As a publisher who loves our pioneering past, I dug into the archives and put together a special history feature on oil and gas exploration, which has been going on in the Territory for a century. In fact, oil was discovered in Australia by accident in 1839 at Victoria River. I shared the exciting news with Joel Riddle at a recent function and for those who have a subscription to Paramount, I gave him the honorary role as the Territory’s Landman. A brand he wears well. It’s people such as Joel and companies such as Tamboran, Empire, INPEX and Santos that will drive the Territory forward. These companies also need boots on the ground and subcontract Territory businesses to do most of the civil, exploration, infrastructure, recruitment and operational work.

The indirect impact of their operations is broad and of high benefit. With good management and governance, the gas industry – and the mining industry – can change the economic face of the NT. For all Territorians. For the better. For all time. Of course, there’s more to the Territory than gas. The live export of cattle plays a huge part thanks to NTLEA.

While in the archives, I also dug up the quirky pioneering past of the Cossack peanut farmers from Katherine. I was inspired by one of the trivia questions on one of my many trips down The Track in the past few months. In the 1920s, a small group of Russian men found their way to Katherine and grew peanuts in the tropical heat. Who would have thought!

Our feature on Danala, Charles Darwin University’s magnificent new DCOH-built city centre campus, demonstrates that we have another fine thing to offer Asia – a world-class education. The Federal Government’s cap on foreign students may be needed on the east coast but it’s not right for the NT and should be lifted if our population is to grow. Talking of our neighbours to the north, the decision to resurrect the Asian Relations portfolio is welcome. The Minister, Robyn Cahill, has fulfilled many demanding roles, including heading a hospital, and is well suited to the job. Her first delegation was only months into her ministerial role and the schedule in front of her is exhausting. I’ve always said our future is by FACING NORTH – Canberra investing in Northern Australia and Northern Australia building trade relationships with Asia.

In the last quarter, the NT Government has implemented several measures to bolster the economy and provide cost-of-living relief. These include increasing the home and business solar battery scheme bonus, raising the payroll tax threshold, and exempting wages from Payroll tax for apprentices and trainees.

The inaugural Territory Coordinator will be instrumental in shaping the scope, expectations and influence of the Government’s “centrepiece economic reform” for years to come. These reforms aim to reduce operational costs for local businesses, stimulate economic activity and get major projects moving.

The Government’s HomeGrown Territory grant scheme, introduced in October, offers financial incentives to promote homeownership and stimulate the local construction industry. As of November, the scheme had received 100 applications. By January 2025, the number had risen to 323. This indicates a strong interest in the program, reflecting its effectiveness in encouraging homeownership and boosting the local housing market.

A shout-out to business people. Please take up Ikuntji’s offer to adorn your office or boardroom with beautiful works of Indigenous art. Or even add an Indigenous touch to your staff uniforms. As Ted Egan once said: “We should be proud of Indigenous Australians, and they should be proud of themselves.”

Our cover story tells how Jake and Emma Eggleton built a fuel delivery business from nothing. Yes, they worked hard. Yes, they had sleepless nights wondering how they would pay the bills. But through true grit, they triumphed. It’s a heartening tale, proving yet again that the Territory is still a land of opportunity. It was when I came here nearly 30 years ago and it is today – a great place to live, work and invest. And finally, I can’t help but let you all know I’m going back to my roots – Sprout. NT News can update the listing and photograph in the 120 Most Powerful number 67 because I have decided to stick to my lane and regained 100 percent ownership of the businesses I started back in 2001. After five years with my business partners, we have split the swag on good terms. I believe it shows business maturity to get into a business partnership and out of it while retaining a high level of professional respect.

The focus for me has always been promoting the Territory as is evident
in the work we do and Territory Q.

I have an amazing amount of energy and positive optimism for a future here. So much so I’m reinvesting when I could be retiring. Sprout is not just a big brand on a building but also invests in great people who deliver amazing work that resonates with a Territory market. If you want to work or get work done by a passionate Territory marketing company, drop me an email at anya@sprout.com.au.

Thank you to my team for believing in me through the transition and I look forward to building a bigger resource right here at home. If you need to outsource your marketing and communications, you have a team at Sprout ready to go.

Anya Lorimer
Publisher
TerritoryQ Magazine