Carbon is becoming one of Northern Australia's next major economic industries

Held 5-7 August, the Developing Northern Australia Conference is set to discuss the growing role of carbon markets in supporting regional economies, Indigenous-led land management and Australia's long-term transition to a lower-emissions future.

For decades, Northern Australia has built its economy around agriculture, resources and energy. Increasingly, another industry is joining that list.

As government, industry and Indigenous leaders gather in Alice Springs for the 2026 Developing Northern Australia Conference, the role of carbon as a driver of regional economic development is firmly in the spotlight.

This year's conference program places particular emphasis on Indigenous-led carbon projects, with theIndigenous Carbon Industry Network (ICIN) highlighting how savanna fire management is creating long-term economic opportunities through jobs on Country, independent revenue streams and improved land management outcomes. These projects are demonstrating that carbon is no longer simply an environmental outcome. It is becoming a significant regional industry.

Across Northern Australia, spanning the Northern Territory and the tropical regions of Queensland and Western Australia, high-integrity carbon projects are already creating long-term regional jobs, supporting Indigenous-led stewardship of Country and generating millions of dollars in investment for remote communities, while delivering measurable environmental outcomes.

Corporate Carbon Group's recent submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia Inquiry into Preparing for Emerging Industries across Northern Australia outlines the scale of that contribution. Today, carbon projects across Northern Australia generate around 1.4 million Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) each year, delivering an estimated $60 million in direct annual revenue into regional economies and supporting around 550 jobs across Indigenous ranger programs, aerial burning operations, monitoring, reporting and governance activities.

The opportunity extends well beyond these existing outcomes. As carbon markets continue to mature and demand for high-integrity Australian Carbon Credit Units grows, Northern Australia is well placed to expand an industry that is already delivering practical economic, environmental and community benefits.

Corporate Carbon Group Chief Executive Officer Marc Train said carbon should now be recognised alongside the industries that have traditionally underpinned Northern Australia's economy.

"For decades, Northern Australia has built prosperity around its natural strengths in agriculture, resources and energy. Carbon now sits in that conversation.

"We're already seeing Indigenous-led carbon and savanna fire management projects creating skilled jobs, attracting investment, strengthening regional businesses and delivering practical land management outcomes across the north.

"This isn't simply about emissions reduction; it's about recognising an industry that's already delivering real economic value.

"The next step is recognising carbon for what it has become, which is one of Northern Australia's next major economic pillars."