Five years after Australia's first COVID-19 lockdowns, members of the Northern Territory's agriculture and mining sectors reflected on their operations during the pandemic. While much of the country came to a halt, primary industries in the Northern Territory continued working.
Paul Burke, then CEO of NT Farmers, described the early period as highly uncertain. Movement restrictions made it difficult for producers to access fuel and chemicals, and conditions were changing daily.
As the 2020 mango season approached, growers faced labour shortages due to interstate lockdowns and closed international borders. In response, NT Farmers coordinated with the Northern Territory and federal governments to bring in seasonal workers from Vanuatu. The cost of the charter flight was approximately $1.2 million, paid by growers. Burke noted last-minute issues with landing clearance in Darwin, which were resolved when the flight rerouted through Brisbane.
Despite the challenges, Burke said industry collaboration enabled harvest operations to continue. He emphasised the role of fresh produce in maintaining retail supply during the pandemic, pointing out that fruit, vegetables, and meat remained available in stores.
In the mining sector, extended isolation affected worker wellbeing. Mine site personnel were unable to travel interstate, with some not seeing family for eight months. Reports included missed life events and long-distance management of personal matters. One worker, Ms Ris, recalled losing a pet while on-site and having to handle the situation remotely.
Burke concluded that the pandemic highlighted the capacity of the agricultural sector to maintain operations under pressure. He referenced the continued presence of fresh produce on retail shelves as a reflection of the sector's adaptability during restrictions.
Both agriculture and mining in the NT maintained supply chains through various measures, including coordinated labour programs and internal resource allocation. These efforts helped ensure continuity in production and distribution despite the constraints brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: ABC News