NORTHERN AUSTRALIA INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITY
Investing for Impact Across the North
NAIF is a Commonwealth Government financier, providing concessional loans for the development of infrastructure projects in northern Australia and the Australian Indian Ocean Territories.
About Us
Transforming Northern Australia
Our region spans across 50% of Australia’s landmass. We support projects that deliver public benefit to the north, through new jobs, regional income, business for local suppliers and Indigenous employment opportunities.
We help grow economies and populations and encourage private sector investment in all industries including resources, agriculture and water, energy, financing partnerships, social infrastructure, and transport and logistics.
Performance summary
Our Impact
NAIF is delivering on its vision to transform northern Australia through financing infrastructure development, with $4.6 billion committed to projects. Figures are correct as at 30 September 2024.
33
Projects
$4.6B
Committed loans
$39.6B
Public Benefit forecast
20,200+
Total Forecast Jobs
OUR PORTFOLIO
33 Projects and Counting
Select a pin below to find out more information about our projects.
Investment Decision
Sector
Location
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", "investmentDecisionDate": "July 2019", "sector": "Energy", "location": "Queensland", "url": "/our-projects/genex-kidston-pumped-hydro-storage-project/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 130.870929, -12.520456 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Northern Territory Government", "title": "Darwin Shiplift Project", "summary": "Construction of an open access multi-user ship lift facility and associated marine industry infrastructure.
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", "investmentDecisionDate": "July 2020", "sector": "Social Infrastructure", "location": "Queensland", "url": "/our-projects/cquniversity-digital-transformation-and-supporting-infrastructure/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 119.74749, -22.41935 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "APA Group Ltd ", "title": "Chichester Solar and Gas Hybrid Project", "summary": "Learn about the NAIF loan to Chichester Solar Gas Hybrid Project, public benefits, Indigenous engagement, and economic impacts.
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", "investmentDecisionDate": "December 2020", "sector": "Resources", "location": "Western Australia", "url": "/our-projects/bci-minerals-mardie-salt-project/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 130.841719, -12.460158 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Charles Darwin University", "title": "Education and Community Precinct and Casuarina Campus Project", "summary": "Discover NAIF's $151.5m loan to Charles Darwin University (CDU) Casuarina Campus Project in Darwin, Northern Territory.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "July 2020", "sector": "Social Infrastructure", "location": "Northern Territory", "url": "/our-projects/cdu-education-and-community-precinct-and-casuarina-campus-project/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 146.759477, -19.325338 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "James Cook University", "title": "Engineering & Innovation Place", "summary": "James Cook University is being transformed with over $140 million in NAIF funding for the Engineering & Innovation Place and Student Halls of Residence projects.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "June 2018", "sector": "Social Infrastructure", "location": "Queensland", "url": "/our-projects/jcu-engineering-innovation-place/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 128.7311, -15.777793 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Kimberley Cotton Company", "title": "Kimberley Cotton Gin Project", "summary": "Discover how NAIF's funding is driving the establishment of a cutting-edge cotton gin facility in Kununurra, Kimberley. This collaboration between key stakeholders promises economic growth, job creation, and indigenous engagement.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "August 2021", "sector": "Agriculture & Water", "location": "Western Australia", "url": "/our-projects/kimberley-cotton-kimberley-cotton-gin/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 146.786374, -19.288673 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Mater Misericordiae Ltd", "title": "Multi-storey Car Park", "summary": "Discover Mater Private Hospital Townsville’s completed multi-level car park project, a milestone achieved by Mater Health in North Queensland.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "March 2020", "sector": "Social Infrastructure", "location": "Queensland", "url": "/our-projects/mater-multi-storey-car-park/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 130.931906, -12.460539 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Merricks Capital", "title": "Hudson Creek Power Station and Batchelor Solar Farm ", "summary": "Explore how Merricks Capital's $37 million NAIF loan is driving the development of a 12MW gas power plant and 10MW solar farm in the Northern Territory, boosting energy efficiency and creating jobs while supporting the region's renewable energy goals.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "July 2020", "sector": "Energy", "location": "Northern Territory", "url": "/our-projects/merricks-capital-hudson-creek-power-station-and-batchelor-creek-solar-farm/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 130.877416, -12.408255 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Airport Development Group ", "title": "NT Airports Infrastructure and Upgrades", "summary": "Discover how NAIF's $150 million loan is transforming Darwin, Tennant Creek, and Alice Springs airports, increasing operational capacity, creating jobs, and driving exports. This investment will have a lasting impact on the Northern Territory's economy and Indigenous engagement.