Middle Arm Strategic Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference Approved

12 December 2023

The Territory Labor Government is focused on protecting our environment as we develop real solutions for the Territory and our nation to reach net-zero emissions. 

The Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct has achieved another key milestone as part of the strategic environmental assessment process.

The final Terms of Reference for Middle Arm’s strategic environmental assessment have been approved by the Federal Minister for Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP.

The strategic environmental assessment’s Terms of Reference for Middle Arm specify what must be included in the Environmental Impact Statement to ensure possible impacts of the development are correctly measured and assessed.

Here in the Territory, we have the most rigorous environmental protections in the southern hemisphere, because we know conserving our environmental values is critical.

The draft Terms of Reference were publically available for community input last year, in which 30 submissions were received. The Commonwealth Government considered all submissions in detail received through both the NT and Commonwealth processes.

The strategic environmental assessment of the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct is an important commitment between the Australian and Northern Territory Governments to deliver conservation outcomes and support appropriate development for the Middle Arm precinct over the next 50 years.

Quote attributable to Minister for Territory Development, Eva Lawler:

“Our Territory Labor Government is focused on protecting the environment, creating green energy, boosting job numbers and growing our economy, all of which will be facilitated through the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct.

“The Terms of Reference for the strategic environmental assessment have been formulation through consultation between environmental experts, community members and government bodies to ensure no stone goes unturned throughout the environmental assessment process.

“This precinct is an economic enabler which leverages the Territory’s significant abundance of natural resources and critical minerals which are key in the fight against climate change.”

Northern Territory Government