8 November 2022
The Territory Labor Government is planning for a secure water future by preserving our free flowing rivers and important environmental and cultural values, while allowing for sustainable development to support our growing economy and jobs.
Scientific, evidence-based approaches are informing the most significant reform to water policy in the Northern Territory’s history.
Today, the Government has released for further public consultation the Draft Surface Water Take – Wet Season Flow Policy.
The draft policy provides guidance on how environmentally sustainable development can support business growth and investment based on access to a currently underdeveloped water resource.
It will ensure the independent Controller of Water Resources can effectively manage the demand for water while protecting our aquatic ecosystems, the Territory’s way of life, and ensuring that our rivers remain free flowing.
Science underpins the development of the draft policy which takes a conservative approach to wet season water takes, limiting consumptive water allocations to around two per cent of median annual flows.
Best available science says that up to ten per cent of a river’s wet season flow can be taken without any impact to the diversity of aquatic ecosystems.
The draft policy has been developed through a steering group with representatives from industry, scientific, recreational, and environmental and Traditional Owner groups.
Further public feedback can be provided on the draft policy until 28 November: [https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/wet-season-flows-policy].
Quotes from Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security, Lauren Moss:
“Releasing this draft policy for further community feedback underscores the Territory Labor Government’s determination to grow our economy while protecting our valuable resources in a transparent and open way.
“We can embrace sustainable development while providing water to protect ecological and cultural values now and into the future.
“Supporting science-based and evidence-informed decision making will ensure that we prevent the mistakes that have happened in the past in other water systems, like the Murray-Darling.
“I encourage Territorians to have their say about how we can work together towards a strong economy and a secure water future.”
Northern Territory Government
