NT Airports Infrastructure and Upgrades
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.
January 2019
Transport & Logistics
Darwin (Garramilla), Tennant Creek (Jurnkkurakurr) & Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Airports
NAIF’s loan will help expand airport facilities at three Northern Territory airports and support the development of the Territory’s export potential, particularly for agricultural products.
Proponent Background
The Airport Development Group (ADG), is a prominent infrastructure management company headquartered in Darwin in the Northern Territory. ADG owns and oversees a diverse range of infrastructure assets, including airports, hotels, and aviation and commercial buildings.
With a strategic focus on expansion, ADG has ambitious plans to extend into Western Australia and Queensland, solidifying its position as a leading player in the industry. The company is owned by superannuation fund managers IFM Investors and Palisade Investment Partners.
ADG is dedicated to creating and managing infrastructure assets that cater to the evolving needs of communities.
Project Overview
The project investment will increase the operational capacity of each airport, create jobs, drive new export opportunities into Asian markets, boost the Northern Territory’s tourism potential, and support energy security for businesses and residents in the north.
The project includes:
- Freight, cold storage, and an export/import hub at Darwin International Airport,
- Solar arrays at Darwin, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek airports, servicing local communities and the airports,
- A proposed off-airport multi-user battery storage in Darwin,
- The resurfacing of Alice Springs Airport’s runway, taxiways and apron, as well as installation of new runway lighting.
How We Helped
NAIF’s ability to provide concessional tenor and pricing enabled the acceleration of the development of these important facilities, which generate significant public benefit.
Public Benefit
Independent analysis forecasts that the infrastructure funded by NAIF will support up to 980 jobs in the construction phase, 500 indirect jobs through the supply chain and more than 142 new ongoing operational positions.
This investment will grow our reputation and capacity to attract bigger planes to carry more tourists and more of our region’s iconic products such as mud crabs, barramundi, mangoes and melons to the world. These can be processed through the new VHT plant and stored in the new cold storage facility before being air freighted straight out of Darwin, rather than being trucked to Queensland.
Ian Kew
Former Northern Territory Airports CEO
Related Links
Indigenous Engagement
- The Larrakia and Arrente peoples
Darwin, known traditionally as Garramilla, is on Larrakia Country in the Northern Territory. Larrakia Country spans from Cox Peninsula in the west, Gunn Point in the north, the Adelaide River in the east, and as far south as Manton Dam. The original name of the language group now known as Larrakia is Gulumirrgin, the Larrakia are saltwater people, they have a rich history of trade, intermarriage, and shared ceremony with neighbouring groups such as the Tiwi, Wagait, and Wulna. Important cultural sites like Stokes Hill, Mindil Beach, Rapid Creek and Casuarina Beach remain sacred to the Larrakia and are part of an enduring cultural landscape. The Larrakia Traditional Owners are pivotal to the Darwin community including the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation (LNAC) who play a central role in preserving culture, protecting country, and supporting the social and economic advancement of Larrakia people on Larrakia Country.
Alice Springs, known as Mparntwe to the Central Arrernte people, is situated on their traditional lands, which encompass the town and surrounding areas, including the culturally significant MacDonnell Ranges. The Central Arrernte are the Traditional Owners and custodians of this region, with the Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation representing their native title interests. Mparntwe holds profound cultural and spiritual significance, with ancestral beings such as Ayepe-arenye, Ntyarlke and Utnerrengatye believed to have shaped the local landscape. Today, Mparntwe remains a vital hub for Aboriginal people across Central Australia, offering essential services, community connections, and a place where languages and traditions are actively maintained and respected.
Indigenous Engagement Strategy Commitments
ADG remains committed to building strong, respectful and enduring relationships with First Nations peoples.
Our Indigenous Engagement Strategy (IES) is guided by the following principles and actions:
- Indigenous Advisory Committee: Operational and active. The Committee provides oversight, advice and ensure meaningful community engagement and accountability in implementing the IES.
- Committed to 10% Indigenous employment with a stretch target of 25%. Through the Indigenous Training Academy, support trainees in gaining formal qualifications and career pathways across key sectors including hospitality, business, horticulture, IT and administration.
- Continue to strengthen partnerships with key Aboriginal corporations, Traditional Owners and community leaders and local Indigenous businesses across the NT, including LNAC, NT Business Network (NTIBN) and Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation.
- Build on existing programs, including with the Larrakia Rangers at Rapid Creek Reserve and Gurambai Trail.
- Partner with Charles Darwin University to offer two $2,500 Higher Education Business Scholarships per semester. Each recipient is offered 4-6 week paid work placement at ADG.
- All new AG staff undergo mandatory cross-cultural awareness training, with tailored training provided across different locations. Contractors are also invited to participate to promote inclusive work environments.
- Committed to integrating Aboriginal stories and artworks across ADG digital platforms physical assets (ie, Darwin Airport Resorts, Darwin International Airport, Alice Springs Airport) to enhance cultural awareness and tourism experiences.
- Committed to review and update the IES annually in consultation with NAIF and stakeholders for continuous improvement.
Indigenous Engagement Strategy Outcomes
- In 2019–2020, the Cold Storage Facility project achieved 5.2% First Nations employment, while the Alice Springs Airport (ASA) upgrades also reached 6.7% First Nations employment. As part of the ASA works, ADG partnered with the NT Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN) to deliver information briefings to local Indigenous businesses and contracted majority Indigenous-owned company, Black Cat Civil, to deliver key components of the upgrade.
- In 2021, ADG established the Indigenous Training Academy (ITA) to support career pathways across retail, hospitality, business administration and information technology. That same year, following the acquisition of the Novotel and Mercure Resorts complex, ADG engaged Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation to assist with renovations at the hotel and resort facilities located at the Darwin International Airport.
- In 2022, ADG collaborated with the Larrakia community on two key initiatives: the Gurambai Cultural Trail, a 3.7 km return trail showcasing Larrakia Country, and a 41-metre Welcome to Country mural at the Mercure Darwin Airport Resort, by Larrakia artist Anthony Duwun Lee.
- In 2023, ADG became an Ally Member of the NT Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN) to strengthen supplier diversity and advocacy. First Nations employment reached 5.1% overall, and 12% within ADG’s hotels, driven by ITA placements and training.
- In 2024, ADG revised its Indigenous Engagement Strategy (IES) to align with the repurposing of the NAIF loan, with oversight from the Indigenous Advisory Committee. That year, ADG reported $4.1m in procurement spend with First Nations suppliers, bringing the total procurement spend up to $6.2m, and continued ITA delivery with expanded support including mentoring through Tanyah Nasir Consulting.
