horticulture in centralustralia a · horticulture development team at the the opportunity:...

INVE

STIN

G IN

THE H

ORTIC

ULTU

RAL G

ROWT

H OF

CENT

RAL A

USTR

ALIA

HORTICULTURE IN CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

INVESTING IN THE HORTICULTURAL GROWTH OF CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

Bagging Barhee dates before harvest.

The Opportunity: Horticulture in Central Australia .............................................................................................................3

Why Invest in Central Australia? ..................................................................................................................................................4

Our Successes: Grapes and Melons ............................................................................................................................................5

Key Infrastructure ..........................................................................................................................................................................6-7

Topography of Central Australia ...................................................................................................................................................8

Land Tenure in Central Australia ..................................................................................................................................................9

Water Resources in Central Australia .................................................................................................................................... 10

Central Australia Plant Industry Precincts .................................................................................................................... 11-12

Potential Crop Opportunties in Central Australia Precincts and Harvesting Times ............................................ 13

Current Priority Development

Alice Springs Precinct ................................................................................................................................................. 14-16

Case Study – Meet the Neighbours – Lee-Ann and Richie Hayes .................................................................... 17

Ti Tree Precinct .............................................................................................................................................................. 18-19

Western Davenport Precinct ................................................................................................................................... 20-21

Future Priority Development

Tennant Creek Precinct .............................................................................................................................................. 22-23

Case Study – Commercial Horticulture Production on Aboriginal Land ...................................................... 24

Great Artesian Basin Precinct ........................................................................................................................................ 25

Moving Produce within Australia and Exporting from Australia .................................................................................. 26

Useful Contacts ................................................................................................................................................................................. 27

CONTENTS2


Discover the potential

Central Australia offers a unique combination of sunshine, low humidity, cool winter temperatures and freedom from most pests and diseases. These conditions are ideal for many crops.

Extensive commercial production already exists for a wide variety of crops including table grapes, dates, melons, mangoes, figs, olives, bush foods (from Australia’s native plants) and vegetables. Fodder is also grown to support the local cattle industry.

Research by the Northern Territory Government and its partners has identified the potential for production of a diverse range of other crops including - stone fruit, nuts, temperate and subtropical fruits and ornamental flowers.

The significant potential of horticulture development in Central Australia is waiting to be discovered.

A dedicated Central Australian horticultural team

The Northern Territory Government established the Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) in Alice Springs in the 1970s. The Central Australian Horticulture Development Team at the

THE OppORTUNITy: HORTICULTURE IN CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

CSIRO table grapes selection and evaluation program at Arid Zone Research Institute.

Central Australia in the Northern Territory, Australia

Department of Primary Industry and Resources continues its industry focused research to convert horticultural prospects into profitable commercial opportunities.

The Department also provides targeted extension services to facilitate continuous improvement in production quantity and quality to meet expanding market options for growers, and to grow the Territory’s primary industries.

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

Sydney

Hobart

Perth

Brisbane

Melbourne

Canberra (A.C.T.)

Darwin

Katherine

TennantCreek

AliceSprings

Ti Tree

WesternDavenport

GreatArtesianBasin

Adelaide

3


WHy INVEST IN CENTRAL AUSTRALIA?

THE NORTHERN TERRITORy HAS A REpUTATION FOR pRODUCING QUALITy pRODUCE

The Northern Territory and Australian Governments carry out stringent biosecurity and quarantine measures to ensure product quality. Central Australia is relatively undeveloped therefore is free from a number of pests and diseases, and the dry climate and isolation means the requirement for chemical use is minimal and horticultural produce is of high quality.

CLOSE pROxImITy TO ASIA

The Northern Territory is Australia’s gateway to the growing economies of South East Asia. The Northern Territory is in or close to the time zones of major markets, so communication can occur during business hours. More than 10 Australian and International airlines provide air access between Northern Territory and Asia.

INVESTmENT IS WELCOmED IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORy

There are a number of initiatives from the Northern Territory and Australian Governments to encourage investment in the Northern Territory. InvestNT (www.investnt.com.au), a comprehensive multilingual website, is the Northern Territory Government’s ‘one-stop-shop’ for investment opportunities in the Northern Territory.

The Northern Territory Government supports industry growth through addressing industry priorities as well as removing impediments to industry expansion. The government can assist with facilitation of business planning. Central Australia Development Office can also connect you with a range of experienced professionals to assist with land sales, agronomics and environmental approvals.

The Australian Government’s Australian Trade and Investment Commission promotes domestic and foreign investment. The release of the Developing Northern Australia: Our North, Our Future white paper details the Australian Government’s commitment to developing the North. Visit www.austrade.gov.au

The expanded Refrigerated

Container Park at Darwin port

enables fresh produce to be

exported directly to Asia.

4


Carnarvon

Swan ValleyBunbury

Emerald

Stanthorpe

Menindee

St. George

Mundubbera

Riverland

MilduraRobinvale

Sunraysia Region

Cunnamulla

Ti TreeAlice Springs

Australian GrapeGrowing Regions

Seedless watermelons at Ali Curung.

OUR SUCCESSES: GRApES AND mELONS

Central Australia’s unique hot and dry climate and well-drained soil means crops of superior quality are produced in this region; key examples are table grapes and melons.

