NT water strategy lays out 10 directions for 2050 agenda
by Cecilia Harris
In the next step to establishing the first Strategic Water Plan in the Northern Territory, the government has released the NT Strategic Water Plan Directions Paper with the public and stakeholders now welcome to provide input and ideas for the future plan.
Feedback provided from the Directions Paper will inform drafting of the final NT Strategic Water Plan, setting the water security agenda to 2050 across all aspects of water management, before the final plan is released in 2022.
Minister for Environment and Water Security Eva Lawler said seeking input from the public is an important step in the process.
“Public resources must maximise the public good – optimise social, cultural, environmental and economic outcomes,” she said.
“The Territory is Australia’s comeback capital and the availability of sustainably sourced and well managed water will be a key driver of jobs and economic growth and to foster vibrant, prosperous regions and communities.
“At its core, the final Northern Territory Strategic Water Plan must be informed and supported by the community it will serve both now and into the future.”
NT water conservation puts territory on track for future
The paper outlines 10 directions for water in the Northern Territory, including possible pathways to improve water security. Government is seeking feedback on each direction, as well as which pathways are best, which may not work and what is missing.
The Directions Paper topics include water governance, management and value, quality and supply, research, as well as water security for community, environment and culture.
Power and Water CEO Djuna Pollard said the Directions Paper is a crucial stepping stone in achieving water security goals and encourages all communities to have their say.
“Power and Water welcomes the release of this Directions Paper and encourages all Territorians to take an active role in improving our water security by commenting on the proposals and ideas for the future that are contained in this document,” she said.
“We recognise the importance we have in safeguarding water security in the Northern Territory and are continually planning for the future across each of the 92 locations we provide customers with water.
“This Directions Paper and the NT Strategic Water Plan to follow, are critically important in determining a sustainable future for our water industry and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Government on its development.”
Take a look at the NT Strategic Water Plan Directions Paper and have your say today.
