Northern Australia agriculture investor identification and analysis

Project locations: Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, Broome

Project partners: PriceWaterhouseCoopers

Project summary and impacts

This project examined how northern Australia could attract and secure greater private investment in agricultural development by improving the way investment opportunities are identified, promoted and supported. Delivered by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in partnership with the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA), the project analysed the agricultural investment landscape across northern Australia and developed a framework to better connect investors with viable development opportunities.

Through extensive engagement with domestic and international investors, government agencies and industry stakeholders, the project identified key investor profiles, investment priorities and barriers to investment. It developed an investor typology and targeted investor list, providing insights into the types of investors most likely to participate in northern Australian agricultural projects and the factors influencing their investment decisions.

The project also explored policy and market measures that could help de-risk agricultural investment, improve coordination between governments and investment agencies, and strengthen investment attraction efforts across the north. Its findings contributed to a shared strategic approach for investment facilitation, helping Austrade and state and territory governments better position northern Australia as an attractive destination for agricultural investment.

By providing a clearer understanding of investor expectations and investment pathways, the project helped lay the groundwork for future agricultural development, supporting more informed investment decisions and improving the long-term prospects for sustainable industry growth across northern Australia.