{"id":2966,"date":"2019-08-03T04:00:10","date_gmt":"2019-08-03T04:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smoketreemanor.com\/?p=2966"},"modified":"2019-05-19T21:02:34","modified_gmt":"2019-05-19T21:02:34","slug":"northern-territory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smoketreemanor.com\/northern-territory\/","title":{"rendered":"Northern Territory"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction:<\/h2>\n

The Northern Territory<\/a>, officially the Northern Territory of Australia, abbreviated NT, is an Australian territory in the central and central northern regions of Australia<\/a>. It shares borders with Western Australia<\/a> to the west, South Australia<\/a> to the south, and Queensland<\/a> to the east. To the north, the territory looks out to the Timor Sea<\/a>, the Arafura Sea<\/a> and the Gulf of Carpentaria<\/a>, including Western New Guinea<\/a> and other Indonesian<\/a> islands. The NT covers 520,902 square miles, making it the third-largest Australian federal division, and the 11th-largest country subdivision in the world. It is sparsely populated, with a population of only 246,700, making it the least-populous of Australia’s eight states and major territories, with fewer than half as many people as Tasmania<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Northern<\/a>
Northern Territory in Australia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The archaeological history of the Northern Territory begins over 40,000 years ago when Indigenous Australians<\/a> settled the region. Makassan traders<\/a> began trading with the indigenous people of the Northern Territory for trepang<\/a> from at least the 18th century onward. The coast of the territory was first seen by Europeans in the 17th century. The British were the first Europeans to attempt to settle the coastal regions. After three failed attempts to establish a settlement (1824\u201328, 1838\u201349, and 1864\u201366), success was achieved in 1869 with the establishment of a settlement at Port Darwin<\/a>. Today the economy is based on tourism, especially Kakadu National Park<\/a> in the Top End<\/a> and the Ulu\u1e5fu-Kata Tju\u1e6fa National Park<\/a> (Ayers Rock) in central Australia, and mining.<\/p>\n

The capital and largest city is Darwin. The population is concentrated in coastal regions and along the Stuart Highway<\/a>. The other major settlements are (in order of size) Palmerston<\/a>, Alice Springs<\/a>, Katherine<\/a>, Nhulunbuy<\/a> and Tennant Creek<\/a>. Residents of the Northern Territory are often known simply as “Territorians” and fully as “Northern Territorians”, or more informally as “Top Enders” and “Centralians”.<\/p>\n

History:<\/h2>\n

Indigenous Australians have lived in the present area of the Northern Territory for an estimated 40,000 years, and extensive seasonal trade links existed between them and the peoples of what is now Indonesia for at least five centuries.<\/p>\n

\"Northern<\/a>
Northern Territory Aborigines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With the coming of the British, there were four early attempts to settle the harsh environment of the northern coast, of which three failed in starvation and despair. The Northern Territory was part of colonial New South Wales<\/a> from 1825 to 1863, except for a brief time from February to December 1846, when it was part of the short-lived colony of North Australia<\/a>. It was part of South Australia from 1863 to 1911. Under the administration of colonial South Australia, the overland telegraph was constructed between 1870 and 1872.<\/p>\n

\"Letters<\/a>
Letters Patent 1863<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From its establishment in 1869 the Port of Darwin was the major Territory supply for many decades.<\/p>\n

A railway was built between Palmerston and Pine Creek<\/a> between 1883 and 1889. The economic pattern of cattle raising and mining was established so that by 1911 there were 513,000 cattle. Victoria River Downs<\/a> was at one time the largest cattle station<\/a> in the world. Gold was found at Grove Hill in 1872 and at Pine Creek, Brocks Creek, Burrundi, and copper was found at Daly River<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On 1 January 1911, a decade after federation, the Northern Territory was separated from South Australia and transferred to federal control. Alfred Deakin<\/a> opined at this time “To me the question has been not so much commercial as national, first, second, third and last. Either we must accomplish the peopling of the northern territory or submit to its transfer to some other nation.”<\/p>\n

During World War II, most of the Top End was placed under military government. This is the only time since Federation that part of an Australian state or territory has been under military control. After the war, control for the entire area was handed back to the Commonwealth. The Bombing of Darwin<\/a> occurred on 19 February 1942. It was the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia. Evidence of Darwin’s World War II history is found at a variety of preserved sites in and around the city, including ammunition bunkers, airstrips, oil tunnels and museums. The port was damaged in the 1942 Japanese air raids. It was subsequently restored.<\/p>\n

