The Beetaloo region of the Northern Territory is experiencing rapid change. Onshore shale gas is being established alongside renewable energy, irrigated agriculture, data centres, pipelines, infrastructure and quarry projects. This raises a broader question: under what conditions can the opportunities associated with current and future development align with the aspirations, priorities and values of Aboriginal people in the region?
The below report explores whether and how development can be shaped and governed in ways that strengthen community authority, support cultural continuity and contribute to long-term wellbeing.
In the interviews, people from across the region articulated aspirations for employment, contracting, business development, improved services and infrastructure, while also raising major concerns about development pace, cultural and environmental impacts, and the risk that benefits may not be shared fairly and the lack of control they have over decision-making.
Aims and Objectives
CSIRO engaged The University of Queensland to explore what this changing development landscape means for Aboriginal people in the Beetaloo.
The project centred Aboriginal perspectives, listening to people’s aspirations, priorities and concerns, and exploring the conditions under which the development of these industries can support greater choice and control over the future.
The research found there is no single Aboriginal view of development or of particular industries, including onshore shale gas.
People described diverse priorities, including employment and enterprise, improved services and infrastructure, caring for Country, maintaining culture and strengthening communities.
A central finding is that development should not only be assessed by the jobs, contracts, payments or projects it generates, but by whether it expands Aboriginal people’s practical choices, strengthens their authority over decisions affecting Country and community, and increases their capacity to pursue their own priorities over the long term.
Our people
Research team
Associate Professor Sarah Holcombe
Project co-lead and corresponding author.
View Sarah Holcombe's research profile
Julia Keenan
Report co-author
View Julia Keenan's research profile
Associate Professor Kathy Witt
Project co-lead and report co-author.
View Kathy Witt's research profile
Publications
Report
Pathways for Aboriginal socioeconomic development in the Beetaloo (NT): Voices from the region
Holcombe, Sarah, Keenan, Julia, and Witt, Kathy (2026). Pathways for Aboriginal socioeconomic development in the Beetaloo (NT): Voices from the region. Brisbane, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland.https://doi.org/10.14264/f5f6daf