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "January 2019", "sector": "Transport & Logistics", "location": "Northern Territory", "url": "/our-projects/airport-development-group-airport-infrastructure-and-upgrades/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 133.342748, -20.175658 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "NT Government", "title": "Territory Infrastructure Loans", "summary": "Explore the impactful partnership between the Northern Territory Local Jobs Fund and NAIF, boosting local employment and infrastructure growth. Learn about Territory Infrastructure Loans, eligibility, and public impact.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "September 2021", "sector": "Financing Partnerships", "location": "Northern Territory", "url": "/our-projects/territory-infrastructure-loans/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 148.35644, -22.197182 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Pembroke Resources", "title": "Olive Downs Steelmaking Coal Project", "summary": "Explore how NAIF's financing supports the Olive Downs Steelmaking Coal Project, creating jobs and economic growth in Queensland's Bowen Basin.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "April 2021", "sector": "Resources", "location": "Queensland", "url": "/our-projects/pembroke-resources-olive-downs-steelmaking-coal-project/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 115.130711, -21.646815 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Onslow Marine Support Base", "title": "Onslow Marine Support Base", "summary": "Explore NAIF's vital role in accelerating the Onslow Marine Support Base project, driving economic growth and job opportunities in Western Australia.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "September 2017", "sector": "Transport & Logistics", "location": "Western Australia", "url": "/our-projects/onslow-marine-support-base/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 146.766815, -19.246836 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Queensland Airports Limited ", "title": "Redevelopment of Townsville Airport", "summary": "Explore the transformation of Townsville Airport in Queensland. NAIF's $50 million investment fuels redevelopment for improved access and regional growth.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "January 2019", "sector": "Transport & Logistics", "location": "Queensland", "url": "/our-projects/queensland-airports-townsville-airport-redevelopment/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 122.537252, -17.513652 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Kimberley Mineral Sands ", "title": "Thunderbird Mineral Sands Project ", "summary": "Discover the Thunderbird Mineral Sands Project, with NAIF's investment decision in 2022. Learn how this project in the Kimberley region of Western Australia will generate economic benefits, create jobs, and support Indigenous engagement. Explore the details here.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "March 2022", "sector": "Resources", "location": "Western Australia", "url": "/our-projects/kimberley-mineral-sands-thunderbird-mineral-sands-project/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 147.641426, -22.783024 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Signature Onfarm", "title": "Beef Processing Facility", "summary": "Unlock the potential of Signature Onfarm, an advanced beef processing facility developed by the Angus family, leaders in the Australian cattle industry. Located near Clermont, QLD, this abattoir brings efficiency to local cattle producers and branded beef companies. Discover how NAIF's investment decision in August 2019 fuels economic growth and job creation in this sector.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "August 2019", "sector": "Agriculture & Water", "location": "Queensland", "url": "/our-projects/signature-onfarm-beef-processing-facility/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 114.306168, -26.691953 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Strandline Resources Limited", "title": "Coburn Heavy Mineral Sands Project", "summary": "Backed by NAIF's $150 million investment, Strandline Resources' Coburn Heavy Mineral Sands Project will help revolutionise the mineral sands industry, create jobs and drive economic growth in Western Australia.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "June 2020", "sector": "Resources", "location": "Western Australia", "url": "/our-projects/strandline-resources-coburn-heavy-minerals-project/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 130.976817, -25.190845 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia Pty Ltd", "title": "Connellan Airport Upgrades and Accommodation", "summary": "Learn how Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia transformed Connellan Airport, boosting the Yulara region's economy, providing job opportunities, and ensuring continued emergency services for remote communities.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "May 2018", "sector": "Social Infrastructure", "location": "Northern Territory", "url": "/our-projects/voyages-connellan-airport-upgrades-and-accommodation/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 116.322752, -24.397985 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Hastings Technology Metals", "title": "Yangibana Rare Earths Project", "summary": "Explore the groundbreaking Yangibana Rare Earths Project by Hastings Technology Metals, transforming the Gascoyne region and Onslow, Western Australia. NAIF's $220 million loan drives this initiative, set to create 750 jobs and generate $1.33 billion in public benefit. Dive into the future of rare earth minerals.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "December 2022", "sector": "Resources", "location": "Western Australia", "url": "/our-projects/hastings-yangibana-rare-earths-project/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 118.897302, -21.04808 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Pilbara Minerals", "title": "P680 Expansion", "summary": "The Pilbara Minerals Limited P680 expansion project, is a lithium resources mine supported by a $125 million loan from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF).
