Katherine Region
The Katherine region of the Northern Territory offers the best of both worlds: a range of business and investment opportunities, a stable economy, a great lifestyle and tourism icons in the backyard.
A number of industries, including mining, defence, tourism, pastoral, horticulture and transport contribute significantly to the economy. Consequently the economy is extremely stable and has consistent growth.
The economy of the Katherine region is diverse and vibrant. The region supports a wide range of industries such as tourism, pastoral, horticulture, mining, defence, construction, retail, community and government services. There is strong growth in most industries which provides excellent opportunities for investment, expansion and career development.
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The Katherine township has all the amenities of any modern town such as a shopping centre, airport, hospital, cinema, restaurants, library, retail outlets, public pool, large recreational areas and parks. Katherine has a range of infrastructure, services and facilities in excess of most towns of a similar size.
Underpinning economic growth are the flow-on effects of providing regional support services to major projects such as mining developments, defence construction, forestry and horticultural trials, and a transport and logistics hub servicing the AustralAsia Railway.
As Northern Australia prospers, in particular the Top End of the Northern Territory, there has never been a better time to invest in the Katherine region.
Regional Demographics
- Approximately 9000 people, 51% of the region's population, live in Katherine town.(1)
- The resident population for the region as at 2006 was 17 920 people. (1) However, the 2006 Census reported 16 465 people usually reside within the region.
- The population is expected to rise to 22 460 people by 2021.(2)
- The median age is 27 years.
- Around 8000 people, 50.2% of the population of 16 465 are Indigenous.
- Approximately 7756 people, 47% of the population, is aged between 15 and 44 years.
- The median weekly household income is $1040, $13 above the Australian figure of $1027.
(1) ABS 3218.0 - June 2006
(2) ABS Regional Statistics 2006: NT 1362. Other data is sourced from the ABS 2006 Census of Population and Housing
Next census due in August 2011, and data expected by early 2012.
Economy
Significant major projects likely to provide major regional economic and investment opportunities include:
- Defence infrastructure for Wedgetail aircraft - a $64 million project at Tindal RAAF Base to support the new Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft that will transit through Tindal.
- Tindal Stage 5 Redevelopment - a $47 million project, this project includes renovating existing infrastructure and accommodation at Tindal RAAF Base.
- Mining development - six new mines; gold, iron ore, copper and diamond are due to be commissioned with another four in the next three years and potential for more mines to open.
- Arts and Cultural Precinct - a significant project incorporating several galleries, a performing arts theatre, cultural display, cafe, retail space and artist work rooms. This is a staged $10 million development over several years.
- Region of Excellence in Remote and Indigenous Heath Knowledge - a project that draws on the region's expertise in remote and Indigenous health, education and training. Benefits will include better training, education and research, as well as the spin-offs in travel, accommodation and tourism. The health care industry in the region is worth more than $50 million, not including pharmaceuticals, research and education.
- McArthur River Mine Community Benefit Trust - a $32 million package that provides community infrastructure in the Borroloola region over the 25 year life of the mine. This investment in community infrastructure will provide economic, employment, health and recreation benefits.
- Borroloola Multi-purpose Precinct - a $5 million project to house local government administration as well as providing offices and meeting room facilities for rent.
- Timber Creek Multi-purpose Complex - a project incorporating a rural transaction centre is being considered. It is currently at concept stage, with an estimated $2 to $3 million budget.
Key Industries
Primary Industries
The strength of primary industries is based on reliable water sources, productive land and rail and road networks to southern and international markets.
- Pastoral production was worth an estimated $110.1 million in 2008-09, with about 594 000 cattle.
- Horticulture production was an estimated $47.0 million in 2008-09.
- Mangoes are the main fruit crop followed by citrus.
- Most cucurbits, tomatoes, potatoes and egg plants grow successfully in the region as do beans, carrots, onion, sweet corn, sweet potato and lettuce.
- Hay, silage and crop production was worth $10.1 million in 2008-09 with 30 563 tonnes produced.
Defence
Defence activities make a significant contribution to the region's economy:
- Tindal Airforce Base has 625 personnel from 75 Squadron and 322 Combat Support Wing with $35 million spent annually on defence salaries.
- Approximately 2000 people make up the Defence community.
- An estimated 2000 extra defence personnel visited for defence exercises in 2005-06.
- Delamere Air Weapons Range is a significant training facility for the Royal Australian Air Force and the air forces of the Republic of Singapore, Malaysia and the United States.
- The new Bradshaw Training Area is the main training facility for the Army's 1st Brigade with about 7000 troops visiting each dry season.
Tourism
An average of around 270 000 tourists visit the region each year.
- Nineteen per cent are from overseas, 50% from interstate and the rest from within the Northern Territory.
- Visitors stayed an average of 3.8 nights from 2006-08 and average expenditure was $330 per person.
- Annual growth from 2006-07 to 2008-09 is predicted to be 1.6% for interstate guests, 0.7% for nights spent in the Northern Territory and 1.8% in expenditure.
Mining
There has been a strong resurgence of exploration and development in the region. New activity includes:
- Union Reefs, Brocks Creek and Fountain Head gold mines reopened
- McArthur River zinc and lead mine expanded
- Frances Creek iron ore mine back in production
- Seven proposed gold mines: Pine Creek district (4), Katherine (1) and Tanami area (2)
- Proposed reopening of Merlin diamond mine; also at proposal stage Redbank copper mine.
Construction
Construction in the region is broadly categorised into four areas: civil, remote Indigenous housing, commercial and residential.
- The Northern Territory Government's annual budget for civil works ranged from $18.8 million in 2004-05 to $18.3 million in 2006-07.
- $9.3 million was spent on new buildings in 2004-05.
- The annual budgets for Indigenous housing and infrastructure programs range from $3.3 million in 2004-05 to $5.5 million in 2006-07.
Investment Opportunities
Primary Industries
- Pastoral production including sub-dividing larger properties
- Plantation forestry – mahogany and other hardwood species
- Horticulture - various fruit and vegetable crops
- Fruit processing - mangoes, citrus and other fruits
- Crops for bio-fuels, pastoral and seed production
- Hay for pastoral production, feed-lotting and live export.
Defence Support
- General support services including freight, transport and IT
- Equipment and systems support and maintenance
- General supply of goods and services to Tindal, Delamere and Bradshaw
- Specific garrison support - security, catering, accommodation, facilities and ground maintenance to Tindal, Delamere and Bradshaw
- Environmental monitoring and remediation at Bradshaw to minimise the impact of armoured vehicles
- Armoured and field vehicle maintenance.
Tourism
- River tours and activities including house and river boats
- Indigenous tours including arts and culture performances
- Tours including eco tours and bird watching
- Five star resort and themed accommodation
- Nature based tourism attractions
- Airline service between Darwin and Katherine.
Mining
- Labour hire services
- Mining exploration and geological surveying services
- Security, safety and training services
- Heavy haulage services
- Mine site rehabilitation services
- Accommodation support services.
Construction
- Engineering and surveying services
- Building certification services
- Planning and project management services
- Building trades - building, electrical, carpentry, plumbing
- Architectural and drafting services
- Residential rental properties.
General
- Child care centre and children's services centre
- Industrial park adjacent to the railway precinct
- Rail and road transport hub at the railway precinct
- Service station complex for the trucking industry
- Indigenous skills training to support return to work
- Cross-cultural training services.
Further Information
Department of Housing, Local Government and Regional Services
Katherine Office
Tel: + 61 8 8973 8180
Web: www.dhlgrs.nt.gov.au
Content current at 30 April 2010.