Agriculture Policy

Today I was joined by Michael McCormack MP and Tracey Hayes-Country Liberal Party for Fannie Bay to announce our Agriculture Policy. A Country Liberal Government will help deliver a cotton gin in Katherine, develop agricultural land, support a Territory forestry hub and explore new markets for exports, including live cattle, as part of our plan for agriculture and primary industries. Agriculture output in the Territory is worth $700 million per year, while it employs 2,400 people. However, the opportunities for growth across the sector are enormous. With the right policy settings that potential can be realised. A Country Liberal Government will work with industry to make that happen. In order to foster growth, efficiency and increased employment in agriculture and primary industries in the Territory, a CLP Government will: ✔️ Facilitate the construction of a commercial cotton gin in Katherine to support the development of a well-regulated, water-efficient dryland cotton farming, processing and manufacturing industry in the Territory. ✔️ Support the development and delivery of Douglas Daly Stage 2, which incorporates approximately 60,000 hectares of arable or semi-arable land in the east central portion of the Daly Basin, utilising zero-tillage and ley farming technologies, along with irrigation efficiency to conserve water usage. ✔️ Support the release of Keep Plains Agriculture Development, Wildman and Larrimah Agricultural Precincts. ✔️ Provide $250,000 to NT Farmers to develop a business case for the agricultural development of Gunn Point for cropping of dragon fruit, mangoes, citrus, avocadoes, bananas and other potential commercial products. ✔️ Support the creation of a forestry hub for the Northern Territory and contribute $100,000 in funding to promote industry development and R&D activities. ✔️ Support the live cattle industry by providing $250,000 in funding for a marketing study to expand existing markets and explore new markets for Territory exports. ✔️ Investigate solutions to address cattle rustling and increase enforcement actions in consultation with the Police, the Northern Territory Police Association and the Department of Primary Industries and Resources. ✔️ Support and expand initiatives to promote community agriculture programs in remote areas, including Central Australia, to create capacity for employment and the provision of local produce to market. We will play to our strengths in agriculture and make the Territory a more attractive proposition for agriculture and primary industries.

Posted by Lia Finocchiaro MLA on Wednesday, 12 August 2020

"Only together can we build a better Territory for you and your family.”

- LIA FINOCCHIARO MLA, Leader of the Country Liberal Party and member for Spillett