- Author CRCNA and research partners
- Publish date 25 July 2026
- Type Report
- ISBN 978-1-922437-60-0
- Documents
- Strategic policy development
- Agriculture
- Supply chain development
Summary
De-risking land use and infrastructure planning for northern Australia: Research findings and future directions
This Research Synthesis Report brings together findings from CRCNA-funded research focused on de-risking land use, infrastructure planning and development assessment across northern Australia. It examines the planning, regulatory, infrastructure and information barriers that can constrain development and investment, and considers how more coordinated, place-based approaches can support sustainable and inclusive growth.
The report highlights the importance of strategic regional and precinct-scale planning, better integration of infrastructure and land use decisions, improved access to trusted environmental and development data, stronger coordination across jurisdictions and meaningful involvement of First Nations organisations in planning and decision-making. The research also demonstrates how earlier and more integrated planning can reduce regulatory uncertainty, development risks, delays and costs while improving environmental, social and economic outcomes.
One of 12 CRCNA Research Synthesis Reports, the publication captures the collective findings and impacts of the CRCNA’s research portfolio and identifies recommendations to strengthen enabling infrastructure, regional planning and development assessment, data and decision-making and Indigenous institutions. The report has been endorsed by the Northern Regional Development Australia (RDA) Alliance.
Projects
Supporting landholder capacity for quality agricultural development applications across northern Australia
Building on the CRCNA’s earlier de-risking work in the Northern Territory, this project aimed to address a recognised need to enhance the readiness of landholders, industry bodies and development services for future development and investment. The project has been completed and now provides practical tools and guidance to help landholders navigate the complex process of agricultural development approvals. Led by NT Farmers Association and funded by CRCNA, the three-year project worked with landholders, consultants, industry bodies and government agencies across Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. The project identified key barriers that often delay or prevent agricultural development, including complex regulatory frameworks, fragmented information sources and limited access to planning and technical resources. Through consultation and co-design with industry stakeholders, the project developed a suite of resources to improve development readiness and support stronger agricultural development applications. These include a business planning template, a simplified guide to accessing spatial data through Queensland Globe, directories of relevant legislation and stakeholders across jurisdictions, and a register of consultants and service providers. Together, these outputs provide practical support for landholders and their advisors, helping to improve the quality of development proposals and support future agricultural investment across northern Australia.
De Risking Phase II- NT Through Sustainable Development Precincts
De-risking Phase II: NT Through Sustainable Development Precincts strengthened regional planning approaches to support sustainable agricultural development across the Northern Territory. Building on the earlier CRCNA de-risking research, the project used the Douglas Daly region as a real-world case study to develop practical frameworks for coordinated land use planning, infrastructure investment and agricultural growth. Delivered through the NT Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in collaboration with CRCNA, government agencies, industry and research partners, the project focused on balancing economic development opportunities with environmental protection and cultural values. Through extensive stakeholder engagement, the project identified best-practice approaches for sustainable development precincts that improve investment certainty while supporting long-term regional resilience. The project developed recommendations for a regional economic development planning framework that could guide future agricultural precinct planning across northern Australia. Key focus areas included land and water resource planning, infrastructure coordination, regulatory reform, investment readiness and stronger collaboration with Traditional Owners and local communities. The project also delivered significant practical outcomes. It directly supported the establishment and continuation of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Industry Development team, strengthened collaboration across NT Government agencies and helped establish the Douglas Daly Research Farm Advisory Committee to guide future research priorities and on-farm innovation. The work is expected to support future regional planning reforms, improve infrastructure investment coordination and drive long-term agricultural growth in the Douglas Daly region and beyond. Project modelling identified substantial economic opportunities through agricultural diversification, with even modest crop shifts projected to significantly increase regional gross value of production over the next decade. This work leverages previous research undertaken by the CRCNA as part of its 2020 work De-risking, brokering and prioritising agricultural development in the Northern Territory.
Leading CRCNA’s De-risking and supply chain investment and impact
Northern Australia’s future economic growth depends on efficient, resilient and well-connected supply chains that can support agriculture, resources, tourism and regional development. While the region is strategically positioned to expand trade with Asia-Pacific markets, supply chains remain fragmented, infrastructure gaps persist and access to integrated data for investment decision-making is limited. This project explored how improved supply chain modelling, integrated data systems and collaborative planning could support more effective investment and development across northern Australia. The research examined supply chain challenges affecting industries and regions throughout the north, identifying barriers including transport and logistics constraints, limited storage and processing infrastructure, workforce shortages, digital connectivity issues, high operating costs and fragmented governance arrangements. A key outcome of the project was the development of a framework for integrated supply and value chain modelling. The study highlighted the need for better collection, sharing and analysis of supply chain data to support evidence-based decisions around infrastructure investment, export opportunities, workforce planning, regional development and industry growth. It proposed a collaborative approach involving governments, industry, researchers and infrastructure providers to develop long-term modelling capability across northern Australia. The project also emphasised the importance of strengthening supply chain resilience in response to disruptions such as natural disasters, market volatility and the impacts of COVID-19. By improving understanding of freight networks, investment priorities and emerging market opportunities, the research sought to support more coordinated development pathways and reduce barriers to investment across the north. The findings provide a foundation for future collaboration between governments, industry and research organisations to improve supply chain performance, enhance regional connectivity and support sustainable economic development. Through better data, stronger partnerships and more sophisticated modelling tools, the project contributes to building a more competitive, resilient and investment-ready northern Australia.
