Territory water plan framework
The plan provides a strategic framework to guide the Northern Territory (NT) Government’s water management and policy, including water resource management, water services and utilities, policy, legislation, regulation and water use.
Plan purpose
The plan aims to deliver water security for all Territorians, now and into the future.
Water security as a principle
At core of the plan’s purpose is the guiding principle of water security for all Territorians.
Water security for the Northern Territory is defined as having an acceptable quantity and quality of water for people, economic opportunities, cultural and environmental needs, now and into the future.
Priority areas
The plan identifies 4 priority areas which reflect the diverse values and uses of water in the Territory.
Under each priority area are outcomes which the NT Government will aim to achieve and maintain over the coming decades.
Safety
Provide safe and secure drinking water for Territorians.
Supply
Maximise economic opportunities and livelihoods through water management.
Sustainability
Use water sustainably to protect the Territory’s environmental and Aboriginal cultural assets.
Trust and confidence
Engage Territorians in water management and decisions to build confidence and foster a shared understanding.
Priority actions
The plan includes 16 priority actions the NT Government and partner organisations will deliver to over 3 years (starting in 2023). The priority actions are based on evidence, good regulatory practice, and community values and aspirations for water.
- New safe drinking water legislation.
- Securing Darwin’s future water supply.
- Improved water security for remote communities.
- Improved water outcomes for homelands.
- Government leadership on water efficiency.
- Placing a value on water.
- Territory voices in water security.
- Enhancing Aboriginal participation in water decisions.
- Understanding the Aboriginal cultural values of water.
- Improved water planning.
- Contemporary water resource management legislation.
- Climate resilience and adaptation for a water secure future.
- Accelerated water science program.
- Ensure water supply and sewerage services meet customer needs.
- Sustainable water supply for energy transition.
- The role of the Office of Water Security.
Read the Territory water plan PDF (3.4 MB) for more detail.
Progress on the plan is reported annually, and will be evaluated at the end of 3 years.
Read the Water Security news for recent updates on water security initiatives.