Unveiled in August last year, the strategy offers new Territorians up to $7000 (families) to relocate.

Across the Territory, 62 people have been convinced to move in the past year, which is a long way below the 2500 target.

Unfortunately many more people have left the NT in the past year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Estimates range from 1000 to 500 people have left in the past year.

Darwin had the only population fall of any of the capital cities and the numbers across the Territory are also declining.

Katherine's population rose by a modest 48 people, to 10,621 from 2017 to 2018.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the program was making "small but significant inroads" into boosting our population.

"It's a big decision to relocate a family to another state or country and one that isn't made quickly," he said.

In Katherine, of the four people who have taken up the cash incentive to move here, they had secured jobs in early childhood and health sectors.

Remembering only selected categories of jobs, which does not include school teachers, are eligible under the program.

Last week we told you just seven applications have been approved in Katherine during the first six months of the new NT Government homeowner bonus scheme.

The government today released a progress report on the launch of its 2018 - 2028 Northern Territory Population Growth Strategy to boost population and create jobs.

At the time of the launch, the government said the goal was to attract 2500 people here each year.

Incentives announced under the scheme included a cash payment to eligible applicants to meet relocation and transition costs, up to: $3000 (singles), $6000 (couples), $7000 (families).

It offered a "local benefit bonus" payable after staying here six months on such things as vehicle registration, and a five-year retention bonus equal to the first payment - $3000 (singles), $6000 (couples), $7000 (families).

A government spokesman said 54 applications have been approved to date under the Welcome to the Territory Incentives Stage 1. During this initial stage applications from people living outside the Territory who intend to relocate to fill high priority positions are assessed for an in-principal approval. Including partners and dependents, these 54 applications represent 93 individuals.

Under Stage 2 of the Incentives program, applicants who have been approved under Stage 1, have subsequently relocated to the Territory and have commenced work in their approved position are assessed and, if approved, paid the relevant incentive. To date, of the 54 applicants approved under Stage 1, 35 have relocated to the Territory and been approved for Stage 2. Including partners and dependents, the 35 applicants who have moved to the Territory represent 62 individuals.

Since the program launch 35 high priority occupations have been filled in 33 businesses.

Workers approved under the Welcome to the Territory Incentives are working in positions including Community Worker, Sales and Marketing Manager, Child Care Worker, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker, General Practitioner and Retail Manager.

Mr Gunner said the NT's 10-year population strategy includes attracting investment and creating jobs, the Boundless Possible campaign, attracting and retaining migrants and those from interstate, enhancing liveability and understanding the drivers for change through a CDU online survey.

"I'm confident the focus we have on attracting private investment, creating jobs, improving infrastructure and telling the story about why the Territory is a good option, will lead to more and more people moving here over the next decade."

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