As government, industry and Indigenous leaders prepare to gather in Alice Springs for the Developing Northern Australia Conference, Corporate Carbon Group is calling for greater recognition of carbon as one of Northern Australia’s emerging economic industries.

The comments come as the Developing Northern Australia Conference shines a spotlight on Indigenous-led carbon projects, with the Indigenous Carbon Industry Network (ICIN) showcasing how savanna fire management projects are creating long-term economic opportunities for remote communities through jobs on Country, independent revenue streams and improved land management outcomes. Corporate Carbon Group says these projects demonstrate why carbon should be recognised as a major regional industry.

Across the vast savannas, pastoral landscapes and remote communities of 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.

According to Corporate Carbon’s submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia Inquiry into Preparing for Emerging Industries across Northern Australia, carbon projects across Northern Australia currently generate around 1.4 million Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) each year, delivering an estimated $60 million in direct annual revenue into northern regional economies and supporting around 550 individuals with jobs across Indigenous ranger programs, aerial burning operations, monitoring, reporting and governance activities. The submission estimates the industry’s total economic contribution at approximately $150 million annually.

The company will use the Developing Northern Australia conference, held 5-7 August 2026, to reinforce the growing role Indigenous-led carbon projects are playing in delivering significant benefits for climate, country and community, while demonstrating carbon’s role as an increasingly important economic pillar for Northern Australia.

Marc Train, Chief Executive Officer at Corporate Carbon Group, commented: “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.

“Carbon should no longer be viewed solely through an environmental lens. It’s 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.”