Queensland Country Life

Expressions of Interest now open for agricultural land releases

Expressions of Interest now open for agricultural land releases
Expressions of Interest now open for agricultural land releases

This is sponsored content for NT Land Corporation.

NT Land Corporation, working in partnership with NT Farmers Association, is now calling for Expressions of Interest for three highly prospective and unique agricultural land developments.

The land releases include the Keep Plains Agricultural Development, Wildman Agricultural Precinct and the Larrimah Agricultural Precinct.

NT Farmers Association CEO Paul Burke says agriculture is Australia's fastest growing sector and northern Australia is considered the last frontier of agricultural development.

"These agricultural developments offer opportunities for developers and investors seeking to be part of the North's development, and gain exposure to the Northern Territory's agricultural industry which has been growing at over 10.66 per cent per annum," he said.

"The release of these highly prospective large scale agricultural land developments will see northern Australia capitalise on the increasing demand for quality Australian produce, ensure sustainable continuity of food supply for domestic and export markets, and enhance the profitability and economic resilience of the region."

Expressions of Interest now open for agricultural land releases
Expressions of Interest now open for agricultural land releases

The land releases include:

  • Keep Plains Agricultural Development (67,500ha): Adjoining WA's iconic Ord River agricultural developments with its existing infrastructure and irrigation channels, the Keep Plains Agricultural Development, on the NT side of the border, is the single largest land release for agricultural development in the Northern Territory to date. Earmarked for agricultural development since the 1990s, this much anticipated land release is a rare opportunity for a suitably qualified entity to acquire two significant land holdings, under long-term lease arrangements, in a fertile agricultural area recognised as having some of Australia's best climates, access to water and ideal productive soils. EOIs for the Keep Plains Agricultural Development close 26 February 2021.
  • Wildman Agricultural Precinct (26,000ha): The Wildman Agricultural Precinct is located 135km east of Darwin, north of the Arnhem Highway along the Point Stuart Road. This large-scale agricultural precinct benefits from high wet season rainfall and has the capacity to accommodate multiple agricultural and horticultural activities and high yield crops such as bananas, as well as rain fed forestry such as mahogany, and cattle production. The Precinct comprises four areas of land which are available to one experienced entity with a proven track record. EOIs for the Wildman Agricultural Precinct close 17 February 2021.
  • Larrimah Agricultural Precinct (5,712ha): Located approximately 180km from Katherine, within the Big Rivers Region and around the township of Larrimah, the Precinct has direct access to logistics routes both north and south along the Stuart Highway. The Larrimah area has a unique seasonal advantage, extending the season for crops such as the Territory staples of mangoes, citrus and melons, as well as presenting opportunities for a range of dryland and irrigated crops and the development of intensified beef operations. The Larrimah Agricultural Precinct comprises four areas of land and developers may register their interest in one or all four areas. EOIs for the Larrimah Agricultural Precinct close 17 February 2021.

Mr Burke says that at a time when Australia's economy is desperately needing recovery initiatives and investments post COVID-19, agricultural development will bring significant long-term opportunities and sustainable economic benefits to northern Australia.

As well as regional development and investment outcomes, the flow on from these three agricultural land releases is expected to create new jobs and training opportunities and to grow northern Australia's capacity to lead with new innovation, technology and infrastructure and environmental stewardship.

"The Northern Territory has diverse and well-established agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors, with plant-based industries alone worth over $350 million in 2019. We have abundant land, suitable water and soil resources, and significant opportunity for development and growth as Australia's closest capital city to Asia's key trading markets, with well-established supply chains by road, rail, air and sea," Mr Burke said.

Expressions of Interest now open for agricultural land releases
Expressions of Interest now open for agricultural land releases

NT Land Corporation has been working closely with various Government agencies and NT Farmers Association to ensure these parcels of land are suitable, and ready, for release to the market. NT Land Corporation said this will assist in ensuring proponents are as informed as they can be about the opportunities and constraints of each of the sites to ensure economic prosperity for the Territory long into the future.

"These are exciting investment opportunities for emerging agribusiness in the Northern Territory which will consolidate the region's already strong reputation as a premium quality food producer for global markets," Mr Burke said.

Experienced developers are invited to register to download the Call for Expressions of Interest documents and support information at ntlandcorp.com.au/expressions-of-interest/

This is sponsored content for NT Land Corporation.