to include the latest information and support available to Territory businesses.

The NT Business Support Guide simplifies the search process for you. Find the most current support programs and funding initiatives available to you at both a local and national level.

The guide includes business and workforce support from the Northern Territory Government, Australian Government as well as non-government support.

The guide also includes specific support for Aboriginal businesses, not-for-profits and key industry sectors including agribusiness, civil and construction, mining and energy, and tourism.

Whether you are starting your business from scratch, looking to develop your workforce, or wanting to diversify and grow your operations, the NT Business Support Guide will become your go-to, wherever you are in your business journey.

To find the latest Business Support Guide, go to the Northern Territory Government website .