The Northern Territory Government yesterday successfully auctioned two 1000-hectare lots of potential agricultural land just east of the Stuart Highway 180km north of Alice Springs.

The regional director for the Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment, Mr Stephen Brooks, said the initiative was part of the Territory’s broader land release strategy.

“The offering of these two unique parcels of land creates an opportunity to capitalize on a location that offers soil types highly suited to horticultural purposes, along with a significant ground water supply to support these activities,” he said.

The NT Government completed a significant plan to define the parcels which overlie the Ti Tree Basin aquifer and has set perimeters to enable the development to a highly commercial level for horticulture.  The land is currently leasehold and will ultimately have freehold title once all conditions are satisfied.

The conditions include that within five years the clearing, cultivation and planting of a minimum of 50 hectares and the construction of sufficient infrastructure for the efficient working of the lease takes place.

Mr Brooks said the horticultural development of the blocks also had the potential to create job opportunities within the Ti Tree area.

Victorian-based Fortune Property Group Pty Ltd was the successful purchaser for both lots. It intends to assess the viability of a number of potential horticultural produce opportunities for cultivation.

Media contact: Helen Farquhar 0437 458213