The projects are being driven by the NT Government’s Department of Logistics and Infrastructure, which is responsible for working with the community, business and government partners to regulate, construct, maintain and invest in integrated sustainable infrastructure, developments and services.

Department General Manager Regions Tegan Berg says the department is proud to be delivering essential projects that “form the backbone of the Territory’s future”.

“From roads and housing to correctional facilities and sporting upgrades, our work is aligned with the Territory Government’s core pillars of reducing crime, rebuilding the economy and restoring lifestyle,” she says.

“Infrastructure isn’t just about concrete and steel – it’s about connecting people, supporting communities and building a better future.

“Every project we deliver is part of a bigger picture to make the Northern Territory safer, stronger and more liveable.

“Across every region of the Territory, our team is on the ground ensuring that infrastructure meets the needs of our diverse communities.

“These projects aren’t delivered in isolation — they’re the result of strong collaboration with business, industry and community. We’re working together to create infrastructure that delivers real impact where it’s needed most.”

Projects underway or recently completed include:

Southern region

• Alice Springs priority infrastructure projects, such as the restoration of Anzac Oval, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia, a new multi-sport facility in Gillen and upgrades to Jim McConville Oval.
• Grants to Alice Springs Town Council for a skate park and play precinct at Newland Park, the council library, upgrades to Tourism Central Australia headquarters and upgrades to Teague Park.
• Works at the Alice Springs Correctional Centre as part of the Corrections Infrastructure Master Plan
• New hybrid operating theatre at the Alice Springs Hospital
• Tennant Creek Youth Justice Supported Accommodation Facility
• Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre in Tennant Creek
• Tennant Creek street lighting upgrades
• Upgrades to roads including the Schwarz Crescent intersection in Alice Springs, Tanami Road, Sandover Highway, Outback Way, Santa Teresa Road and Mereenie Loop.

Northern region

• Borroloola cyclone shelter
• Maningrida Arts and Culture Centre and Djomi Museum
• Katherine all-weather community hub
• Gunyangara (Gove Port) tourism precinct
• Upgrades to roads including the Carpentaria Highway, Victoria Highway, Central Arnhem Highway and Jabiru Road upgrades

One of the department’s eye-catching projects was the construction of the Katherine High School STEAM centre (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) and classrooms, which were completed in June. 

The $16.7 million modern project is designed to transform learning for students across the Katherine region. 

Students began learning in the new facilities from term 3, ready to make the most of the opportunities offered by a future-focused STEAM education. 

The major project included significant upgrades to existing infrastructure, along with purpose-built spaces that support high-quality, contemporary education in STEAM subjects. 

The school’s P block underwent major improvements to meet the growing needs of the school community. 

On the ground floor, the construction included seven new classrooms designed to provide flexible and modern learning spaces, along with a staff room for teachers and support staff. 

On the first floor, the upgrades featured three state-of-the-art science laboratories, complete with a preparation room for experiments and equipment storage, and an additional staff room to support faculty working in the science department. 

In the adjacent R block, the focus was on fostering creativity and artistic expression. 

The ground floor was transformed into a dedicated art space, housing three studios, tailored for various artistic disciplines, and a gallery area for showcasing student work, plus a communal staircase, doubling as a breakout space to encourage collaboration and informal gatherings. 

On the first floor, the emphasis shifted to music education, with four music practice rooms, a studio, and a control room built to support recording and production. 

A standout feature of the project was its engagement with students through M+J Builders’ Student Experience Initiative. 

The initiative provided an invaluable opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience in a real-world construction environment. 

It operated on a rotation, with two–three students working on-site for three days each week. 

Eleven students took part in the initiative until the end, helping tradies with ducting, electrical work, partitions, framing and flooring covering. 

“It was a very successful initiative,” says M+J Builders construction manager Zac Garrett. “This is the kind of thing that the construction industry needs.” 

“Giving students the chance to work alongside experienced tradies not only exposes them to the practical realities of the job, but also helps them make informed decisions about their future careers. 

“Many of these students come in without a clear picture of what construction work actually involves. By rotating through different trades, they get a genuine taste of the diverse career opportunities available. 

“Beyond individual benefits, initiatives like this are vital for Territory businesses to build local capacity. By giving students meaningful, on-site experience early on, we’re hoping to create a skilled pipeline of workers for the years ahead.” 

The school also installed a new main switchboard, designed to support its development and future growth. 

The modern electrical hub served as the central point for managing the school’s power distribution, ensuring a reliable and efficient energy supply across the campus. 

With more than 50 local workers and subcontractors involved, the project was a true community effort. TQ 

THE ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ART GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA. ARTIST IMPRESSION ONLY