In an important speech to the Australian Mines and Metal Association today, ANDEV Chairman Mrs Gina Rinehart warned that government must not take the mining industry for granted and must do more to unleash North Australia’s potential.

“We’ve been saddled with bad government policies that make us uncompetitive, when we could instead make the north a productive food bowl and source of minerals, as well as a centre for medical care, tourism and services for [...]

A report released by BIS Shrapnel this week indicates the slowdown in mining is having a substantial effect on the construction and engineering sectors. For over two years ANDEV has been warning that corresponding industries would suffer if more was not done to ensure major mining projects went ahead. This warning has been confirmed by the report, which predicts infrastructure spending will fall by 20 per cent within three years. Despite the report, CQUniversity [...]

I was excited to be in Brisbane last week to be on a panel talking about developing Australia’s North. You can hear the full program here. I made the point that “around Darwin and its hinterland we could have a Special Economic Zone to attract people so that you pay less tax…these are discussion we have to have. At the moment Northern Australia is being throttled by Government.”

Using Special Economic Zones to [...]

Earlier this month the historic Darwin launch of Mrs Gina Rinehart’s visionary book Northern Australia and then some took place at a booked out event. This hugely significant book outlines the vast potential of Northern Australia and identifies the many incredible opportunities that exist. Both Mrs Rinehart and the then Chief Minister Terry Mills spoke of their passion and vision for the future of North Australia in front of over 200 people. The event was also [...]

There has been widespread support for the Coalition’s Northern Development Discussion Paper which surfaced late last week. The Business Spectator praised the Discussion Paper’s vision and foresight here and here. The paper also received support from many groups in Northern Australia, including the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Mt Isa Mayor and former State Labor MP The Hon. Cr Tony McGrady AM. Our response to the paper can be found here.

Acting Northern [...]

Townsville played host to the latest launch of North Australia and then some by Mrs Gina Rinehart last Friday night. I was in Townsville to launch the book, and was joined by Queensland Senator Ian Macdonald for the occasion. The book is a powerful wake-up call about the vast potential of the North to drive Australia’s future prosperity. Further information on purchasing a copy of the book can be found below.

MMG has signed off on a [...]

Lang Hancock and Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen’s dream of connecting the coal fields of Queensland with the iron ore mines of the west is being considered by the based Tokyo consultancy firm Nomura Research Institute. A feasibility study on the multibillion-dollar ‘Iron Boomerang’ project is set to be complete in two years.

Another northern rail line, from Darwin to Kununurra, is also under consideration. Federal Minister for Regional Australia Simon Crean agreed the line could [...]

North Australia’s important role in the Asian Century has been recognised in the Gillard government’s White Paper released on Sunday. The paper calls for Darwin to become a “gateway to Asia.”  Northern Territory Chief Minister Terry Mills welcomed the calls, but said investment in Darwin’s port was necessary.

ANDEV/IPA North Australia project director John Shipp said in this press release that the Paper represented a “missed opportunity.” The North Australia project also produced a briefing [...]

In a significant step toward unleashing the potential of North Australia, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton and Townsville yesterday announced moves to establish a Special Economic Zone for North Queensland. ANDEV has been leading the call for a Special Economic Zone in North Australia for a number of years. North Australia Project director John Shipp said the plan is a welcome response to a system of government failing the region and North Australia more broadly. You can see Mr Shipp appearing on ABC [...]

Christian Porter, the former West Australian treasurer, yesterday backed Mrs Gina Rinehart’s call for a Special Economic Zone in North Australia. Mr Porter highlighted the success of a zonal tax rebate which encouraged the growth of North West Western Australia’s resources sector in 1945.

Last week, Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey said a Special Economic Zone is worth exploring, while Resources Minister Martin Ferguson agreed that high costs are hurting the mining boom.

Hotel rooms in North West Western Australia [...]