Steve Edgington
Minister for Essential Services
Bill Yan
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure
Media Release
Darwin’s water security flows stronger as Manton Dam milestone reached
26 September 2025
Work on the Manton Dam Return to Service project is well past the halfway mark as the Finocchiaro CLP Government continues to deliver on major infrastructure milestones.
The $189 million project, jointly funded by the CLP Government and Australian Government, will provide an additional 7,300 megalitres of water annually to the Darwin region and is supporting more than 130 local jobs.
Minister for Essential Services Steve Edgington said the increased capacity will meet forecasted demand, enhance water security and support future economic growth in the region.
“Darwin’s water demand is expected to double by 2050, so this work will ensure our community can grow and develop with confidence,” he said.
“Already, the project is securing good job opportunities locally, which is investing money back into the economy.”
Since upgrades began in May 2024 the contractor, Exact Contracting, has completed 20 km of new pipeline and major infrastructure refurbishment works.
The Australian company, established in Alice Springs, also remains committed to local employment, with more than 70 percent of personnel working on the project being local to the region.
Other key achievements include:
- Manton Dam intake tower refurbishment: 90% complete
- Rising main from Manton to Strauss: 90% complete
- Strauss water treatment plant: 40% complete, with steel portal structure erected and concrete structures under construction
- Pump station building: 80% complete.
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan said the project would be significant for the Darwin region.
“It will support strong population and economic growth as we rebuild the economy and restore our lifestyle in the NT as part of our year of action, certainty and security,” he said.
Manton Dam remains open as a valued recreational resource, with stringent water treatment measures implemented at the newly constructed Strauss water treatment plant to ensure the highest water quality standards.
The project forms part of the $327.6 million Stage 1 of the Darwin Region Water Supply Program Stage 1, jointly funded by the Australian Government ($300.6 million) and the Northern Territory Government ($27 Million).
Media contact: Ktima Heathcote - 0419 211 526 (Minister Edgington) and Jason Mcintosh – 0492 166 281 (Minister Yan)
Minister for Essential Services Steve Edgington with crew on the Manton Dam Return to Service project.
Start of construction of Strauss water treatment plant as part of the Manton Dam Return to Service project. Minister for Essential Services Steve Edgington with Tom Jones of Exact Contracting.
Manton Dam Return to Service (from left): Stephen Vlahovic, John Pease, Minister for Essential Services Steve Edgington, Trevor Durling and David Rossi.
Stage 1 of Strauss Water Treatment Plant as part of Manton Dam Return to Service project.