Master Builders Northern Territory is calling on both the Federal Government and the Northern Territory Government to ensure that any changes to fuel supply policy include a clear carve-out for the Northern Territory construction industry, with supply maintained to enable continued operation.

CEO Sallyann Innes, in responding to media reports said if a national or Territory-wide approach to fuel supply is introduced, it must recognise the unique role construction plays in keeping the economy moving.

“Should there be any changes to fuel supply policy across Australia or the Northern Territory, there must be a clear carve-out for the construction industry in the NT and supply must be maintained.”

The Northern Territory’s construction industry operates in a uniquely challenging environment, with long supply chains, high freight dependency and a reliance on fuel across every stage of delivery from transporting materials to powering machinery and enabling remote works.

Without reliable access to fuel, projects slow or stop, and the impacts are felt immediately across the economy from delayed housing and infrastructure to increased costs for government, industry and the community.

MBNT warned that any disruption to fuel supply for construction will directly impact housing delivery, project timelines and the cost of building in the Territory.

“Any changes to fuel supply policy that impact construction will be painful and in a market like the Territory, those impacts are felt quickly and broadly.”

The industry is already managing rising fuel costs, freight pressures, supply chain delays and tight margins, with limited capacity to absorb further disruption. Any increase in input costs particularly materials driven by fuel and freight will ultimately place an additional burden on the industry and ultimately all Territorians.

Maintaining construction activity is critical to delivering the housing and infrastructure the Territory needs, as well as supporting jobs, investment and economic stability.

Master Builders NT believes that should there be any changes to fuel supply policy including measures affecting availability, distribution or pricing – there must be a clear and explicit carve-out for the NT construction industry.

This is to ensure reliable fuel supply is maintained and to recognise the sector’s essential role in supporting economic and community outcomes.

“A one-size-fits-all policy will not work in the Northern Territory, and it cannot come at the cost of stopping construction.”

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