", "investmentDecisionDate": "September 2022", "sector": "Resources", "location": "Western Australia", "url": "/our-projects/pilbara-minerals-p680-expansion/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 146.815182, -19.266079 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "NQ COWBOYS", "title": "Community, Training and High-Performance Centre", "summary": "With NAIF’s $20 million loan, the North Queensland Cowboys Community, Training and High-Performance Centre in Townsville is not only helping retain and attract sporting talent but is also stimulating business and social activity in the city.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "November 2019", "sector": "Social Infrastructure", "location": "Queensland", "url": "/our-projects/nq-cowboys-community-training-and-high-performance-centre/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 133.32786, -22.620169 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Arafura Rare Earths Limited", "title": "Nolans Bore Rare Earths Project", "summary": "The Nolans Bore Rare Earths Project comprises the development of a rare earths mine and processing facilities (including beneficiation, extraction, and separation plants) 135km north of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "January 2024", "sector": "Resources", "location": "Northern Territory", "url": "/our-projects/arafura-nolans-bore-rare-earths-project/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 151.18347, -23.833 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Alpha HPA ", "title": "HPA First Project", "summary": "NAIF's loan to the Alpha HPA First Project will lead to the production of over 10,000 tons of high purity alumina (HPA) and a range of related high purity aluminium products.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "January 2024", "sector": "Resources", "location": "Queensland", "url": "/our-projects/alpha-hpa-first-project/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 145.7499, -16.8778 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "North Queensland Airports", "title": "North Queensland Airports Upgrade Project", "summary": "NAIF’s loan of up to $155 million will be used to upgrade key infrastructure at Cairns and Mackay airports within the next five years.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "April 2024", "sector": "Transport & Logistics", "location": "Queensland", "url": "/our-projects/north-queensland-airports/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 116.7568, -20.6166 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Perdaman, Water Corporation and Pilbara Ports Authority", "title": "Perdaman Urea Project and supporting infrastructure", "summary": "Explore the Perdaman Urea Project, backed by NAIF's $220 million investment. Learn how it's set to revolutionise the fertiliser industry, boost local manufacturing, and create thousands of jobs in Western Australia.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "August 2022", "sector": "Resources", "location": "Western Australia", "url": "/our-projects/dampier-cargo-wharf-projects-urea-plant-seawater-supply-and-brine-disposal-scheme-expansion/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 118.477203, -20.882271 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "De Grey Mining Limited", "title": "Hemi Gold Project", "summary": "The Hemi Gold Project is located in the Pilbara region of WA. Once operational, it is forecast to produce more than 500,000 ounces of gold per annum, making it one of Australia's top five gold mines.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "July 2024", "sector": "Resources", "location": "Western Australia", "url": "/our-projects/hemi-gold-project/" } }, { "type": "Feature", "geometry": { "type": "Point", "coordinates": [ 145.745147, -16.961077 ] }, "properties": { "eyebrow": "Community Housing Ltd and Tetris Capital Pty Ltd", "title": "Cairns Seniors Community Housing Project", "summary": "NAIF's loan to Community Housing Ltd and Tetris Capital Pty Ltd for the Cairns Seniors Community Housing Project which will provide 490 social, affordable and specialist disability accommodation (SDA) housing in Cairns, Queensland.
", "investmentDecisionDate": "August 2024", "sector": "Social Infrastructure", "location": "Queensland", "url": "/our-projects/cairns-seniors-community-housing-project/" } } ] }
Agriculture and Water
Energy
Social Infrastructure
Resources
2024
Independent Review of the NAIF Act 2016
Find out more about the 2024 Independent Review of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) Act 2016 on the official website.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover how NAIF, the Australian Government entity, supports economic and population growth in northern Australia by financing diverse projects across sectors like resources, energy, healthcare, and more. Learn about eligibility, funding options, and the impact on local communities.
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NAIF provides financial assistance to projects and businesses that help northern Australian communities and industries grow, prosper and develop sustainably.
Our goal is to accelerate infrastructure development and drive economic growth by funding and encouraging private-sector investments in all sectors, including agriculture and water, energy, financing partnerships, resources, social infrastructure, transport and logistics.
Backed by the Australian Government, NAIF invests in, or lends money to, infrastructure projects and businesses that:
- Generate public benefit beyond the framework of the project;
- Stimulate longer-term growth in the economy and population of northern Australia;
- Encourage private-sector participation in infrastructure financing; and
- Promote sustainable Indigenous participation, procurement and employment.
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NAIF can fund projects in parts of Queensland and Western Australia above the Tropic of Capricorn, as well as the whole of the Northern Territory. The area we cover has also been expanded to include the Australian Indian Ocean Territories of Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
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We can finance infrastructure projects and businesses – large, medium and small – across all sectors, including mining and resources, agriculture and aquaculture, transport (including airports, ports, rail and logistics), energy, water, education, tourism, social infrastructure, healthcare, telecommunications and manufacturing.
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Projects are considered on a case-by-case basis, however, because of the high level of work required to carry out due diligence, assess public benefit, complete all documentation, and develop Indigenous Engagement Strategies, we primarily focus on providing loans above $10 million. This ensures the potential benefits of NAIF financing outweigh the costs involved in the assessment and approval process.
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NAIF does not provide grants or fund business cases. Our financing is in the form of commercial loans or equity.
Contact Us
Tell us about your project
Our purpose is to provide financing support to businesses by funding and encouraging private-sector investment into projects that will facilitate sustainable economic growth.
To be considered for financing by NAIF, your project must meet the mandatory criteria outlined in our Investment Mandate.
Tell us about your project so we can talk more about how we can help.