\"Bombing<\/a>
Bombing of Darwin in WWII<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 1974, from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, Darwin was devastated by tropical Cyclone Tracy<\/a>. Cyclone Tracy killed 71 people, caused A$837 million in damage (1974 dollars), or approximately A$4.45 billion (2014 dollars), and destroyed more than 70 per cent of Darwin’s buildings, including 80 per cent of houses. Tracy left more than 41,000 out of the 47,000 inhabitants of the city homeless. The city was rebuilt with much-improved construction codes and is a modern, landscaped metropolis today.<\/p>\n

In 1978 the territory was granted responsible government, with a Legislative Assembly headed by a chief minister. The territory also publishes official notices in its own Government Gazette. The administrator of the Northern Territory is an official acting as the Queen’s indirect representative in the territory.<\/p>\n

During 1995\u201396 the Northern Territory was briefly one of the few places in the world with legal voluntary euthanasia<\/a>, until the Federal Parliament overturned the legislation. Before the over-riding legislation was enacted, four people used the law supported by Dr. Philip Nitschke<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Geography:<\/h2>\n

There are many very small settlements scattered across the territory, but the larger population centers are located on the single paved road that links Darwin to southern Australia, the Stuart Highway, known to locals simply as “the track”.<\/p>\n

The Northern Territory is home to two spectacular natural rock formations, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)<\/a>, which are sacred to the local Aboriginal peoples and which have become major tourist attractions.<\/p>\n

\"Uluru\"<\/a>
Uluru<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the northern part of the territory lies Kakadu National Park, which features extensive wetlands and native wildlife. To the north of that lies the Arafura Sea, and to the east lies Arnhem Land<\/a>, whose regional center is Maningrida<\/a> on the Liverpool River delta. There is an extensive series of river systems in the Northern Territory. These rivers include: the Alligator Rivers<\/a>, Daly River<\/a>, Finke River<\/a>, McArthur River<\/a>, Roper River<\/a>, Todd River<\/a> and Victoria River<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Economy:<\/h2>\n

The Northern Territory’s economy is largely driven by mining, which is concentrated on energy producing minerals, petroleum and energy and contributes around $2.5 billion to the gross state product and employs over 4,600 people. Mining accounts for 14.9% of the gross state product in 2014\u201315 compared to just 7% nationally.<\/p>\n

In recent years, largely due to the effect of major infrastructure projects and mine expansions, construction has overtaken mining as the largest single industry in the territory. Construction, mining and manufacturing, and government and community services, combine to account for about half of the territory’s gross state product (GSP), compared to about a third of national gross domestic product (GDP).<\/p>\n

The economy has grown considerably over the past decade, from a value of $15 billion in 2004\u201305 to over $22 billion in 2014\u201315. In 2012\u201313 the territory economy expanded by 5.6%, over twice the level of national growth, and in 2014\u201315 it grew by 10.5%, four times the national growth rate.<\/p>\n

Gross state product per capita in the Northern Territory ($72,496) is higher than any Australian state or territory and is also higher than the gross domestic product per capita for Australia ($54,606).<\/p>\n

The Northern Territory’s exports were up 12.9% or $681 million in 2012\u201313. The largest contributor to the territory’s exports was: mineral fuels (largely LNG), crude materials (mainly mineral ores) and food and live animals (primarily live cattle). The main international markets for territory exports are Japan, China, Indonesia, the United States and Korea.<\/p>\n

The principal mining operations are bauxite at Gove Peninsula where the production is estimated to increase 52.1% to $254 million in 2007\u201308, manganese at Groote Eylandt, production is estimated to increase 10.5% to $1.1 billion which will be helped by the newly developed mines include Bootu Creek and Frances Creek, gold which is estimated to increase 21.7 per cent to $672 million at the Union Reefs plant and uranium at Ranger Uranium Mine.<\/p>\n

\"Bauxite<\/a>
Bauxite Processing on Gove Peninsula<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tourism is an important economic driver for the territory and a significant industry in regional areas. Iconic destinations such as Uluru and Kakadu make the Northern Territory a popular destination for domestic and international travelers. Diverse landscapes, waterfalls, wide open spaces, aboriginal culture and wild and untamed wildlife provides the opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the natural wonder that the Northern Territory offers. In 2015, the territory received a total of about 1.6 million domestic and international visitors contributing an estimated $2.0 billion to the local economy. Holiday visitors made up the majority of total visitation (about 792,000 visitors).<\/p>\n