Australian grape growing regions

Central Australia’s unique hot and dry climate and well-drained soils means crops of superior quality are produced in this region; key examples are table grapes and melons.

Melons

About 30 per cent of Australian melons (watermelon and rockmelon) are produced in the NT. Central Australia has two peaks in production, usually around March to May and again in October to December.

Table Grapes

Table grapes are grown at Ti Tree and Alice Springs. These grapes mature early in the Australian domestic season (November and December), when prices are high. The dry weather conditions during this growing season mean NT produces a premium product.

Late season production peaks throughout February and March.

The varieties currently grown are Menindee Seedless, Flame Seedless, Ralli Seedless, Midnight Beauty, Thompson Seedless and Red Globe.

(Information source: Australian Melon Association)(Information source: Australian Table Grape Association)

NT WA QLD NSW VIC SA

Ali Curung Darwin Katherine

Jan • • • •

Feb • • •

Mar • • • • •

Apr • • • • •

May • • • •

Jun • • • •

Jul • • •

Aug • • • •

Sep • • • •

Oct • • •

Nov • • •

Dec • • • • • •

5


N U L L A R B O R P L A I N

Laverton

G I B S O N D E S E R T

G R E A T S A N D Y D E S E R T T A N A M I D E S E R T

MUSGRAVE RANGES

SIMPSON DESERT

SIMPSON DESERT

KANGAROO MOUNTAINS

STURTSTONY

DESERT

STRZELECKI DESERT

TIRARI DESERT

Lake Eyre North

Lake Gregory

Lake Blanche

Lake Callabonna

Lake Frome

LakeYamma Yamma

Bilpa Morea Claypan

Lake Torrens

Lake Eyre South

Perth Via Kalgoorlie

HWY

HWY

HWY

STRZ

ELEC

KI

WINTON

JUNDAHROAD

BIRD

SVIL

LE

OODNADATTA

TRACKSTUART

STUART

HWY

TRAC

K

TRAC

K

SA

NTWA

QLD

Tropic of Capricorn 23o 26, 30’’

SANDOVER

PLENTY

GUNBARREL

GUNBARREL

GOLD

FIEL

DS

HWY

HWY

HEATHER

HWY

HWY

Winton

Cairns Via Hughenden

CANNING

STOCK

ROUTE TANAMI

TRACK

HARTS RANGE

Betoota

Oodnadatta

Gemtree

Jervois

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Innamincka

Marree

Hungerford

Tibooburra

Wanaaring

Leonora

Leinster

Docker RiverCurtin Springs

Cadney Park

Marla

William Creek

Gina

Coober Pedy

Hermannsburg

Kulgera

Mt EbenezerErldunda

Papunya

Yuendumu

Rabbit FlatBalgo Community

Aileron

Ti Tree

Barrow Creek

Wauchope

Tennant Creek Barklys HS R’HouseCamooweal

Mt Isa

Dajarra

Julia CreekCloncurry

McKinlay

Urundangi

Middleton

Richmond

Kynuna

Stamford

Corfield

Windorah

Jundah

Stonehenge

Eromanga

Bedourie

Birdsville

CopleyLeigh CreekRoxby Downs

Lyons

BarlonO’MalleyCook

HughesDeakin

Tarcoola LyndhurstAndamooka

Thargomindah

Note: This map is not intended for navigation purposes. It is recommended travellers purchase The Outback Way Atlas & Guide from wherever Hema Maps are sold. Visit www.outbackway.org.au for more information

Tjukayirla

Stuarts Well

G R E A T V I C T O R I A D E S E R T50 100

Kilometres

150 2000

N

OUTBACK WAYUnsealed Sealed

OUTBACK WAY [email protected]

SEALED ROADS / HIGHWAY

MINOR ROADS / TRACKS

STATE BORDER

ROAD SYSTEMS

i

i

i

i

26, 30’’

NAMI

Perth

Cairns

Laverton

Winton

Start Here

Finish Here

RED CENTRE WAYAlice Springs

Warburton

Yulara

Boulia

Warakurna Australia’s Longest Shortcut

Self Drive Route From Winton to Laverton

For detailed information visit

www.outbackway.org.au

The Northern Territory is continuing to develop its transport and logistics including ongoing investment in rail, road and airport infrastructure, as well as the expansion of the Port of Darwin, Australia’s closest deep water port to Asia.

Road

Central Australia has a well-established transportation system featuring a dual lane bituminised highway.

The Northern Territory is investing in road networks to support economic growth and to provide safe and efficient transport of produce.

Below are some examples of road projects in Central Australia.

Outback Way roads improvement program – expansion and sealing sections of road between Laverton in Western Australia (WA) through to Winton in Queensland travelling through Central Australia, and provides a transnational link from Perth to Cairns. Upon completion of this project, 1600 km will be reduced from current distanced travelled across Australia resulting in price reduction and a greater volume of crops and stock transported at a cheaper cost to growers. Please visit www.outbackway.org.au for more details.

Sealing and expansion work are underway at Tanami Road and Sandover Highway. Tanami Road is the mining and stock route between Alice Springs and Halls Creek in the Kimberley. Sandover Highway is the road to the Gulf of Carpentaria or to Northern Queensland.

