Green Paper on Developing Northern Australia
Please find the RDA MidWest Gascoyne submission on the Green Paper on Developing Northern
Australia. These comments are provided to assist the Australian Government in formulating a
sustainable approach to the development of Northern Australia including the Gascoyne Region of
WA.
The Gascoyne has some unique assets for consideration in the future of Northern Australian,
including the Gascoyne River, which can produce over 750GL of river flow in an event.
Since 1928 there has been a horticultural industry based in Carnarvon, which has a significant
population base in northern WA. This industry has grown to be a dominate supplier of produce for
WA during the SW winter. The Industry has mastered water efficient practices for dry periods.
Significant mining and mining support activities exist in the Gascoyne for Salt and Gypsum
Production, Oil and Gas exploration/production and Gold and Copper mining.
Tourism is also a significant industry in the Gascoyne which has two World Heritage Areas.
Australia’s demographics show that most Australians choose to live in large cities. Northern Australia
in particular due to the environmental factors will see this approach more so. Therefore, policies and
plans should cater for strategic city development rather than small isolated town development.
Carnarvon in the Gascoyne should be included in these plans as the regional centre on the WA coast.
The policy directions identified in the green paper will need to considered and implemented in an
integrated approach rather than one policy direction over another. However, affordable housing
needs to be considered as a key issue and dealing with Native Title issues will be a priority.
Further consideration is also required on a range of issues:



Sustained investment and development over a long period, in a similar manner to the
Murray Darling Basin, investment of $10 Billion over a number of years will be required to
create the appropriate climate of opportunity for Northern Australia to move ahead.
Continuous programs that allow for structured benefits for the long term are required that
go beyond term of government agendas.
Incentives that allow for long term planning and implementation for business investment
Level 2, 209 Foreshore Drive Geraldton WA
Phone (08) 99645757 Fax (08) 99645775
Postal – PO Box 1517 GERALDTON 6531
ABN 22 450 469 916



Leases on property will need to be long term and processes in place to renew leases as most
finance and investment on lease hold arrangements require lessees to manage the finances
over the term of the lease. Meaning short leases are financially unviable.
A range of freehold land needs to be on the market on an ongoing basis.
Infrastructure needs to be prioritised and efficiencies of existing infrastructure realised prior
to new investment.
Some economic controls that may be relevant to stimulate development in Northern Australia
include:





Oil and Gas royalty exemptions for use of these resources in Northern Australia (other
resources may need to be considered)
Exemption from Stamp duty (particularly in WA) on home sales
GST and Duty free shopping in the Northern Territory due to the high cost of living, as per
the Indian Ocean Territories.
Increase in Zone allowances for permanent residents in Northern Australia
FBT exemption for a specific number of corporate employees that reside in Northern
Australia
The RDA Northern Australia Alliance would be a good vehicle to deliver programs across Northern
Australia, such as investment brokers and capacity building.
I trust you find the above comments of assistance in the development of the White paper.
Sincerely
Alan Bradley
RDAMWG
Executive Officer