Topping up water infrastructure in the Top End

The Northern Territory Government is working to improve water infrastructure across the Territory, while also working with other partners.

The Northern Territory Government is working to improve water infrastructure across the Territory and with other partners.

Under the Commonwealth’s $2 billion Water for Australia plan, up to $300.6 million will contribute towards the first stage of the Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program. This includes returning Manton Dam to service and preliminary works for the Adelaide River off-stream water storage project. Consistent with the detailed business case findings, investment in additional water supply will support a range of industries across the Darwin region, including new agricultural development.

The Gunn Point Emerging Agribusiness Precinct, co-funded by the National Water Grid Authority and in partnership with the Territory Government, is being established to trial the commercial viability of agricultural opportunities that could be rolled out on a broader scale. The project area comprises two blocks over 260 hectares, allowing multiple participants.

The Territory Government has recently co-invested in Warle Construction to build durable and cost-effective modular homes for remote areas, together with supporting Think Water in commercialising a water testing system to enhance water quality testing efficiency. The combined investment of the AMEF is expected to contribute over 160 new jobs and generate over $84 million for the Territory’s economy in its first five years.

The Territory Government continues to invest in growing the tourism industry in Central Australia and generating more visitors for the region, including $2 million for water security planning and design at Tjoritja (West MacDonnell) National Park.

Utilities

Budget 2024 provides an additional $55.2 million in community service obligation funding to subsidise utility costs. This brings the total allocation in 2024-25 to $164.2 million, including $0.8 million to subsidise water and sewerage services to customers at uniform prices across the Territory below the supply cost.

Since 2022-23, the government has adopted below-CPI tariff increases on utilities. In 2024-25, this is expected to save households between $163 and $311 on electricity and around $151 on an average water and sewerage bill. Average small business customers will save around $768.

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