Rail

The Adelaide to Darwin railway line accommodates freight and passenger services. A potential new rail project linking Tennant Creek to Mount Isa is currently undergoing a scoping study.

Six intermodal freight services are provided per week from Adelaide to Darwin, and a total of 800,000 intermodal freight and 70,000 tonnes of bulk liquids a year are transported between Adelaide and Darwin (2016). Trains are approximately 1800 metres long and weigh 4,000 tonnes.

Power

A significant power station upgrade for Alice Springs and Tennant Creek is underway. The $101 million NT Government funded upgrade will expand power supply, increase reliability and efficiency at both power stations for surrounding Alice Springs and Barkly residents.

KEy INFRASTRUCTURE

For more details, please refer to Australia’s

Longest Shortcut at www.outbackway.org.au

6


Port

An expanded cold storage container park is in operation at Darwin port, enabling direct shipment of agriculture and aquaculture produce to Asia.

Alice Springs Airport

Alice Springs Airport is located 15 kilometres south of the town centre. The airport covers a land area of 3,550 hectares, making it Australia’s largest airport with considerable opportunities for future growth and expansion. The Alice Springs Airport master plan envisages a mix of uses including residential, commercial, industrial and primary production, along with air, road and other transport-based industries.

Funding Sources

The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) is a long term initiative of the Developing Northern Australia: Our North, Our Future white paper which offers up to $5B over five years to encourage investment in infrastructure from the private sector that will benefit Northern Australia. Development in airports, communications, energy, ports, rail and water will be taken into consideration. Please visit www.industry.gov.au for more details.

The Northern Territory Government offers a Regional Economic Development Fund to support the development of businesses and industry in all regions of Northern Territory. Please refer to www.nt.gov.au.

Telecommunications

The Australian Government has invested in the National Broadband Network, the largest telecommunications infrastructure project ever undertaken in Australia. It provides a data network through fixed line, wireless and satellite broadband (such as Sky Muster) and customers in Central Australia can purchase internet access through retail service providers.

Mobile phone network coverage continues to improve and new technologies are being rolled out (such as mobile phone hotspots) with the 5G mobile network expected in 2020. Mobile coverage changes often and service may be subject to the type of handset or external antenna in particular areas.

The coverage is accurate as of 05/06/2018 and that the latest Telstra Mobile Network Coverage is available online at https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/our-coverage

Alice Springs

Arlparra/Utopia

Ali Curung

Tablelands Tennant Creek

The Granites Gold Mine

Barrow Creek

Ti Tree

Yendumu

Papunya

Hermannsburg

Mobile phone coverage in the Central Australia region.

The GranitesGold Mine

Tennant CreekTablelands

Ali Curung

Barrow Creek

Ti Tree

Yendumu

Papunya

Hermannsburg

Alice Springs

Arlparra/Utopia

7


Tanami Rd

Table

lands

Hwy

Stuart Hwy

Namatjira Drive

Sydney

Hobart

Perth

Brisbane

MelbourneCanberra

DarwinKatherine

Tennant Creek

Alice Springs

Central Australia can be broadly divided into three main topographical regions: mountains, lowland plains and sand dunes. Mountainous areas, varying from 500 to 1500 metres above sea level, dominate the central and south-western parts of Central Australia and include the MacDonnell, Harts, Davenport and Musgrave Ranges amongst others. The tallest peak in Central Australia is Mount Zeil in the western MacDonnell Ranges at 1531 metres.

Surrounding the mountains to the north and southeast are lowland plains that vary from 100 to 250 metres above sea level. In the southeast these plains give way to the extensive sand dunes of the Simpson Desert. The sand dunes are longitudinal in form and oriented northwest-southeast, parallel to the prevailing wind direction. Sand dunes are also common in the Tanami and Simpson Deserts and typified by an east-west trend.

TOpOGRApHy OF CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

Topographic map of Central Australia

8


!

!

!

!

!

!

!

! !

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

S o u t h A u s t r a l i a

W e

s t

e r

n

A u

s t

r a

l i

a

Q u

e e

n s

l a

n d

Mount Liebig

Laramba

Mutitjulu

Nturiya

Amoonguna

Ampilatwatja

Yuelamu

Ali Curung

Alpurrurulam

Canteen Creek

Kintore

Wutunugurra

Areyonga

Haasts Bluff

Atitjere

Imanpa

Hermannsburg

Yuendumu

Papunya

Pmara Jutunta

Santa Teresa

Titjikala

Willowra

WallaceRockhole

Nyirripi

Finke

Kaltukatjara

LakeMackay

Barkly Hwy

Plenty Hwy

Table

lands

Hwy

Tanami Rd

Larapinta Drive

Great

Centra

lRd

Tjukaruru Rd

Stuart Hwy

Ross Hwy

Katatjuta

Rd

Lasseter Hwy

Larapinta Drive

Ernest Giles Rd

Gregory

Downs

Camooweal Rd

Luritj

aRd

Donohue Hwy

Namatjira Drive

BarrowCreek

AliceSprings

Tennant Creek

Ti-Tree

Ayers Rock(Uluru)

Wycliffe Well

ThreeWays

Roadhouse

KulgeraRoadhouse

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

Sydney

Hobart

Perth

Brisbane

MelbourneCanberra

DarwinKatherine

Tennant Creek

Alice SpringsMAP EXTENT

LEGENDAboriginal Lands

! Major Aboriginal CommunityPastoral LeasesOther TenureNT Parks

RailwayPrincipal Road

Secondary Road

Minor Road

TrackMajor Rivers and Creeks

0 100 20020 40 60 80

kilometres

µ

To DARWIN (1500km from Alice Springs)

To ADELAIDE (1530km from Alice Springs)

Much of the land in Central Australia is either pastoral lease, which is governed by the Pastoral Act, or Aboriginal Freehold, which is governed by the Aboriginal Land Rights Act.

