The Northern Territory Government has released its Territory Water Plan, the first ever whole-of-government plan, which is a package of actions that will set the foundation for delivering water security for all Territorians.
The Territory Government said that 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 its 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 Territory Government demand management strategy
- Delivering good governance, transparency and accountability across government in water management
- Protecting key environmental and cultural values as well as supporting the Territory’s resilience to climate change and its impacts on water security
Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security, Lauren Moss, said the Territory Government is committed to protecting and effectively managing its water resources, and the release of the first ever Territory Water Plan will clarify 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 Government,” Ms Moss said.
Last month the independent Northern Territory Controller of Water Resources, Mr Andrew Johnson PSM, was appointed and the Territory 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 water security.nt.gov.au.
