North Australian FISH FINDER TM forums

New bridges boost Top End Indigenous farming plans. The Federal and NT Governments committed funds for bridges over the Roper and Wilton Rivers in March, as part of the $106 million Regional Roads Productivity Package. The funding has been committed, and the geo-tech guys have started their work on the approaches, foundations and the drilling. Where they have decided to build the bridge, it's not going to interfere with the most beautiful river crossing in Australia, that's the Roper Bar. It's going to be built further up the river, with access all but around six days per year.

With year-round access now likely, a major Japanese corporation is also showing interest in the region.
The Chief Minister has put the word out on several occasions now that the Ngukurr region is going to get a visit from the Mitsubishi Corporation, who are looking for large areas of land that can be irrigated.

ABC Rural says the new bridges will boost agricultural development in the Roper River region. They're looking at 500 to 1,000 hectare blocks, to grow food for export to Japan. Then there is the planned expansion of Cattle exports from the area as well. It will give the community a chance to develop a stronger economical platform. As far a community development goes Ngukurr is up amongst the better communities.

At a guess, floodplain = rice fields?

Clean rice fields are probably becoming an increasingly valuable asset. Heavy metal contaminated rice has been a problem overseas so their consumers are wary.

Chinese companies are buying, or at least were, buying Tassie dairy land. Funny how we sell it off. No need for a war, just come and buy it ... probably smart business, coz if there was a war ...

Well, there goes the Roper. They're already pulling too much water out of it.