In accordance with the NT Pastoral Act, the NT Government grants leases over pastoral properties. Leases are also available for sale and are marketed through property agents. While cattle production must remain the dominant industry on the lease, up to 49 per cent of a pastoral lease area can be developed for non-pastoral use, including crop production. (See www.denr.nt.gov.au for definition and details.)

In 2014, legislative changes allowed greater freedom for pastoral leaseholders to diversify their business operations. As a result, large amounts of arable land on pastoral leases can now be used for horticulture, forestry, tourism, aquaculture or cropping activities in the NT. A non pastoral use permit can be granted for a period of up to 30 years or on the expiry of the permit.

Aboriginal Freehold tenure is a form of freehold that is held by identified traditional owners of the land, in the form of a land trust. The Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act provides for subleasing of identified parcels within a land trust. Obtaining such a lease requires liaison with the Central Land Council (CLC). The Department of Primary Industry and Resources (DPIR) works with the CLC, via their economic development entity Centrefarm, to realise opportunities for traditional owners to sublease their land to potential agricultural investors and operators.

LAND TENURE IN CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

Land Tenure in Central Australia

Tanami Rd

Table

lands

Hwy

Stuart Hwy

Namatjira Drive

Sydney

Hobart

Perth

Brisbane

MelbourneCanberra

DarwinKatherine

Tennant Creek

Alice Springs

9


Yulara

Ti Tree

Ali Curung

Kalkarindji

Alice Springs

Tennant Creek

Wes

tern

A

ust

rali

a

Qu

een

slan

d


WATER RESOURCES IN CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

Central Australia relies on ground water supplies all year round. To ensure the longevity of this resource, the Northern Territory Government has the NT Water Act regulating water in certain areas through the development of Water Allocation Plans. Water Allocation Plans are developed through detailed technical and scientific assessments as well as extensive community participation and consultation.

Suitable soils within areas of horticulturerating >=8 and also irrigation potential for

Soil and Water Suitability for annual and perennial horticulture in Central Australia.

Water Control Districts are areas declared where there is a need for enhanced management for the sustainability of groundwater reserves and river flows. Within a Water Control District a bore construction permit is required, water allocation plans can be developed and water extraction licences are required unless there is a specific exemption in place.

For more information or to apply for a water extraction licence please refer to www.denr.nt.gov.au.

0 100 200km km

Tennant Creek

Alice Springs

Darwin

10


Central Australia is the place to grow.

Five plant industry precincts with suitable soil and water have been identified, refer to page 12. Highest priority precincts for development include: Alice Springs, Ti Tree and Western Davenport. Precincts for future development include: Tennant Creek and Great Artesian Basin.

A soil and water suitability assessment report published in 2014 identified regions with suitable soil and water for development (page 10). Other areas in Central Australia may have potential and can be considered on a case by case basis.

Central Australia is ideal for horticulture with a unique combination of sunshine, low humidity, cool winter temperatures, freedom from most pests and diseases, combined with a strong reputation for producing quality produce.

CENTRAL AUSTRALIA pLANT INDUSTRy pRECINCTS

Soil profile at Ali Curung, Western Davenport Precinct.

Produce grown here can be transported via a well-established transportation system featuring a dual lane bituminised highway and fully established railway, with six freight trains operating per week between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin.

Alice Springs Airport has daily direct flights to Darwin, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Cairns, with connecting flights to other locations.

11


!!

!!!

!!!

!!! ! ! !

!

!!

!!

!!

!!!

!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!

!!

!!

!!!!

!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!! !

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!! !

!!!!!!

!!

!!

!!!

!!!!!!!!

!!!

!!

!!!

!!!!!!!!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

! !!!!!! ! !

!

!!

!

!!

!!

!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

!!!!!

!!!

!!

!!!!!!

!!!!!!

!

!

!!

!!!!!

!!

!!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

DEEPWELL

UNDOOLYA

Tennant CreekPrecinct

WesternDavenportPrecinct

Ti TreePrecinct

Alice SpringsPrecinct

GreatArtesian

BasinPrecinct

MURRAY DOWNS

SINGLETON

PHILLIPCREEK

TENNANTCREEK

NEUTRALJUNCTION

STIRLING

STIRLING

PINE HILL

PINE HILL

BOND SPRINGS

BUSHYPARKAILERON

OWEN SPRINGS

ORANGE CREEK

MOUNTSKINNER

ANDADO

NEWCROWN

ANDADO

LILLACREEK

NEWCROWN

UMBEARA

WARUMUNGUA.L.T.

MUNGKARTA

A.L.T.

KARLANTIJPASOUTH A.L.T.

AHAKEYEA.L.T.

