NTCA President Rohan Sullivan said the proposed facility is very complementary to the existing live export markets and broadens industry options.

"It will be good for our industry, good for the NT and good for northern Australia," Mr Sullivan said.

"There's been a great deal of planning gone into the facility and the proposed site is well located to optimise access to labour, transport, utilities, shipping and air freight as well as local service industries.

"Our own investigations show that there will be minimal or no intrusion on the immediate area, by way of noise, light, dust or odour.

"Modern technology and know-how have taken processing into a new era. The facility will employ the latest food processing technology, science and environmental management, and will provide employment for over 270 people, along with other contractors, suppliers and specialists.

"This is good for the Territory and the NTCA strongly supports the Livingstone facility and its proposed location."

The Livingstone Valley abattoir will have the capacity to process up to 1000 cattle a day for export to markets in the US, Europe and Asia.

In September the Australian Agricultural Company Limited (AA Co) announced it is moving to the next stage of proving the potential to build the state-of-the-art food processing facility 250km north of Katherine.

Producing manufactured boxed beef, hides and rendered products, the facility would become one of the largest employers in the Top End's rural area and generate new industries in the region.

Construction could commence in early 2012 and commissioning by the end of next year.

"A project of this size and scope means upgrades to or new infrastructure such as roads, transport facilities, essential utilities and community services," AA Co Northern Territory General Manager, Northern Australian Beef, Stewart Cruden said.

The old Katherine meatworks went under the hammer in mid-September.