Twenty-two easy kilometres from Darwin along the Stuart Highway, Palmerston is a relatively new community that can be described as a satellite of the capital. Growth has been spectacular for this town, which was only gazetted in 1982. The town's population increases by approximately one hundred people a month, making it the fastest growing centre in the Northern Territory. Industry is not a feature of the town so Palmerston is primarily a residential development. It does have all necessary facilities, a comprehensive shopping centre and a number of takeaway food outlets and restaurants.