ALYAWARRAA.L.T.

PMER ULPERREINGWEMIRNE

ARLETHERRE A.L.T.

SANTATERESAA.L.T.

ATNETYE

A.L.T.

Laramba

Nturiya

Ampilatwatja

Yuelamu

Ali Curung

Canteen Creek

Wutunugurra

Areyonga

Haasts Bluff

Atitjere

Imanpa

Hermannsburg

Yuendumu

Papunya

Pmara Jutunta

Santa Teresa

Titjikala

Willowra

WallaceRockhole

Finke

Barrow Creek

AliceSprings

Tennant Creek

Ti-Tree

Wycliffe Well

Three WaysRoadhouse

KulgeraRoadhouse

Tanami Rd

Lasseter Hwy

Barkly Hwy

Larapinta Drive

Plenty Hwy

Stua

rt Hwy

RossHwy

LarapintaDrive

Ernest Giles Rd

TablelandsHwy

Luri tj

a Rd

Namatjira Drive

LegendHorticultural Precincts

! ! ! Current Priority

! ! ! Future Priority

Aboriginal Lands(A.L.T. - Aboriginal Land Trust)

! Major Aboriginal Community

Pastoral Leases

Other Tenure

NT Parks

Principal Road

Secondary Road

Minor Road

Track

Railway

Major Rivers and Creeks

0 50 10025 75

kilometres

µ

12


pOTENTIAL CROp OppORTUNTIES IN CENTRAL AUSTRALIA pRECINCTS AND HARVESTING TImES

Western Davenport Precinct and Tennant Creek Precinct Hot most of the year with mild winter months. High variability in rainfall across the seasons with

a summer maximum

Alice Spring Precinct, Ti Tree Precinct and Great Artesian Basin Precinct Hot days in summer months. Mild days in autumn and spring months with cool nights. Cool days

and cold nights in winter. High variability in rainfall across the seasons with a summer maximum.

CROP Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Region

Avocado • • • •

Dates • • • •

Figs (fresh) • • • • • • •

Grapefruit • • • • •

Grapes • • •

Honey dew • • • • • •

Lemon • • • • •

Lime • • • • •

Rock melon • • • • • •

Stone fruit • •

Strawberries • • • •

Water melon • • • • • •

Irrigated Rhodes Grass in the Barkly Region.

For more information on current plant industries and potential plant industries in the Northern Territory, please refer to: Plant Industries Development at www.nt.gov.au

Central Australia has been identified as presenting a diverse range of horticulture development opportunities. Potential for further development is supported by land suitability and water resource information provided by the government.

Opportunities for plant industry development are shaped by the region’s climate. Sub-regional differences in temperature, rainfall and humidity are important determinants for crop and land selection.

The table below describes the harvest period for a selection of crops as well as the sub-region where there is potential for production based on climatic opportunities.

13


!!

!!

!!

!!!

!!!! !

!!!!!! ! ! ! ! !

!

!!!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!

!

!!

"

Amoonguna

SantaTeresa

WallaceRockhole

Alice SpringsTYURRETYEA.L.T.

SANTATERESA

A.L.T.

BONDSPRINGS

OWENSPRINGS

OWEN SPRINGS

OWENSPRINGS

ORANGECREEK

ORANGE CREEK

UNDOOLYA

UNDOOLYA

DEEPWELL

DEEPWELL

MARYVALEStua

rt Hwy

Ross Hwy

Ernest Giles Rd

Larapinta Drive

Namatjira Drive

Tanami Rd

This precinct surrounds the town of Alice Springs which is 1,500 km south of Darwin and 1,535 km north of Adelaide – literally the geographic centre of Australia.

Alice Springs is a multicultural town with a population of around 28,5001, and 18.6 per cent2 of the population identify as indigenous. The town is characterised by its arts and culture, and has a full calendar of social and sporting events. There is a broad range of sports and sporting facilities, including an impressive desert golf course. Alice Springs has a campus of Charles Darwin University that enables access to tertiary education opportunities, and a hospital that features a state of the art emergency department.

The town sources it water supply from the Mereenie aquifer and its electricity is generated using natural gas, diesel fuel and solar. The precinct is serviced by fixed phone and mobile networks, regular mail and freight services, and internet access (asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) and National Broadband Network (NBN)).

ALICE SpRINGS pRECINCT

The climate is usually dry all year round with a hot summer, pleasant spring and autumn with a brief winter. Alice Springs experiences an average of 34 (±17) frosts days per year3, and 29 (±6) chill portions per year4 that suit low chill fruits (chill portions are a way of describing the amount of cold experienced by horticultural crops that influences flower development). The annual mean rainfall is 388 mm5 although there is high variability. The mean annual maximum temperature is 32oC6 and the minimum is 17oC7.

Current priority

Development

1,2 Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007 - 2011 National Regional Profile (LGA70200).

3,4 Source: Paid data from the Bureau of Meteorology (2016).

5,6,7 Source: Public data from the Bureau of Meteorology (2016).

14


!!

!!

!!

!!!

!!!! !

!!!!!! ! ! ! ! !

!

!!!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!

!

!!

"

Amoonguna

SantaTeresa

WallaceRockhole

Alice SpringsTYURRETYEA.L.T.

SANTATERESA

A.L.T.

