First Territory Water Plan ensures water security for all Territorians

15 June 2023

The first ever whole-of-government strategic plan for water across the Northern Territory has been released today by the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security, Lauren Moss.

The Territory Water Plan is a package of actions that will set the foundation for delivering water security for all Territorians – now and into the future.

Water security is about balancing competing and complex water demands, pressures and challenges over time to ensure Territorians have access to safe and reliable drinking water, to support our communities and our growing economy, and to protect our environment, culture and our Territory lifestyle.

As part of Budget 2023, the Territory Labor Government announced it will be investing $13.5 million over three years to implement the Territory Water Plan.

The Territory Water Plan highlights 16 priority actions that aim to deliver water security for all Territorians now and into the future including:

·      Developing new safe drinking water legislation to drive transparency and improvement in drinking water quality

·      Securing Darwin’s future water supply through the Manton Dam Return to Service and Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage projects

·      Supporting safe drinking water for remote Aboriginal communities and homelands through community engagement, capacity-building and co-investment with the Australian Government

·      Enhancing Aboriginal Territorians’ participation in water management and improving our understanding of the cultural values of water

·      Accelerating water science to support sustainable development that underpins a $40 billion Territory economy by 2030

·      Driving water efficiency in the public sector through a NT Government demand management strategy

·      Delivering good governance, transparency and accountability across government in water management; and

·      Protecting key environmental and cultural values as well as supporting the Territory’s resilience to climate change and its impacts on water security.

Last month the independent NT Controller of Water Resources, Mr Andrew Johnson PSM was appointed and the Territory Labor Government will be establishing an Aboriginal Water Advisory Council by 2024 to ensure Aboriginal Territorians views on strategic water issues are represented.

To learn more about the Territory’s water resources and the Territory Water Plan go to watersecurity.nt.gov.au

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

“The Territory Labor Government is committed to protecting and effectively managing our water resources, so it is timely to release the first ever Territory Water Plan to crystallise our key commitments and actions.

“Delivering the actions in this plan will ensure we manage water responsibly and sustainably while supporting economic development for the Territory to thrive and prosper.

“As Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security, I will champion the Territory Water Plan and oversee the implementation of its actions on behalf of the Territory Labor Government.”

Media Contact – Anne Lobo - 0499 942 711

Northern Territory Government