The $90 million mango industry is set to increase production with today’s announcement by the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development Anthony Albanese that the Shorten Labor Government will provide $20 million towards the Mango Industry Strategic Roads project to upgrade Litchfield Council roads.
The Mango Industry Strategic Roads project is one of Council’s three top projects and will see 15.2km of roads sealed in the south of the Litchfield municipality that contain key regional packing sheds and major farms.
Litchfield Council Acting CEO Nadine Nilon said this funding announcement is very welcome news for Council, the mango industry and residents on these roads. This announcement is the result of strong advocacy from Council at both State and Federal Government levels and we are very grateful to the Shorten Labor Government for listening to Litchfield.
“The Litchfield mango industry accounts for almost 24% of the Australian production. This industry is a big driver of our economy in Litchfield and this funding announcement will allow for increased production, road safety and local jobs” the Acting CEO said.
The Northern Territory mango industry accounts for 45% of Australia’s production.
Mango farms on unsealed roads are susceptible to damaged fruit from the corrugations and potholes reducing their market value, dust mites and reduced pollination in the first five rows from dust and increased safety risks for drivers.