BONDSPRINGS

OWENSPRINGS

OWEN SPRINGS

OWENSPRINGS

ORANGECREEK

ORANGE CREEK

UNDOOLYA

UNDOOLYA

DEEPWELL

DEEPWELL

MARYVALE

Stuart H

wy

Ross Hwy

Ernest Giles Rd

Larapinta Drive

Namatjira Drive

Tanami Rd

This precinct is characterised by:

Soil type/s:

Sandy red earths and coarse grained brown sands, flat surface, deep and well drained soils highly suited to irrigated horticulture.

Groundwater suitability:

Fresh to saline ground water is available and suitable for a range of crops. Water salinity is 500-1,000 mg/L total dissolved solids. In the local Alice Springs area, groundwater is available from alluvial aquifers in the Inner and Outer Farm Basins south of Alice Springs.

Cabbage production in Central Australia.

In the greater Alice Springs Precinct there are higher bore yields from larger underground aquifers, for example at Rocky Hill (25 km south-east) and Deep Well regions (60 km south-east), and Orange Creek (60 km south) where bore yields of 20 L/s are available.

Strict ground water management rules ensure security of supply. For more information on ground availability for your project, please contact Water Resources Division on + 61 8 8999 4455 or visit www.denr.nt.gov.au for more information.

15


Currently grown:

• Asparagus

• Cabbages

• Citrus – oranges, mandarins, and lemons

• Dates

• Figs

• Herbs

• Lettuce (hydroponic)

• Lucerne

• Melons

• Oats

• Olives

• Onions – white, spring

• Pumpkins

• Sorghum

• Stone fruits

• Sweet potato

• Table grapes

Hydroponic lettuce in Central Australia.

Experimental possibilities:

• Almonds

• Aloe vera

• Artichokes

• Avocado

• Carob

• Chinese date (Jujube)

• Citrus

• Leeks

• Loquat

• Low chill stone fruit

• Low chill pistachio nut

• Moringa

• Novelty café cuisine citrus – chironja, bergamot, chinotto, hudha hand citron etc.

• Persimmon

• Legumes – snow peas, sugar snaps

• Quinoa

• Rhubarb

• Sunflower

16


Rocky Hill Table Grapes is a medium sized horticultural enterprise (just over 2050 hectares) situated 35 kilometres south east of Alice Springs, owned by Lee-Ann and Richie Hayes. Originally from the cattle industry, they learnt a new set of skills and overcame significant challenges as frontier horticulturalists.

Geographically, Central Australia provides the right climate and condition for table grapes to mature early compared with other Australian

CASe STuDy:

Rocky Hill Table Grapes

mEET THE NEIGHbOURS - LEE-ANN AND RICHIE HAyES

production areas. This provides a window of opportunity for premium prices. The Hayes also grow sweet potato, onions, peanuts, cassava, taro, cabbage, dates, lucerne and experimental crops such as sunflower and native foods.

Lee-Ann and Richie have become horticulture leaders in the Alice Springs region and have been supplying premium fruit and vegetable produce for over 15 years.

Lee-Ann and Richie Hayes growing table grapes in Central Australia.

International and national featured news items

• New HorizonTerritoryQ - July issue 2014

www.territoryq.com.au/view-online

• The Grape Escape - ABC

www.abc.net.au

• Grapes and cattle fine mix in the desert - Farm Online

www.farmonline.com.au/news

17


!!!

!!

!!

!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!

!!!

!!

!!

!!

!! !

!!!!

!! ! ! ! !

!!

!!

!!!

!

!

!

"

Laramba

Nturiya

Pmara Jutunta

Ti-Tree AHAKEYEA.L.T.AHAKEYE

A.L.T.

ALKWERTA.L.T.

STIRLING

ANNINGIE

PINE HILL

PINEHILL

PINE HILL

BUSHY PARK

AILERON

AILERON

WOODGREEN

MOUNTSKINNER

Tanami Rd

Stuart Hwy

Plenty Hwy

Ti Tree is located 194 km north of Alice Springs and 311 km south of Tennant Creek on a sealed road (the Stuart Highway). Ti Tree and surrounding communities have a population of approximately 6201 and are under the governance of Central Desert Regional Council. Ti Tree is the largest community between Alice Springs and Tennant Creek and is well serviced with a hotel, school, police station, health clinic, road house, shops and petrol station. This area is well known for its production of grapes and fresh vegetables. Ti Tree is generally warm and has a mean annual rainfall of around 388 mm2, and mean maximum and minimum temperatures 31 oC /14oC3 respectively. Potential frost days are 13 (±11) per year4 and the chill portion for this region is 11 (±8)5.

TI TREE pRECINCT


Soil type/s:

Sandy red earths, flat surface, deep and well drained soils highly suited to irrigated horticulture.


Fresh to saline ground water is available and suitable for a range of crops. Water quality is 500-2,000 mg/L total dissolved solids.

The main aquifer in the Ti Tree Basin is located in sandstone. The depth to the aquifer is variable from 20m to 60m below ground. Bore yields of up to 15 L/s are available.


1 Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, (2011) Australian Statistical Geography Standard Urban Centres/Localities.

2,3 Source: Public data from the Bureau of Meteorology (2016).

4,5 Source: Paid data from the Bureau of Meteorology (2016).