Tourism has strong links to other sectors in the economy including accommodation and food services, retail trade, recreation and culture, and transport.<\/p>\n

Transportation:<\/h2>\n

The NT has a connected network of sealed roads, including two National Highways, linking with adjoining States and connecting the major Territory population centers, and other important centers such as Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. The Stuart Highway, once known as “The Track”, runs north to south, connecting Darwin and Alice Springs to Adelaide<\/a>. Some of the sealed roads are single lane bitumen. Many unsealed (dirt) roads connect the more remote settlements.<\/p>\n

\"Northern<\/a>
Northern Territory Road Map<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Adelaide\u2013Darwin railway<\/a>, a new standard gauge railway, connects Adelaide via Alice Springs with Darwin, replacing earlier narrow gauge railways which had a gap between Alice Springs and Birdum<\/a>. The Ghan passenger train<\/a> runs from Darwin to Adelaide, stopping at Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Kulgera<\/a> in the NT.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Ghan Train<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Darwin International Airport<\/a> is the major domestic and international airport for the territory. Several smaller airports are also scattered throughout the territory and are served by smaller airlines; including Alice Springs Airport<\/a>, Ayers Rock Airport<\/a>, Katherine Airport<\/a> and Tennant Creek Airport<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Darwin<\/a>
Darwin Airport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Flag:<\/h2>\n

The current state flag of the Northern Territory was officially adopted by the Northern Territory, Australia, in 1978. The Northern Territory has been in existence since 1911, but did not hoist its first flag until self-government in 1978.<\/p>\n

\"Northern<\/a>
Northern Territory Flag<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The flag of the Northern Territory was officially acknowledged and raised for the first time in a ceremony celebrating self-government, on the esplanade in Darwin, the Territorial capital, on 1 July 1978. The ceremony was further acknowledged by a 19-gun salute from HMAS Derwent<\/a>. As the Northern Territory never had colonial status or a prior flag, it was decided that an original design would be created. The flag was designed by Robert Ingpen<\/a>, a prominent artist originally from Drysdale, Victoria<\/a>. Ingpen used a number of designs suggested by the public as a basis for his final design.<\/p>\n

The flag differs from the flags of the Australian states as it does not include the British Blue Ensign<\/a>. The flag of the Australian Capital Territory<\/a> adopted 15 years later is similar in design. The flag’s colors consist of the official Territorian colors of black, white and ochre (making it the only flag among Australia’s states and territories not to feature the color blue). The Southern Cross<\/a> appears as five white stars on a black panel at the hoist. In the fly of the flag is a stylized Sturt’s Desert Rose<\/a>, the territory’s floral emblem since 1961, with seven white petals and a black seven-pointed core. The seven white petals represent the six Australian States and the Northern Territory.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The current state flag of the Northern Territory was officially adopted by the Northern Territory, Australia, in 1978. The Northern Territory has been in existence since 1911, but did not hoist its first flag until self-government in 1978.<\/p>\n

The flag of the Northern Territory was officially acknowledged and raised for the first time in a ceremony celebrating self-government, on the esplanade in Darwin, the Territorial capital, on 1 July 1978. The ceremony was further acknowledged by a 19-gun salute from HMAS Derwent. As the Northern Territory never had colonial status or a prior flag, it was decided that an original design would be created. The flag was designed by Robert Ingpen, a prominent artist originally from Drysdale, Victoria. Ingpen used a number of designs suggested by the public as a basis for his final design.<\/p>\n

The flag differs from the flags of the Australian states as it does not include the British Blue Ensign. The flag of the Australian Capital Territory adopted 15 years later is similar in design. The flag’s colours consist of the official Territorian colours of black, white and ochre (making it the only flag among Australia’s states and territories not to feature the colour blue). The Southern Cross appears as five white stars on a black panel at the hoist. In the fly of the flag is a stylised Sturt’s Desert Rose, the territory’s floral emblem since 1961, with seven white petals and a black seven-pointed core. The seven white petals represent the six Australian States and the Northern Territory.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2996,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[58,61,5,6,7],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smoketreemanor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2966"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smoketreemanor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smoketreemanor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smoketreemanor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smoketreemanor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2966"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.smoketreemanor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2966\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smoketreemanor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2996"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smoketreemanor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2966"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smoketreemanor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2966"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smoketreemanor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2966"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}