The Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security, Lauren Moss, released the first-ever whole-of-government strategic plan for water across the Northern Territory.
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. It is designed to ensure Territorians have access to safe and reliable drinking water. The Plan will also support our communities and growing economy, and protect our environment, culture and Territory lifestyle.
As part of Budget 2023, the Territory Labor Government announced it would invest $13.5 million over three years to implement the Territory Water Plan.
Highlights of 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 an NT Government demand management strategy
– Delivering good governance, transparency and accountability across Government in water management; and
– Protecting key environmental and cultural values and 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. The Territory Labor Government will establish an Aboriginal Water Advisory Council by 2024. The Advisory Council will ensure Aboriginal Territorian’s views on strategic water issues are represented.
To learn more and view 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 time 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.”
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