NT councils push for authority to set higher mining rates amid infrastructure strain

The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory is seeking legislative reform so that local councils can set rates for mining tenements within their jurisdictions, rather than having the rates fixed by the NT minister. LGANT argues that allowing councils to rate mines proportionally to land size would provide the revenue needed to maintain infrastructure and deliver services, especially in sparsely populated areas with limited rate bases.

Barkly Regional Council estimates that maintaining its assets will cost $155 million over a decade, yet mining companies currently contribute only $1.6 million territory-wide. The Minerals Council of Australia counters that higher rates could discourage mining activity and notes that councils provide few services to mines. The NT minister for local government said the government will weigh all evidence before deciding.