Investment Forum showcases potential of northern Australia
The NAIF pipeline looks set to expand even further, following the Northern Australia Investment Forum, which was held this week in Cairns.
The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility sponsored the event and CEO Laurie Walker said it highlighted the enormous potential that existed in the country’s north.
“The Northern Australia Investment Forum was about bringing together investors from all over the world and it was a great success,” Ms Walker said.
“NAIF executives met around 70 people in conjunction with the Forum, all of them with an interest in building infrastructure in northern Australia.
“We held more than 20 separate meetings, in addition to being involved in panel discussions and presenting to the more than 550 delegates who attended.”
Ms Walker said the discussions lead to significant potential opportunities that NAIF can follow up on.
“Investors wanted to talk to us about agriculture, livestock, bio energy, renewables, medical tourism, ports, food processing, Indigenous engagement and tourism which demonstrates the wide range of infrastructure projects that NAIF can consider,” she said.
“In addition to Australian investors, we also spoke to people from countries including Canada, Brazil, Japan, Thailand, Spain, France, China and New Zealand.”
Ms Walker said the Forum created a real buzz about the opportunities that exist in northern Australia.
“Potential proponents were interested in projects in all jurisdictions – Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland,” she said.
“There was also strong engagement and collaboration between the state, territory and federal governments.
“The forum was designed to encourage and foster conversations and give people the information they need as they seek to invest here.
“Everyone is on the same page – there is enormous potential in northern Australia which can be converted to investment.
“We look forward to continuing our work with those who attended the Forum, and helping to build more infrastructure that will grow the economy and communities across the country’s north.”
