This is the summation from Acting Chief Minister Delia Lawrie following new data released by Access Economics.

The information shows the Territory will outperform the nation in private sector consumption and continue to enjoy strong population and employment growth during the next five years.

"While the Territory's Treasury has revised the growth rate to 4.5 percent in light of the global economy, the Access Economics revised growth rate of 2pc is primarily based on private construction investment figures coming off the historically high levels experienced in 2004 and 2005," Ms Lawrie said.

"The Access Economics growth forecast fails to take into account the $20 billion Inpex project ? the single biggest private sector investment in the Territory's history.

"Inpex is the best insurance policy we can have against the impact of the global financial crisis," Ms Lawrie said.

"Private sector consumption activity - which is a measure of demand for goods and services - is forecast to grow at an average annual growth rate of 4.3pc over the next five years in the Territory, the highest of all jurisdictions and more than double the national average of 2.1pc.

"This forecast is on the back of ABS data that shows our retail trade figures are the best in Australia - up 11.9pc in the year to November compared to 4.6pc nationally.

"Access Economics is also predicting population growth in the Territory to remain strong - forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 2pc during the next five years - up 0.4pc on its September forecast.

"A peak construction workforce of more than 2000 people will be required in Darwin over five years and a full time workforce of about 300 people will be needed to operate and maintain the onshore facilities over the 40-year life of the Inpex project.

"Apart from Inpex, private sector investment is forecast to remain above the long-term trend over the next five years."