Part 9/10:
Despite its challenges, northern Australia holds considerable strategic value, particularly for military operations and resource extraction. Darwin serves as a military hub and has economic potential due to its mineral and cattle resources. Yet, the boom-and-bust nature of resource industries does not cultivate a stable urban setting comparable to the thriving cities of the south.
The disconnect between strategic importance and population growth is evident, as the region remains largely unpopulated, with economic activities often centered around transient workers rather than permanent inhabitants.