About Us

Who we are

The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) is a Commonwealth Government gap financier established in 2016 to support infrastructure development in northern Australia and the Australian Indian Ocean Territories.

We recognise the unique challenges of investing in northern Australia – from low population density and limited economic diversity to high costs, remote geography, and climate extremes. Our role is to help overcome these barriers by supporting projects that unlock opportunities for communities and industries across northern Australia.

Our head office in Cairns allows the CEO and Executive to develop strong relationships across northern Australia. We also have offices in Darwin, Townsville, Perth, Sydney and Brisbane. 

Find out more about our corporate governance

Find out more about our leadership

What we do

We provide concessional finance to infrastructure projects that support economic diversification and resilience across northern Queensland, northern Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and the Indian Ocean Territories.. Our investments span sectors including energy, transport and logistics, resources (including critical minerals), social infrastructure and emerging industries.

Our mandate goes beyond commercial returns, with every project we support required to demonstrate clear public benefit, Indigenous engagement, and alignment with our sustainability objectives.

Find out more about how and where we invest

Our impact

Since inception, we have approved loans for projects that are forecast to generate significant economic and social benefits, including jobs and improved services for regional communities.

Our investments have helped deliver projects that:

• Improve essential services: Upgrading airports for better connectivity and expanding university facilities to support education
• Strengthen global supply chains: Financing critical minerals projects that support Australia’s transition to net zero and secure supply for industries worldwide.
• Create jobs and training opportunities: With direct and indirect jobs across sectors like energy, agriculture, and social infrastructure.
• Support Indigenous engagement: Embedding First Nations procurement and employment strategies in every project, ensuring benefits flow to First Nations communities.
• Increase resilience: Building infrastructure that withstands extreme weather and supports sustainable growth in remote regions.

Our Collaborative Approach

We recognise that meaningful and lasting development in northern Australia can only be achieved through strong partnerships and active engagement with key stakeholders. We work closely with the governments of the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia to assess and invest in projects that drive the region's future growth. This collaborative approach ensures that our investments are guided by robust evidence and align with the long-term aspirations of local communities and governments.

Beyond government partnerships, we regularly engage with local councils, Traditional Owners, community groups, industry leaders, and private sector partners. By fostering open communication and building trusting relationships, we ensure all voices are heard and considered throughout the investment process.

Through these collaborative efforts, NAIF not only funds infrastructure but also helps shape the conditions for sustainable economic growth, stronger communities, and a resilient future for northern Australia.