26 August 2015 Tom Edwards ABC Rural

Farmers in an irrigated agriculture zone in Western Australia’s remote East Kimberley say they want vital development to progress more quickly.

AUDIO: Ord farmers Fritz Bolten, David Menzel and Christian Bloecker talking about the need for development to progress more quickly (ABC Rural)

Their call for action follows a visit to the Ord River Irrigation Area by the Prime Minister on Sunday.

AUDIO: Prime Minister Tony Abbott says he’s [...]

28 August 2015 Greg Earl Australian Financial Review

The Chinese government wants to link its silk road infrastructure development initiative with the Abbott government’s plans to develop northern Australia, in a broadening of the potential business links to flow from the bilateral trade agreement.

NSW deputy consul-general Tong Xuejun said the idea of linking the development of northern Australia with the regional infrastructure initiatives that China is bundling up under its One Belt One Road [...]

25 July 2015 Mikayla Novak Canberra Times

It’s not just miners who are stung by regulatory settings. As the ongoing Liverpool Plains coal mine saga illustrates, regulators are frustrating Australia’s ability to join global efforts in eradicating energy poverty.

Through a rather severe winter this year Australians have taken for granted their ability to flick on a switch providing extra light, or to turn on an electric heater to keep warm.

Much of this lifesaving [...]

30 July 2015 Jennifer Spilsbury The Cairns Post

READY, set, grow, our headline on Page 1 yesterday screamed.

And rightly so.

All indications are that this city has much to be positive about for the future.

There are major projects on the go and in proposal and there is a fantastic attitude about town.

This city is ready to grow.

Today’s Page 1 headline though is like a footnote to yesterday’s optimistic message.

Without clear channels, [...]

22 July 2015 Ben Hagemann Australian Mining

A fresh investment in Port Hedland will create 200 jobs, BHP said.

Around US$240 million will be spent on construction of a new eight-pen tug harbour at Hunt Point, as well as an additional six tugboats to meet projected increasing demand for the iron ore port.

The project will also include upgrade of workshop facilities, operational and service berths, and two small boat moorings at the Nelson Point [...]

21 July 2015 Melissa Maddison ABC News

North Queensland Bulk Ports says Mackay is well-placed to become a distribution hub for the mining industry.

More than $10 million has been allocated in the state budget for a ‘break bulk cargo’ facility at the Port of Mackay.

Jeff Stewart-Harris said it would allow large items, like mining machinery, to be imported and worked on before being taken to site.

He said it was a niche market [...]

19 June 2015 AMEC

“The Federal Government’s White Paper on Developing Northern Australia recognises the enormous potential Australia’s north holds for regional communities, investment in industry and the flow-on economic benefits for all Australians,” said Simon Bennison, Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), CEO.

“The White paper has taken on board many of AMEC’s recommendations and is a good starting point.

“Industry supports simpler land access arrangements, lowering business costs, reducing red tape, reducing [...]