The department includes the key functions that foster and protect the environment and natural resources in the Northern Territory. Find out more
What we are doing
New planning application exhibition signs
The Department of Lands, Planning and Environment will soon be introducing a new standard sign design for the public exhibition of planning applications across the Northern Territory.
Eradicating priority prickle bushes in the Northern Territory - project outcomes
The 12-month eradicating priority prickle bushes in the Northern Territory project has delivered significant progress towards the eradication of prickly acacia and mesquite across the NT.
Thrips take flight against prickly acacia in the Barkly
A tiny insect has made a big arrival in the Northern Territory, with the first NT release of the gall-inducing thrips Acaciothrips ebneri targeting prickly acacia, Vachellia nilotica, in the Barkly region.
Adelaide River Water Advisory Committee considered presentations on scientific research at meeting 8
The Adelaide River Water Advisory Committee continued its important contribution to development of the Adelaide River water allocation plan at its 8 meeting.
National Science Week – getting to know the water beneath our feet
National Science Week – 15 to 23 August 2026.
Draft Grader Grass Weed Management Plan
A draft Weed Management Plan for grader grass has been developed and is now available for the public to provide comment by COB 18 September 2026.
NT EPA and DLPE strengthening air quality management through LNG licence reform
The NT EPA has endorsed 23 recommendations to improve LNG facility operating licences, supporting stronger environmental protections and improved community confidence in air quality management.
New water allocation plan for Alice Springs
Water management in Alice Springs has been guided by water allocation plans since 2007. The Alice Springs water allocation plan 2016-2026 expired in February 2026.
Katherine water allocation plan 2026-2036 declared
A new 10- year water allocation plan has been declared to secure, manage and support sustainable use of the Katherine region’s water resources.
DLPE at the Darwin Show
The annual Darwin Show was certainly a busy and jam-packed few days for the department.
Parkinsonia Di-Bak project
Weeds officers have been carrying out field application of Parkinsonia Di-Bak bioherbicide in the Alice Springs and Barkly regions.
Controller of Water Resources visits Marrakai farmers
The Controller of Water Resources visited Marrakai to engage directly with local farmers and water licence holders ahead of the end of July deadline for streamlined water licences. Face-to-face conversations helped support a shared understanding of the transition process.
Unlocking planning: NT Land Information Search
The NT Land Information Search is a user-friendly, web-based platform that allows users to quickly retrieve detailed planning and development information tied to a specific property address across the Northern Territory.
Infill development and subdivision in Zone LR (Low Density Residential)
The Northern Territory Government is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Northern Territory Planning Scheme (NTPS) 2020 to facilitate smaller blocks and more housing types in Zone LR (Low Density Residential).
Recycling containers is about to become even easier
The expanded and simplified scheme applies a 10-cent refund to all beverage containers of 3-litres or less – including wine and spirit and plain milk containers, removing complexity for consumers and businesses.
Stopping rubber vine at the border - First aerial survey since 2009
A major aerial survey along the Northern Territory–Queensland border and remote gulf coastline has detected several new rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora) infestations, including a new infestation within the Northern Territory.
New soil coring rig strengthens land assessment capability
After nearly 12 months of careful planning, procurement and delivery coordination, the Land Assessment Branch has successfully added a new Eziprobe Centurion soil coring rig to its capability, marking a significant increase in the department’s capacity to deliver high quality soil information.
