The Precinct

The Precinct is located on the Middle Arm Peninsula of Darwin Harbour.

The Territory Government is undertaking master-planning of infrastructure and services, engineering and strict environmental studies at the Precinct.

It is a strategic approach to creating a ‘development-ready’ location for investment - especially renewables and low-emission energy and fuels, advanced manufacturing and low-emissions minerals processing.

This work ‘de-risks’ investment by creating certainty for industries on the availability of infrastructure and services and a clear road map of the rigorous and efficient development approvals.

Middle Arm Peninsula is already home to the Santos Darwin LNG and the INPEX Ichthys LNG processing facilities - both companies are committed to net zero emissions.

The Precinct is designed to take advantage of the Territory’s natural advantages including our strategic location and our world-class solar resources. Almost all critical minerals required for the manufacturing of renewable energy components are available in the Territory.

From 2025, the Precinct - which will play a major role in achieving the Territory’s ambitious goal of a $40 billion economy by 2030 - is expected to create 20,000 permanent, high-skill local jobs in new and emerging industries.

The construction phase will sustain thousands of trade, manufacturing and service sector jobs for years, followed by permanent operational positions and indirect support roles. This will include jobs for Indigenous Territorians.

From planning, through to construction and operations, there will be substantial flow-on benefits for Territory businesses through the life of the Precinct.

Significant private sector investment will see interstate and international workers relocate across the Territory, boosting population and further strengthening and diversifying our economy.

The Precinct will enable the Territory Government to generate more revenue to invest in other key priorities, such as hospitals, schools and further enhancing liveability across the Territory.

The Precinct is a key driver of economic growth across our regions. The Precinct will value-add and enable high-value, critical minerals mines across the Territory.

This complements the Australian Government investment of $440 million in multimodal logistics hubs in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine.

Significant dates:

• In 2021, Infrastructure Australia placed the Precinct on the National Infrastructure Priority List recognising that investment will activate economic growth across Northern Australia and unlock a range of industries operating in the region.
• In 2022, the Australian Government allocated more than $1.5 billion funding through an equity approach for shared enabling infrastructure at the Precinct - such as loading and storage facilities, jetties and extending the shipping channel - in partnership with the Territory Government.
• In 2022, the Territory Government allocated $186 million for land release and other initiatives to provide for population growth and has invested $85 million to prepare locals for new jobs.

This builds on significant commitment to the project by the Territory Government for head works (e.g. water transmission and gas pipeline), servicing infrastructure (e.g. roads, power, water, drainage and product corridors) and marine infrastructure.

More than 200 studies have already been undertaken to inform the design and advancement of the Precinct.