Business news from across the Northern Territory: The latest highlights include the Territory hosting 160 world business leaders at the NT Investment Summit, Santos launching a $3 million program to create jobs for Indigenous Territorians, Beckons expanding its luxurious offerings in Uluru, the Federal Government launching a key apprenticeship program to boost Territory housing, as well as APA expanding a key link for future gas supply.

Economy

More than 160 global business leaders attend 2026 NT Investment Summit

Over 160 global business leaders and decision-makers from 12 countries have convened in Darwin for the 2026 NT Investment Summit, which showcases investment-ready projects in the energy, minerals, defence, agriculture, tourism, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The summit also highlights key projects, such as the Beetaloo Sub-basin and the Nolans Project, that are driving economic growth. Delegates will explore opportunities across various sectors, including energy, defence, and agriculture, and the Summit builds on recent investor engagement efforts in Asia.

NT posts $8.5 billion in trade surplus

The NT reported a trade surplus of $8.5 billion for the year ending May 2026, a 3.3 per cent increase, driven by strong energy exports and lower imports. Goods exports reached $13.8 billion, while imports dropped to $5.3 billion. Key drivers of this growth include the Darwin LNG facility and the Barossa Gas Project, which began shipping gas in January 2026. Production is also expected to rise as the LNG plant resolves commissioning issues and as further projects, such as those in the Beetaloo Basin, support future economic growth, the government said.

Santos introduces $3 million initiative to create jobs for Indigenous Territorians

Santos has launched the Saltwater Pathways Program, a $3.05 million initiative funded by the Barossa Aboriginal Future Fund to create long-term employment pathways for Indigenous Territorians. The program combines accredited education with practical training in energy operations, supporting up to 13 Aboriginal trainees from five regions in the Territory over three years, the company said.

The program, delivered in partnership with Programmed Skilled Workforce Pty Ltd, offers job placements through various energy and service partners. This initiative aligns with Santos’ 2030 Indigenous Participation Plan, the company said, which targets three per cent Indigenous employment in its workforce.

Tourism

Colorado-based Beckons expands its luxurious offerings in Uluru

Beckons, a Colorado-based ultra-luxury hospitality brand, plans to open an exclusive nine-suite resort near Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, the closest luxury accommodation to the iconic Uluṟu monolith. The resort will feature eight private Desert Suites and one multi-room Desert Pavilion, designed by JAWS Architects to blend into the surrounding landscape. Each suite will include a private plunge pool and outdoor daybeds, with views of Uluṟu. Construction is set to start soon, with an anticipated opening in early 2028.

Housing

200 Territorians launch careers in housing construction through federal program

Over 200 apprentices in the Territory have begun careers in housing construction through the Federal Government’s Key Apprenticeship Program, which offers up to $10,000 in incentives to tackle the national housing shortage.

The program, supporting 209 apprentices in its first year, includes 113 participants aged 19 or under, 44 First Nations apprentices, and 30 school-based apprentices. The initiative has a strong national presence, with over 32,500 apprentices involved, primarily employed by small businesses. The program will be extended until 2029, ensuring long-term support for the industry.

Resources

APA eyeing fresh link for future nationwide gas supply

APA Group is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Amadeus Gas Pipeline (AGP) by expanding gas infrastructure in the NT to secure future energy supplies. The AGP, spanning 1,650km, is essential for electricity supply to towns and industries. Acquired by APA in 2011, it is integrated into the national gas transmission network and supplies 80 per cent of the Territory’s power generation.

Over the next few months, the new $66.5 million, 37km Sturt Plateau pipeline connecting Tamboran’s Shenandoah South project to the AGP will be finished and will take energy up to Darwin. APA will own and operate the pipeline which will transport up to 40 terajoules of gas per day. APA also said it intends to develop more new pipelines to connect gas from the Beetaloo to the east coast and global markets, including the proposed 1561km North to East Pipeline project.