Budget 2023 - Protecting Our Water. Delivering for all Territorians

12 May 2023

The Territory Labor Government is protecting our water and ensuring water security for all Territorians with Budget 2023 investing $13.5 million over three years to implement a new Territory Water Plan.

Set to be released next month following consultation in 2022, the Territory Water Plan is the Territory’s first strategic long-term plan for water security across the Northern Territory.

The priority actions under the soon-to-be-released plan include:
•    Ensuring all Territorians have access to safe drinking water and building the capability of water service providers to improve water outcomes for Aboriginal homelands
•    Partnering with Aboriginal organisations to develop a framework and methodology for understanding the cultural values of water; and  
•    Accelerating the existing water science program to support best practice water resource management and sustainable development; and
•    Resourcing the Office of Water Security to lead the implementation of legislation, policy reform and community engagement on water stewardship initiatives.

A number of commitments made within the draft Territory Water Plan were highlighted in the Northern Territory’s contribution to the United Nations Water Action Agenda (WAA), formalised following the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security’s attendance at the first United Nations Conference on Water since 1977.

These WAA commitments include the introduction of a Safe Drinking Water Act, a commitment to working in partnership with the Australian Government to deliver water infrastructure projects for First Nations communities, and establishing an Aboriginal Water Security Advisory Council by 2024. 

Quotes from Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security Lauren Moss:

“The Northern Territory Government will be establishing an Aboriginal Water Security Advisory Council to ensure Aboriginal Territorians have a voice on strategic water issues.

“We have already progressed priority actions from the new Territory Water Plan including appointing the independent NT Controller of Water Resources, and we are now developing new Safe Drinking Water legislation as well as a water charging framework for all water users in the Territory.

“Globally, water security and best practice water management has never been more important, which is why the Territory Labor Government is taking action to ensure our water resources are well-managed, protected and productive now and into the future with a Territory Water Plan.”

Quotes from NT Controller of Water Resources Andrew Johnson PSM:

“As the recently appointed independent Controller of Water Resources, I welcome this significant budget commitment to implementing an element of the Plan to modernise the way water is managed, regulated and allocated in the Northern Territory.  

"Water is vital for the future economic development of the Territory but it needs to be undertaken in a manner which does not compromise environmental and cultural values.  

“I look forward to working with the Minister, Government, key stakeholders and community to continue to build confidence in the decision making process in relation to water resources management and to implement the reforms outlined in the draft Plan."  

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Media Contact – Anne Lobo - 0499 942 711

Northern Territory Government