18


Flame seedless table grapes at Ti Tree.

Currently grown:

• Fodder

• Mangoes

• Melons

• Pumpkins

• Table grapes

• Vegetables

• Zucchinis


• Almonds

• Aloe vera

• Artichokes

• Avocado

• Carob


• Citrus

• Leeks

• Loquat



• Moringa


• Oats

• Persimmon

• Poppies


• Quinoa

• Rhubarb

• Sunflower

• Tomatoes

19


!!

!!

!! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!

!!

!!

!!

!!!!!

!!!!!!!

!

!

!!

!!!!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

"

"

"

Ti TreeNturiya

MURRAY DOWNS

SINGLETON

NEUTRALJUNCTION

NEUTRALJUNCTION

STIRLING

STIRLING

STIRLING

MOUNTSKINNER

MUNGKARTAA.L.T.KARLANTIJPA

SOUTH A.L.T.

ALYAWARRAA.L.T.

BarrowCreek

WycliffeWell

Ampilatwatja

Ali Curung

Wutunugurra

WESTERN DAVENpORT pRECINCT

The largest population centre near the Western Davenport area is Tennant Creek. Tennant Creek has a population of 3,560 people1. The town is easily accessible from the north and south via the Stuart Highway, and via the Barkly Highway, also known as the Overlander’s Way between Queensland and the NT.

Ali Curung is a well-known Indigenous community which is governed by the Barkly Regional Council. In this region the two famous tourist attractions are Wycliffe Well - UFO Capital of Australia (130 km south of Tennant Creek) and Wauchope - Devils Marbles (100 km south of Tennant Creek). This region is generally warm with a mean annual rainfall of around 387 mm2, and mean maximum and minimum temperatures 32 oC /17oC3 respectively. Potential frosty days are 3 (±5) per year4.


Soil type/s:



Fresh to saline ground water is available and suitable for a range of crops. Water quality is 500-2,000 mg/L total dissolved solids.

A number of different aquifers underlie the Western Davenport region. Appropriately constructed bores in sandstone and limestone aquifers may yield in excess of 20 L/s.


See case study at Ali Curung

on page 22.

1 Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Northern Territory at a Glance (2011).


4 Source: Paid data from the Bureau of Meteorology (2016).

20


Currently grown:

• Chia

• Fodder

• Melons

• Pumpkins

• Onions


• Aloe vera

• Artichokes

• Asparagus

• Avocado

• Carob


• Citrus

• Leeks

• Loquat



• Moringa

• Mangoes


• Persimmon

• Pomegranates


• Quinoa

• Rhubarb

• Stonefruit

• Sweet potatoes

• Sunflower

• Table grapes

• Zucchini

Fodder production at Neutral Junction.

21


!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!!

!! !! ! !

!!!!!!!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"

"

WARUMUNGUA.L.T.

PHILLIP CREEK

TENNANT CREEK

KARLANTIJPANORTHA.L.T.

MUNGKARTAA.L.T.


SOUTHA.L.T.

Tennant Creek

Three WaysRoadhouse

TENNANT CREEK pRECINCT

The major town in this precinct is Tennant Creek which is located 508 km north of Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway. Tennant Creek and its surrounding communities have a population of approximately 3,5601.

These communities are under the governance of Barkly Regional Council. The broader Barkly region has an estimated population of 8,1372. Tennant Creek is serviced with several hotels, school, police station, hospital, roadhouse, shops and several petrol stations.

Winters are relatively warm and there are no frosts. The mean annual rainfall is 362 mm3, and mean maximum and minimum temperatures area 32 oC / 20 oC4 respectively. There are no frosts at Tennant Creek.


Soil type/s:



Fresh to saline ground water is available and suitable for a range of crops. Water quality is 970-2640 mg/L total dissolved solids.

Groundwater development prospects exist to the east and west of Tennant Creek at a distance of 60 km. Aquifers are developed in karstic limestone and bores may yield in excess of 20 L/s.


Future priority

Development

1,2 Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Northern Territory at a Glance (2011).


22


!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!!

!! !! ! !

!!!!!!!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"

"

WARUMUNGUA.L.T.

PHILLIP CREEK

TENNANT CREEK

KARLANTIJPANORTHA.L.T.

MUNGKARTAA.L.T.


SOUTHA.L.T.

Tennant Creek

Three WaysRoadhouse

Bush tomato being sprayed using a boom sprayer.

Currently grown:

• No current commercial production


• Aloe vera

• Artichokes

• Avocado

• Beans

• Carob

• Capsicum

• Carrots

• Chillies


• Citrus

• Corn- sweet

• Cotton

• Cowpea

• Cucumber

• Garlic


• Loquat

• Leeks

• Lucerne

• Maize

• Millet

• Moringa


• Onions

• Passionfruit

• Persimmon

• Pomegranate

• Quinoa

• Rhodes grass

• Rhubarb

• Safflower

• Sorghum

• Soybeans

• Sunflower

• Tomatoes

23


COmmERCIAL HORTICULTURE pRODUCTION ON AbORIGINAL LAND

Desert Springs is a melon, onion, chia and mango farm located on Aboriginal land at Ali Curung. Ten years ago, owner of Desert Springs, Paul McLaughlin, a grain, pomegranate and melon grower from Condobolin, New South Wales was invited by the Traditional Owners of the land to start a horticultural operation on their land at Ali Curung, about 150 km south of Tennant Creek, and 350 km north of Alice Springs. Starting off by growing watermelons, in recent years Paul, with his wife Rachel and their four children, have been developing new crops like chia, onions, pomegranate and pumpkin, and for the first time in 2016, mangoes.

