Resourcing the Territory (2018-2022) : Program Outcome Evaluation Report

Abstract

The Initiative Resourcing the Territory 2018-2022 was a $26 million (actual budget: $24.4 million) four-year commitment from the Northern Territory Government (NTG) designed to support resources exploration in the NT, administered by the Northern Territory Geological Survey (NTGS). The Initiative came into effect on 1 July 2018, and the approved funding for the Initiative ceased on 30 June 2022.

The Initiative covered four key program areas, which were as follows:

1. Pre-competitive geoscience

2. Exploration grants

3. Data accessibility

4. Promoting the prospectivity of the Northern Territory

Deloitte has been engaged by NTGS to undertake a program outcome evaluation. The evaluation aims to generate evidence-based recommendations for improvement and inform decision-making for the ongoing funding of the Initiative.

The report focuses on a qualitative evaluation of outcomes and impacts from the initiative and provides strong support for the continuation of Resourcing the Territory, with potential expansion of the initiative if possible. In its key findings, the report states that 'evidence gathered consistently highlights the positive impact of the Initiative on exploration activities, economic outcomes, and the overall development of the NT's resource sector'. A key finding of the report is that 'investment into pre-competitive geoscience is one of the most significant things the Territory Government can be doing to de-risk investment and increase the possibility of successful resource projects contributing to the Northern Territory economy.'