MEDIA STATEMENT | Darwin Major Business Group Ltd (DMBG) backs CLP planning reforms to reignite private investment and economic growth
September 3, 2025

Darwin Major Business Group Ltd (DMBG), representing the Territory’s largest employers and investors, welcomes the passage of the Lands, Planning and Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. We see this package as a meaningful enabler—streamlining low-risk approvals, cutting unnecessary red tape, and modernising systems without compromising scrutiny.


This approach aligns directly with our priorities in the DMBG Over the Horizon 2024 and 2025 reports:


  • In our 2024 publication, DMBG referred to a previous target to grow the Territory’s economy to $40 billion by 2030, averaging approximately 5% annual growth. That report warned that unless private investment surged, the NT would fall short—and today we are seeing that challenge unfold.
  • The 2025 update re-emphasised that our debt is now unsustainable and that the only path to fiscal resilience is through rapid private-sector-led growth. Crucially, Over the Horizon 2025 singled out key actions essential for unlocking that investment:
  • Fast-track approvals processes
  • Target infrastructure investment
  • Boost productivity via workforce and regional development
  • Restore investor confidence in the Northern Territory
  • Cultivate a performance-driven public sector culture


This legislative package delivers directly on those priorities—especially reforms aimed at boosting efficiency for low-risk projects, aligning government systems with modern expectations, and fostering certainty for long-term investors.


We look forward to working with the Government to ensure these reforms translate into jobs, projects, and growth—so we can collectively steer the Territory economy, secure services and communities, and deliver a stronger future for all Territorians.


"The Darwin Major Business Group has been clear in our Over the Horizon reports that faster approvals and private investment are critical to the Territory’s future. These reforms cut red tape, provide certainty, and restore investor confidence."


— Steve Margetic, Chair, DMBG


DMBG part of Territory business delegation in Pearl Harbor to secure US defence opportunities

September 8, 2025
A delegation of local Territory businesses and peak industry bodies, supported by DefenceNT, are currently in Pearl Harbor to participate in the Indo-Pacific Regional Summit , hosted by the American Society of Military Engineers. The Summit kicked off today and will run up until 10 September. The event focuses on building capability and capacity in the region, much of which will be delivered through the US$15 billion Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI) Multi-Award Construction Contract (MACC). This initiative directly aligns with the priorities identified in the DMBG’s AEC Report , which emphasises strengthening defence partnerships, securing investment, and maximising opportunities for Territory businesses. The MACC presents opportunities for direct US investment in the NT, in addition to the United States Force Posture Initiatives (USFPI) infrastructure projects already underway. The Pearl Harbor delegation includes DMBG members Sitzler and DCOH , as well as Bear Claw , the Industry Capability Network NT , Chamber of Commerce NT , Master Builders NT , DefenceNT and DefenceNT Strategy Group members from both Australia and the US. Connections made through the NT-led Partnering for Strength workshop, held in the United States earlier this year, resulted in several US firms travelling to Darwin for NT Defence Week. One of these firms, Texas-based SLSCO , has since commenced construction on a US$460 million (AUD$705million) project at RAAF Base Darwin.  The Territory’s construction industry is supporting SLSCO to deliver this significant project - the largest single USFPI infrastructure investment to date. Local industry is also securing major contracts, with Sitzler delivering the AU$747 million Training Areas and Ranges Project, and DCOH delivering the AU$389 million Robertson Barracks Base Improvements. Territory businesses have a proven track record of delivering world-class projects and are ready to support the US in delivering its works program.

DMBG | New Board Appointments

September 4, 2025
Darwin Major Business Group Ltd (DMBG) is pleased to announce its new Board of Directors, confirmed at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. Our Board brings together leaders from across the Northern Territory’s major industries — construction, resources, retail, hospitality, aquaculture and property — all with a shared commitment to growing the Territory economy. 2025 DMBG Board of Directors Steve Margetic (Chair) – Director, Margetic Sitzler. A long-standing Territory business leader with deep experience in construction and infrastructure. Sam Jeffries (Deputy Chair) – General Manager, CGH CoreStaff. A respected recruitment and workforce industry leader supporting major NT projects. Elysia Billingham – General Manager, Sentinel Property Group – Casuarina Square. Leading one of Darwin’s key retail and commercial precincts. Vicki-Leigh Lettice – Franchisee, VIGR McDonald’s. A Territory business owner contributing to jobs, training, and community investment. Kamal Ali – CEO, Kolsen Group. A Northern Territory-owned company delivering integrated services across facilities, security, and infrastructure. Rob Porter – Executive General Manager, Airport Development Group NT. Driving the Territory’s aviation and logistics gateway through Darwin, Alice Springs, and Tennant Creek airports. Dan Richards – CEO, Humpty Doo Barramundi. Building Australia’s largest barramundi farm and a flagship Territory aquaculture enterprise. Peter Savoff – General Manager, Darwin Convention Centre. Bringing world-class business events to the Top End and supporting Darwin’s visitor economy. Together, this Board will guide DMBG in its mission: driving investment, creating jobs, and strengthening the Northern Territory’s economy. We sincerely thank outgoing Director Michael Sitzler for his service and contribution as Treasurer, particularly through a period of significant growth and major initiatives for the Group.