The opportunity to link Aboriginal owned land with a commercial grower was brokered by Centrefarm, an organisation based in Alice Springs that was established by the Central Land Council to develop farming enterprises on Aboriginal land.

Desert Springs production window is in the spring and autumn periods, when there is a dip in production in other melon producing areas of Australia. Paul and his family have shown that horticultural production can happen successfully and sustainably on the deep red earths of Ali Curung. Desert Springs also benefits from great quality water from the aquifers from the Western Davenport Water Control District.

CASe STuDy:

Desert Springs

Onions growing at Ali Curung August 2016.

International and national featured news items

• Desert Springs watermelon farm - ABC

www.abc.net.au /landline/

• Desert melons - ABC

www.abc.net.au

24


!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!

!!

!

!!!

!!!!

!!!!!!!

!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! !

!!

!!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

"

Q u

e e

n s

l a

n d


Atitjere

ATNETYEA.L.T.

PMER ULPERREINGWEMIRNE

ARLETHERRE A.L.T.

ATNETYEA.L.T.

PMERENYENTE

A.L.T.

ANDADO

NEW CROWN

ANDADO

UMBEARA

HORSESHOEBEND

LILLA CREEK

NEWCROWN

ANDADO

ANDADO

AliceSprings

AmoongunaSanta Teresa

Titjikala

Finke

The closest town to the Great Artesian Basin Precinct is Alice Springs, located 230 km to the north west of the precinct. The mean annual rainfall measured at New Crown pastoral station is 234 mm1.

Soil Type/s:

Sandy red earths and coarse grained brown sands, flat surface, deep and well drained soils highly suited to irrigated horticulture.


The main aquifer will typically provide fresh water quality (total dissolved solids ranging from 280 to 2,000 mg/L) with better quality water adjacent to the active river systems of the Finke and Plenty Rivers.

The main aquifer is hosted in a regionally extensive sandstone. Appropriately constructed bores in this aquifer may yield in excess of 30 L/s.


Currently grown:

• No current commercial production


• Almonds

• Aloe vera

• Artichokes

• Avocado

• Carob


• Citrus

• Fodder

• Leeks

• Loquat



• Moringa


• Persimmon


• Quinoa

• Rhubarb

• Sunflower

• Vegetables

GREAT ARTESIAN bASIN pRECINCT

1 Source: Public data from the Bureau of Meteorology (2016).

25


Plant biosecurity officer Richard Tucker checking for fruit fly in a trap.

There are quarantine requirements for movement of products between the states and territories of Australia. These requirements vary between states.

Information on the quarantine requirements of Australian destination markets can be found at on Interstate Certification Assurance (ICA) webpagewww.interstatequarantine.org.au

ICA is a nationally recognised plant health certification system. Application for ICA accreditation can be found at www.nt.gov.au - Interstate certification assurance

mOVING pRODUCE WITHIN AUSTRALIA

There are strict requirements that exporters must meet for products to be accepted for import into international markets.

Information is available from the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Manual of Importing Country Requirements, which is available online at www.micor.agriculture.gov.au/Plants/Pages/default.aspx

ExpORTING pRODUCE FROm AUSTRALIA

The Northern Territory is Australia’s

gateway to east Asia

26


New mango plantings at Ali Curung.

Central Australia Development Office (CADO) www.northernaustralia.nt.gov.au

Provides support to industry, investors and the private sector interested in doing high level business in Central Australia

General enquiry Email: [email protected] Telephone: +61 8 8951 5785

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) www.denr.nt.gov.au

Regulates water resource licences, land clearing permits, native flora and fauna, soil and weed management

General enquiry Email: [email protected] Telephone: + 61 8 8951 9219

Department of Primary Industry and Resources (DPIR) www.dpir.nt.gov.au

Facilitates agribusiness development and regulates biosecurity of plants and livestock


InvestNT www.investnt.com.au

The Northern Territory Government’s ‘one-stop-shop’ and central point of contact to welcome new investors to the Northern Territory and help them identify and pursue project opportunities within our private sector and government.


Northern Territory Farmers Association (NT Farmers ) www.ntfarmers.org.au

The peak body for plant based industries in the Northern Territory providing advocacy services and supported it network of member agribusinesses


USEFUL CONTACTS 27

https://northernaustralia.nt.gov.au/home

mailto:[email protected]


https://dpif.nt.gov.au/


http://www.ntfarmers.org.au/


DISCLAIMER

Subject to any terms implied by law which cannot be excluded, in no event shall the Northern Territory Government be liable for any losses or damages, including incidental or consequential damages, resulting from use of the published material.

While care has been taken to ensure that information contained is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of this information. Northern Territory Government gives no warranty or assurance, and makes no representation as to the accuracy of any information or advice contained, or

that it is suitable for your intended use.

Published June 2018

horticulture in centralustralia a · horticulture development team at the the opportunity:...

Documents