Katherine will now be “A Logistics and Agribusiness Hub”, according to the NT Government.

The new town and city slogans are part of the government’s Planning for a Vibrant Future plans.

It is a planning document which outlines the vision for the NT which the government said was undertaken in consultation with industry and the community.

Some of the other slogans, or what the government calls “individual visions” are:

Planning for a Vibrant Future outlines what our cities, towns and regions must consider to ensure future growth creates vibrant communities.

To come up with the new slogans the government said it received 112 completed online surveys, 22 written submissions and 63 people attended community forums.

The 10 Year Infrastructure Plan is the government’s infrastructure roll out it says will contribute to creating jobs, improving services and attracting people to the Territory.

The Planning for a Vibrant Future document is here.

For Katherine “A Logistics and Agribusiness Hub” the plan says: “Katherine is a resilient town with a fighting spirit and a unique character from its pioneering days. Blessed with the wet climate of the north and good transport links to our interstate neighbours, the Katherine region is enhanced by diverse industries including defence, mining, transport, health and tourism.

“The Katherine urban centre services the immediate local population, regional towns and communities and many seasonal visitors who explore the surrounding river systems, rich cultural heritage and broader natural resources.

“The main business centre on Katherine Terrace has a bustling pace and a mix of retail outlets.

“Services and facilities for residents and business include a shopping centre, restaurants and bars, financial institutions, medical professionals and commercial office space.

“With improvements to Nitmiluk National Park, the natural treasures of the region are emerging as international attractions and Katherine is making its own mark in the tourism industry. Upgrades to the Savannah Way will link the Territory, through Katherine, to Broome in the west and Cairns in the east. An arts trail snaking up from Central Australia through Katherine to Darwin will showcase new and deeper Aboriginal and cultural experiences for visitors.

“Developing agricultural and horticultural industries and upgrading local and regional freight infrastructure will boost future employment in the region. Creating a new logistics hub and industrial park will align road and rail transport with developing industries. Along with a new heavy vehicle transport route, the logistics hub will strengthen this inland port as a central point between Western Australia and Queensland.

“The heavy-vehicle transport route will give Katherine greater flood immunity with a crucial second river crossing.

“Our plan for Katherine supports future growth of the town. Greenfield land in Katherine East, which is free from flooding, is available for further residential development to extend the existing urban area that hugs the mighty Katherine River. Our plan also identifies a possible new hospital site, a new neighbourhood centre to support Katherine’s growing population, and opportunities for rural lifestyle lots close to the town centre.”

Katherine Times has sought more information about a proposed new hospital site.

Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler said: “The Government’s priority is to create jobs and attract people to live here.

“This is why we have a comprehensive and detailed plan to grow the Territory’s population and create local jobs. No other Territory Government has been this serious and strategic about population growth and job creation.

“Planning for a Vibrant Future will support and guide future development as set out in the Northern Territory Economic Framework and 10 Year Infrastructure Plan.

“Territorians can be confident that our roads, education, health, essential services and community infrastructure will keep pace with a growing population – our Population Strategy aims to attract an additional 2600 people to the NT a year. This will create many more opportunities for jobs for Territorians.

“More people making the Territory their home is the key to our bright future, and creating the best opportunities for future generations.”

The Government last month unveiled a new brand to shift outside perceptions of the NT and encourage people to invest, do business, live and work here.

The new name and tagline is: The Territory, Boundless Possible and it features a full narrative, look and feel to reposition the NT.

 The Masterbrand was developed by the Internationally-recognised, award-winning brand specialist The Royals who teamed up with the Territory’s Boab Design and market research company McGregor Tan.

The Royals won a $1.5m contract earlier in the year to come up with the brand.