Katherine has been listed as one of the places hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Ernst and Young report has pinpointed local government areas around Australia worst affected by the pandemic.
The report recommends a government "green" stimulus program would help generate billions of dollars for local economies.
Landcare and other environmental groups on behalf of 70 organisations around the country commissioned the report.
As well as Katherine, the report also identified Victoria Daly, Tiwi Islands, West Arnhem, East Arnhem, Roper Gulf and suburbs of Darwin as being hardest hit in the NT.
According to the ABC, the Federal Government says its open to considering some of the measures, but has made no firm commitments.
A tourist hotspot like Katherine is experiencing a failed season because of border closures and travel restrictions during its peak dry season.
The NT is removing the border road blocks from July 17 to all but Melbourne coronavirus hotspots.
The report suggested funding of geographically targeted landcare and conservation programs in places like Katherine would raise economic output and avoid increased welfare costs.
Jobs funded under the proposed stimulus package could include the management of environmental threats through pest control, funding for Indigenous rangers, as well as native revegetation programs, building fences, repairing infrastructure after bushfires, and for local councils.
Landcare chief executive Jim Adams said the report showed the spending could help regional communities.
"The labour-intensive nature of the work, combined with low capital costs, results in a high proportion of investment flowing to the employees and contractors delivering the work and, in turn, to their families and businesses in their local community," he said.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.