It was revealed yesterday a meeting of the North Australia's Strategic Partnership has been scheduled for Katherine "later in the year".

NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner told Parliament yesterday of the Katherine meeting, after taking part in a Council of Australian Governments meeting in Cairns last week.

The Premiers of Queensland and WA may also be involved in the meeting.

"The first five-year action plan for developing the north is coming to an end, and we wanted to make sure there was a second five-year plan behind that," Mr Gunner said of a recent meeting involving the Prime Minister and other state leaders.

"The most important thing to get from the Prime Minister was a commitment to a second five-year plan.

"We got that, and we will lead the development of that in the Northern Territory from Katherine later this year.

"It is a fantastic development, and it is good to have the commitment on the record from the Prime Minister that he will stick to the Developing the North agenda. We will continue to see that roll out across the north."

In the communique issued after the COAG meeting it was stated:

"Meeting in Cairns, the Northern Australia Strategic Partnership (NASP) reaffirmed its deep and enduring commitment to Northern Australia, and emphasised that a strong north is critical to our nation's future security, identity and prosperity.

"Jurisdictions reaffirmed that Indigenous Australians, their land and culture are fundamental to the past, present and future of Northern Australia.

"Leaders noted progress on the development of the landmark Northern Australia Indigenous Development Accord which reaffirms a shared commitment and recognises the key role of Indigenous Australians in developing a strong and prosperous Northern Australia.

"Leaders agreed to continue to involve Indigenous stakeholders across the north through a genuine partnership approach. The NASP noted the progress on implementing the White Paper on Developing Northern Australia and recommitted to working together to deliver the 20-year vision to unlock the north's full potential.

"Leaders look forward to receiving advice from the Ministerial Forum on Northern Development at the next NASP meeting on a new five year plan."

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.