The Territory’s first long-term plan for water security is set to be delivered next month, promising some major reforms in the often controversial management the vital resource.
The government has pledged $13.5m over three years to implement the first strategic long-term plan for water security across the NT.
It comes amid longstanding controversy over water management in the Territory, with large-scale fracking and agribusiness water licences often criticised by environmental and cultural groups.
Improving access to drinking water in remote communities will be a key priority in the plan.
It includes the introduction of a Safe Drinking Water Act, and a joint commitment with the federal government to deliver water infrastructure projects to Aboriginal homelands.
An Aboriginal Water Security Advisory Council will be established to ensure First Nations’ Territorians have a voice on strategic water issues.
The plan also aims for better data collection on water use in the Territory, with many commercial operations currently going uncharged and unmonitored.
A new fee structure for all water users in the Territory has also been flagged, though with little detail on how this might affect households.
Environment Minister Lauren Moss and NT Controller of Water Resources Andrew Johnson announced $13.5m funding to implement the new Territory Water Plan. Picture: Supplied.
Newly appointed independent Controller of Water Resources, Andrew Johnson, will be responsible for monitoring water use and has the power to issue and revoke licences.
“I look forward to working with the minister, government, key stakeholders and community to continue to build confidence in the decision making process in relation to water resources management and to implement the reforms outlined in the draft Plan,” Mr Johnson said.
“Water is vital for the future economic development of the Territory but it needs to be undertaken in a manner which does not compromise environmental and cultural values.”
This balancing act has been playing out in the high profile case of the Fortune Agribusiness licence, which the Fyles government controversially granted in November 2021.
At 40,000 mega litres per year it is the largest licence in the NT’s history, drawing outrage and legal challenges from local Indigenous groups who say it could lower the water tables and destroy up to 40 scared sites.
The licence – which has been delayed for an environmental impact assessment – is aimed at developing one of Australia’s largest fruit and vegetable farms on the arid Singleton Station, 380km north of Alice Springs.
Fortune Agribusiness claims its operation would boost the NT economy by $100m a year.
The Fortune Agribusiness Singleton Station water licence has drawn strong resistance from environmental and cultural groups. Picture: Jason Walls
Environment Minister Lauren Moss formalised many of the commitments in the Territory Water Plan after travelling to New York in March for the first United Nations Water Conference held since 1977.
“Globally, water security and best practice water management has never been more important,” Ms Moss said.
“Which is why the Territory Labor government is taking action to ensure our water resources are well-managed, protected and productive now and into the future with a Territory Water Plan.”