Some of the best economic opportunities begin with assets that already exist

As Rio Tinto’s Gove operations wind down, a proposal from the Northern Territory Government and Gumatj and Rirratjingu Traditional Owners, as reported in the NT News, would retain and refurbish seven fuel storage tanks at Nhulunbuy, with a combined capacity of 220 million litres, and use the deepwater port as part of Australia’s planned Fuel Security Reserve.

This proposal deserves serious and urgent Commonwealth consideration.

It brings together three priorities that should not be considered separately: national fuel resilience, the economic transition of East Arnhem Land, and Indigenous-led economic development.

Urgency must, however, be matched by rigour. The condition of the tanks, refurbishment costs, logistics, environmental obligations, ownership and long-term operating model must all be properly assessed.

What should not happen is for potentially strategic infrastructure to be demolished before that assessment is completed.

If the case stacks up, Australia could preserve a nationally significant asset while supporting jobs, services and a stronger post-mining future for Nhulunbuy and East Arnhem Land.

DMBG supports early engagement between the Commonwealth, Territory Government, Traditional Owners and industry to test the proposal, and ensure the opportunity is not lost while that work occurs.

In Northern Australia, national resilience and regional development often depend upon the same infrastructure.