Business news from across the Northern Territory: Latest business news highlights include a First Nations-led carbon forestry project attracting $81 million in investments, NEXTDC advancing its $120 million data centre project in Darwin, the Aboriginal Tourism Business Accelerator Program kicks off with a new cohort, and a $49.5 million contract awarded for another section of the Tanami Road upgrade.

Economy

First Nations-led carbon forestry project gets $81 million in investments

The Tiwi Islands carbon forestry project is set to become Australia’s largest First Nations-led nature-based carbon initiative, funded by $81 million – $40 million from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and $41 million from River Capital. Managed by Midway Limited, it aims to plant 30,000 hectares of Eucalyptus pellita trees on Melville Island, generating five million Australian Carbon Credit Units and producing 12 million cubic metres of wood products.

The project also aims to contribute $3 million annually to the local economy, includes a seedling nursery producing over three million seedlings per year, and uses the Tiwi-owned Port Melville for timber transport.

Tech

NEXTDC Advances $120 million data centre project in Darwin

NEXTDC is advancing its $120 million D2 Darwin data centre project to enhance IT capacity in northern Australia and position Darwin as a digital gateway to the Asia-Pacific, the company said. A recent topping-out ceremony marked the facility’s structural completion, which aims to provide essential infrastructure for government and industry. The data centre will improve security and connectivity with subsea cables and is expected to begin operations later this year. The project, in collaboration with Kapitol, emphasises advanced construction techniques and is expected to create local jobs and support Australia’s digital economy.

Tourism

Aboriginal Tourism Business Accelerator Program kicks off with new cohort

The NT Aboriginal Tourism Business Accelerator Program has launched its third year, welcoming 19 participants into the 2026 cohort. Aimed at empowering Aboriginal entrepreneurs in the NT, the program runs from February to October 2026. It is facilitated by the NT Department of Tourism and Hospitality in collaboration with Indigenous Business Australia and federal support.

Participants will engage in monthly workshops, personalised mentoring, and on-country experiences. A key highlight is “The Pitch,” where participants present their tourism products to industry stakeholders. The program focuses on marketing, financial planning, and enhancing visitor experiences for Aboriginal-owned businesses.

Construction

$49.5 million contract awarded for Tanami Road upgrade

The Commonwealth and NT governments are investing $49.5 million to upgrade 34 km of the Tanami Road, which is critical to Aboriginal communities and various industries. Exact Contracting will carry out the work, transforming the gravel road to a two-lane sealed standard with safety and drainage improvements. Construction will start in early 2026 and is expected to finish by November 2026. This project follows another by Sitzler Pty Ltd, which is upgrading 21 km of the road, and comes after 150 km were sealed in mid-2025.

“Sealing and upgrading the Tanami Road is reducing disruptions during the wet season, improving road safety and giving communities greater certainty when it comes to access to essential goods and services,” Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King said.