Major construction and resource projects have long been a mainstay of growth and development for the Territory’s relatively small and open economy. Today, the opportunities to leverage off major developments, whether proposed, ongoing or recently completed, are greater than ever. The Territory is undergoing an unprecedented level of expansion as a major international gas hub and key trade gateway to Asia.

The Territory’s commercial and residential building industry is in overdrive, as population growth drives up demand (and prices) for quality housing. Impressive developments such as the Waterfront and Convention Centre, Chinatown, Darwin's skyscrapers, new suburbs in Darwin and Palmerston, and the Desert Knowledge Precinct in Alice Springs, are fuelling a construction boom which shows no sign of abating.

Other major investment driving job growth in the Northern Territory is:

• Gas and Oil – The USD$23 billion INPEX gas project will be the largest single private sector investment in the Northern Territory and one of the largest in Australia
• Defence – The defence support industry is a strong and growing sector that aligns its capabilities to the Defence presence
• Retail - Territory retail sales increased 11% in 2009, the highest in Australia and well above the national average of 5.4%
• Exports - In the year to September 2009, the value of NT merchandise exports increased by 8.7% to $5.7 billion

The Northern Territory has a confident and strong economy with the country’s highest workforce participation rate

For more details on the information in this section call 61 8 8946 9555.