Northern Territory Budget 2009

On Tuesday 5 May 2009, the Northern Territory’s Henderson Labor Government delivered its 2009-10 Budget.

Amid a worsening economic outlook, the Budget’s priorities were identified as protecting jobs and building the Territory.

The Budget’s centrepiece is an unprecedented $1.3billion investment in infrastructure, designed to support 2500 jobs across the Territory.

The Territory Government’s Budget initiatives, like the Commonwealth’s Nation Building and Jobs Program, are designed to stimulate the economy while investing in the infrastructure necessary for future growth.

Infrastructure

The extensive infrastructure program includes major roads and schools upgrades, as well as headworks for land release and new facilities.

  • $322million infrastructure investment for Territory roads and national highways;
  • $331.5million to improve power, water and sewerage services in 2009-10;
  • $390.3million for new housing projects;
  • $118.9 million for new education infrastructure projects; and
  • $30.4million for new prison facilities.

Jobs

As the economic downturn puts pressure on employment around the country, the Territory Government outlined a plan to create and save jobs.  Initiatives include:

  • $5.13million to improve skills in the workforce and support Territory jobs
  • $1million to support 10,000 new apprentices

Housing

  • $98.16 million for the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program;
  • $78.5million to refurbish 730 existing homes; and
  • $23.4million for new and upgraded public housing

Residential and Industrial Land

  • $20million for headworks at Palmerston East suburbs;
  • $6million to expand Darwin Business Park with an additional 11 industrial lots; and
  • Planning has begun for the new city of Weddell, planned to provide 10000 additional blocks of land from 2014 onwards.

Health

  • The NT Government will invest over $1billion in the Territory’s health budget, representing a doubling of health dollars since 2001, which includes $421million for hospitals across the NT; and
  • $10million for a new Palmerston super clinic

Closing the Gap

The Henderson Government is committed to improving standards of living for the Territory’s Indigenous population.  In addition to projects listed elsewhere in the Budget, $63.5million was delivered as part of the five year $286million scheme.

This funding is spread across education, health, community safety and employment programs to improve living standards for Indigenous Territorians, who make up over 30% of the Northern Territory population.

For a more in depth run down on initiatives announced by the Northern Territory Government, please visit http://www.budget.nt.gov.au/ or contact your Hawker Britton consultant.