Prioritising, de-risking and brokering agricultural development in northern Queensland
Northern Queensland has significant potential to expand its agricultural sector, supported by abundant land and water resources, proximity to growing Asian markets and strong existing agricultural industries. However, new investment and development opportunities often face complex planning, regulatory, environmental, infrastructure and financing challenges. This project examined how agricultural development is prioritised, assessed and progressed across northern Queensland, with a focus on identifying practical ways to reduce investment risk while ensuring development remains environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. The research involved extensive consultation with government agencies, industry representatives, investors, Indigenous organisations, community stakeholders and agricultural businesses. The project found that northern Queensland’s agricultural development system is not fundamentally broken, but that improvements are needed to better coordinate planning, clarify development priorities and streamline pathways for investment. Key challenges identified included fragmented planning processes, uncertainty around water access and land use, infrastructure constraints and limited support for proponents developing investment-ready projects. The project developed a series of policy directions and recommendations aimed at supporting sustainable agricultural growth. These included establishing clearer long-term development priorities, improving collaboration between governments, industry, Traditional Owners and communities, strengthening regional planning approaches and enhancing support for agricultural proponents seeking to attract investment and navigate approval processes. The findings provide a roadmap for governments, investors and industry to work together to unlock agricultural opportunities across northern Queensland while balancing environmental protection, Indigenous interests and regional economic development. By improving the way agricultural opportunities are identified, planned and supported, the project has helped inform future approaches to agricultural investment and development across northern Australia.
Prioritising, de-risking and brokering agricultural development in Western Australia
Northern Western Australia has significant opportunities to expand agricultural and aquaculture production, building on its extensive land resources, emerging irrigation opportunities and growing demand for high-quality food products. However, development proposals often face challenges associated with land tenure, Native Title, infrastructure, regulatory approvals, investment risk and stakeholder coordination. This project examined the barriers and opportunities affecting agricultural and aquacultural development across the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne regions. Delivered in partnership with the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the project reviewed existing development processes, analysed case studies and engaged extensively with government agencies, industry, Traditional Owners, Aboriginal organisations and investors to identify practical ways to improve development outcomes. The research found that while northern Western Australia offers substantial development potential, investors and proponents can face significant uncertainty arising from complex approval pathways, fragmented processes and challenges in building trusted relationships between stakeholders. The project highlighted the importance of balancing economic development with environmental stewardship, Indigenous participation and community expectations. Through analysis of 28 agricultural developments and detailed case studies, the project identified opportunities to streamline investment facilitation, improve coordination across government agencies and strengthen approaches to agricultural planning and project assessment. Recommendations included enhancing case management and investment facilitation services, improving access to information and infrastructure planning, supporting Aboriginal economic development and fostering stronger collaboration between government, industry and Traditional Owners. The project provides a practical framework for supporting sustainable agricultural growth in northern Western Australia. Its findings help inform future policy and investment approaches that can reduce development risk, improve investor confidence and unlock new opportunities while delivering economic, environmental and social benefits for regional communities.
Prioritising, de-risking and brokering agricultural development in the Northern Territory
The Northern Territory has substantial potential to expand agricultural and aquaculture production, supported by extensive land and water resources, proximity to Asian markets and opportunities for regional economic development. However, investment and development have often been constrained by complex approval processes, land tenure arrangements, infrastructure limitations and challenges associated with securing investment and building stakeholder confidence. This project investigated the key barriers affecting agricultural and aquaculture development across the Northern Territory and identified practical pathways to reduce investment risk and improve development outcomes. Delivered by NAJA Business Consulting Services in partnership with the CRCNA and Northern Territory Government, the project combined literature reviews, stakeholder interviews, workshops, surveys and detailed case studies to examine the factors influencing new agricultural investment. The research identified a range of common challenges, including complex land tenure and planning arrangements, uncertainty around water resources, regulatory and approval processes, Native Title considerations, logistics and infrastructure constraints and limited telecommunications services. Extensive consultation with industry, government, Aboriginal organisations and project proponents highlighted the need for more coordinated and efficient approaches to agricultural development. Through analysis of 31 potential development opportunities and detailed case studies spanning broadacre cropping, aquaculture, livestock and agricultural processing, the project developed recommendations to support sustainable growth. These included improving land and water planning, streamlining approval pathways, facilitating investment, strengthening infrastructure planning, supporting Indigenous agricultural development and building greater trust and collaboration between governments, industry and Traditional Owners. The project provides a framework for enabling future agricultural investment in the Northern Territory while balancing economic, environmental and social outcomes. Its findings continue to inform discussions around how governments, industry and communities can work together to unlock development opportunities, improve investor confidence and create long-term employment and economic benefits across northern Australia.