The Territory Labor Government has today ensured surface and groundwater in Central Australia will be managed sustainably by declaring the Ti Tree Water Allocation Plan 2020 – 2030.

The Plan outlines how water resources will be allocated and how licensed water use will be regulated.

Sustainable use of the Territory’s water resources are crucial for the health of rivers, waterways, ecosystems and culture, that rely on them now and into the future.

The Plan balances the needs of competing water users, while protecting and maintaining environmental and cultural values in the Ti Tree Water Control District.

Water plays a vital role for many industries like agribusiness and tourism, which rely on secure water supplies to support their businesses. Our water supplies need to be sustainably managed into the future.

The Plan applies to all surface and groundwater within the Ti Tree Water Control District with users able to trade their water with other licence holders within the district.

It provides clear guidance on the water that is available for allocation under a licence for development in the area and the water that is required to maintain key environmental and cultural assets that are equally important to the region and those communities that depend on it.

The Plan also establishes rules around trade and which areas are more sensitive to the impact of extraction.

For more information about the Ti Tree Water Allocation Plan 2020 – 2030 go to www.denr.nt.gov.au/titreewaterplan.

Quotes from the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Lawler:

“Water is a precious resource and we need to manage it responsibly to ensure its sustainability – we know how important it is to protect the thousands of jobs in the tourism, fishing, cattle and agriculture industries that rely on the health of our precious water systems.

“Unlike the CLP who ignored the science and were careless with the management of the Territory’s water resources.

“The CLP’s failed water policy damaged our unique environment, damaged business confidence and investor certainty, destroyed trust in the Government process and cost the Territory local jobs.

“Protecting our environment creates jobs – good environmental policy is smart economic policy.

“Our Government is reducing barriers and disadvantages experienced by Aboriginal people in competing for access to water and other commercial interests, unlike the CLP who scrapped the Strategic Water Reserves in 2012.

“We promised to reinstate Strategic Aboriginal Water Reserves and one has been established in the Ti Tree Water Allocation Plan. We can see the future opportunities it can create for Aboriginal people in the Territory and the jobs it would support.”

Media Contact: Ellie Clancy 0436 646 689