Just 15 people have accessed the NT Government’s ‘Welcome to the Territory’ incentive, which pays new Territorians up to $7000 to relocate.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
One of those people so far chose to move to Katherine.
It has been almost six months since the NT Government announced its plan to lure people to the Top End with cash to boost population and create jobs.
The strategy – the first of its kind in Territory history – aims to return the population growth rate to the historical long-run average of 1.4 per cent, from the recent low growth path of 0.6 per cent.
But the $19 million investment in the initiative - which is one small part in a whole suite of population boosting plans - is counting on enticing 2600 people.
A spokeswoman from the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation said the 15 applicants secured a high priority job in the NT and have successfully applied for the incentive.
“Once the individuals (and their families or partner) move to the Territory, and confirm that they have moved, the incentives will be paid to them,” she said.
The incentives are available to women aged between 20 and 39 years, and people aged between 55 and 65 years, who apply for jobs on the high priority list.
“Roles recruited to so far include; community worker, sales and marketing manager, university lecturer, finance manager, retail manger, accountant, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker, property manager, childcare worker and CEO/ managing director," the spokeswoman said.
“The 15 applicants include five couples, three families with children and seven singles (approx. 28 people)."
The Northern Territory Population Growth Strategy 2018 – 2028, aims to create 21 000 jobs over the next 10 years.
The Northern Territory Population Growth Strategy includes a broad range of initiatives designed to attract both interstate and overseas migrants to the Territory and encourage them to stay for the long-term.
The increase in population is expected to boost the economy by more than $10 billion.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.
