POLICY
AN AVIATION GATEWAY The Northern Territory is set to become an aviation gateway for Northern Australia, as it has strong economic potential due to its proximity to Asia, and strong energy, defence and agriculture industries. The Aviation Industry and Services Strategy 2020 outlines four main goals for the sector: 1. The growth of international and domestic services 2. Use the development of the aviation sector to drive economic growth in the territory 3. Maintain or upgrade airport infrastructure to ensure it can support future development 4. Create policies and regulations that support the territory’s aviation growth The strategy proposes that to grow aviation services in the Northern Territory, the territory has to not only increase current services, but also pursue new markets such as China and New Zealand, as well as trial new domestic services including to Katherine and Tennant Creek. Methods to use the Northern Territory’s planes and airports to drive economic growth include exploring ways to maximise air freight capacity and infrastructure such as a possible cold storage facility at Darwin International Airport as well as expanding current aviation businesses including ones relating to defence. Improving airport infrastructure is also a key component for future growth and
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this strategy proposes that Northern Territory airports should remain open for business 24/7, the government should support the National Airports Safeguarding Framework, planning needs to be undertaken for future development of regional airports including Batchelor Airport, and remote aerodrome owners need to have increased support. In order for the Northern Territory’s aviation sector to grow, this strategy also outlines that the government should consider reducing the cost of security and processing that is placed on passengers, provide emergency rescue services at Katherine Tindal Airport, which will allow it to operate as an alternate runway for Darwin International Airport, and create new policies and regulations that will support the industry moving forward.
CONNECTING REMOTE COMMUNITIES Given roads and aviation are explored in detail in separate strategies, the Darwin Regional Transport Plan 2016 focuses solely on the Darwin region and how the government can integrate transport with land use to improve facilities for public transport, roads, cycling and walking. With Darwin’s growing population and increased infrastructure development challenges around congestion, freight demand, sustainability, safety, land use and the wellbeing of residents can occur.
This transport plan takes into account these challenges and explores future changes to Darwin’s transport use, such as a potential decline in car use and technical advancements in transport. This strategy aims to use land and the location of housing and jobs to help plan for future transport to encourage shorter trips and sustainable transport, develop Darwin’s road network to support the region’s economy, make public transport more efficient and encourage cycling and walking in the region. To achieve this, it proposes to continue integrating regional land use and transport plans, upgrade regional public transport networks, deliver the major road projects outlined in the Roads and Bridges Strategy, integrate transport modes such as bus stops, parking and cycling paths, and continue to encourage ‘active transport’ such as cycling or walking.
DELIVERING GROWTH These new transport strategies are part of the Northern Territory Government’s larger Integrated Transport Planning and Investment Roadmap that aims to create a framework for the territory’s transport needs moving forward. Improving the territory’s road, aviation and public transport infrastructure will not only support the current industries, but create opportunities for new growth in northern Australia.
November 2016 // ISSUE 1
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