Turbocharging
TOURIST EXPERIENCES WITHIN
THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
The smarter, safer, more
engaging and resilient the
infrastructure within our states
and territories are, the better.
A healthy economy is particularly
realised when infrastructure within
locales is of a high quality.
Over in the Northern Territory, its tourism industry acts as
a linchpin of its economy, providing support to numerous
local businesses and creating a host of jobs within private
sectors as a result. The territory government’s $103
million Turbocharging Tourism initiative aims to further
propel tourist numbers, in large part through significantly
improving and developing tourism infrastructure.
The new and improved infrastructure aims to create fond
memories for tourists to keep them returning and by
providing further support to private sector workers and
businesses through an increase in jobs and revenue.
The 9th Annual Northern Territory Major Projects
Conference will host the NT Minister for Tourism and
Culture, Lauren Moss, for a keynote presentation about
how Turbocharging Tourism and its focus on infrastructure
will positively impact the overall Territory and its economy.
Moss is set to highlight the infrastructure projects currently
under development as part of the initiative, and those
planned for construction.
One of the projects, the Red Centre Bicycle Ride, will
comprise of new adventure cycling tracks within the Red
Centre, allowing tourists to view some of the Territory’s
most striking natural sites. The works will honour
Indigenous Territorians, being completed in consultation
with Traditional Owners and associated Aboriginal
councils and authorities. Other local residents will be
provided with more opportunities for employment while
the new trails are under construction and once they are
operational.
Turbocharging Tourism will also directly assist local small
and medium businesses through the Visitor Experience
Enhancement Program. The program will provide grants
to specific businesses, allowing them to improve their
offerings in order to boost visitor numbers. Upgrades will
include renovations to outdoor dining spaces, improved
point of sale systems, and new audio-visual systems.
While the initiative will enhance the NT’s existing and
developing tourism infrastructure, there are a host of other
infrastructure projects currently taking form outside of
Turbocharging Tourism, that will also help to create high-
quality experiences for tourists.
On behalf of the Federal and Territory governments, the
Northern Australia Roads Program is delivering $203
million of key updates to some of the NT’s most high-
priority roads – roads that are commonly travelled upon by
both tourists and residents, and that can transport people
away from natural disasters such as flooding or extreme
storms.
The upcoming luxury Westin Darwin Hotel will provide
a similar amount of protection against extreme weather
conditions, within a waterfront building that embodies
Darwin’s natural heritage and culture. The NT government
is providing $17 million in public infrastructure that will
connect the hotel to the CBD, encouraging engagement
with the city’s local businesses and amenities.
By zeroing in on infrastructure in an effort
to increase tourist numbers and create
employment opportunities for residents, the
NT Government can begin to move closer
to a healthier economy, and an even
more captivating and tourist-friendly
Territory.
The 9th Annual Northern
Territory Major Projects
Conference is held on
the 17th and 18th of
October at the Darwin
Convention Centre.