Budget 2025-26: Swift Land Releases, Eco Support
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering on its plan to rebuild the Territory with a practical and responsible 2025-26 Budget which restores confidence and accelerates economic development.
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne today welcomed investments made through the portfolio which focus on faster land release, stronger environmental protections, and unlocking new economic opportunities across the regions.
“This Budget reflects the hard decisions needed to clean up Labor’s mess and put the Territory back on track. It’s about doing the basics well, getting land ready for housing and business, fixing broken systems, and building confidence in our economy,” said Mr Burgoyne.
KEY INVESTMENTS AND REFORMS IN THE 2025/26 BUDGET
$123 million for the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment, delivering targeted reforms and smarter spending after years of Labor mismanagement.$2 million to the Petroleum Operations Unit to streamline approvals and maintain high regulatory standards for the onshore gas industry, supporting energy security and investment in the Beetaloo Basin.$2 million per year (ongoing) for the Beetaloo Regional Monitoring Program to track and manage environmental impacts of gas development, ensuring robust scientific oversight.$2.25 million for weed and fire management, including:$1.5 million to manage weeds and fire on Crown Land;$750,000 for targeted Buffel grass control in Central Australia.
“We’re investing in environmental protection without overburdening the budget. Instead of ballooning departmental costs, we’ve prioritised regulatory efficiency, faster approvals, and smarter delivery,” said Mr Burgoyne.
UNLOCKING LAND AND SUPPORTING HOUSING
Subdivision of Sienna Village in Alice Springs will create three strategically located lots, unlocking future commercial tourism opportunities in Central Australia.$11 million committed for Farrar West headworks infrastructure, enabling around 300 new homes to be built in Darwin’s growing suburbs.
“Affordable, safe housing is key to community safety, wellbeing and population growth – and we are unlocking land to deliver it,” said Mr Burgoyne.
LAND RELEASE AND REGIONAL GROWTH
Ongoing development at Holtze, with Stage 1 residential lots mostly sold and Stage 2 already on the market.Part B enabling works funded in this Budget to continue land development momentum in the Holtze Development Area.Ongoing collaboration with the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure to ensure timely delivery of enabling infrastructure.
“This Budget proves that our government doesn’t forget the regions,” said Mr Burgoyne.
“From Alice Springs to the Top End, we’re creating opportunities, delivering serviced land, and restoring trust in government to deliver.”
The 2025-26 Budget supports the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s year of action, certainty and security by investing in land and planning foundations which underpin growth and deliver safer, stronger communities across the Territory.
https://nt.gov.au/