Middle Arm Sustainable Development Underway with Precinct referred to the NT EPA

16 February 2022

The landmark Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct has taken the next step towards delivery by referral of the project to the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA).

This job creating precinct encompasses approximately 1500 hectares of industrial land, and is located on the Middle Arm Peninsula - 13 kilometres from Darwin’s CBD. The Precinct’s strategic location provides direct access to Darwin Harbour, and is connected to the Territory’s logistics network, including road and rail.

Referral of this project to the NTEPA, which falls under Section 49 of the Environment Protection Act, enables it to be assessed under the strategic environmental assessment provisions of the EP Act. 

This referral signifies a major step forward and is the commencement of an assessment process to ensure the project reduces, mitigates and offsets potential environmental impacts.

The Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct will centralise and elevate the Territory’s energy industries, to become a globally competitive, sustainable precinct focusing on low emissions, renewable hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and minerals processing.

Other investigations will include determining industry requirements, infrastructure marine, geotechnical and services assessments and marine navigation investigations.

Quotes from the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, and Minister for Environment, Eva Lawler:

“Creating long term jobs is important to making sure the Territory rebounds from COVID-19. Located on the Middle Arm Peninsula, the estate will provide a variety of lot sizes for sale or lease, to accommodate a diverse range of new and emerging industries

“Environmental considerations are paramount in the development of the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct. Baseline investigations are underway, including identifying plant and animal biodiversity, marine environmental values, and air and water quality data to inform planning to protect environmental values during any future development.

“Harnessing the Territory’s world-class energy resources positions us for growth in a net zero emissions world, with opportunities to capitalise on the growing demand for low and zero emissions supply chains.”

Northern Territory Government