Priority actions

The plan includes 16 priority actions the Northern Territory (NT) Government and partner organisations will start to deliver to over the next 3 years (starting in 2023). The priority actions are based on evidence, good regulatory practice, and community values and aspirations for water.

1. New safe drinking water legislation.
2. Securing Darwin’s future water supply.
3. Improved water security for remote communities.
4. Improved water outcomes for homelands.
5. Government leadership on water efficiency.
6. Placing a value on water.
7. Territory voices in water security.
8. Enhancing Aboriginal participation in water decisions.
9. Understanding the Aboriginal cultural values of water.
10. Improved water planning.
11. Contemporary water resource management legislation.
12. Climate resilience and adaptation for a water secure future.
13. Accelerated water science program.
14. Ensure water supply and sewerage services meet customer needs.
15. Sustainable water supply for energy transition.
16. The role of the Office of Water Security.

More detail on each action can be viewed in the Territory water plan PDF (3.5 MB).

The NT Government is be accountable for the delivery of the plan’s priority actions.

The Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security will provide an annual ministerial statement to the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory, detailing progress on the delivering the priority actions.

The Office of Water Security will publish an annual report on the plan. This will be informed by a monitoring and evaluation program.

After 3 years, the plan will be reviewed and new priority actions will be identified.