Darwin rural water regulation strategy

The Darwin Rural Water Regulation Strategy 2023-26 concluded on 30 July 2026.

The strategy was developed with the aim to improve water resource management in the Darwin Rural Adelaide River water control district, where water resources do not have large storages and are in high demand.

The strategy sought to:

• ensure water security for domestic and stock purposes
• support existing and future development
• strengthen the sustainable management of groundwater resources.

Read the strategies:

• Darwin Rural Water Regulation Strategy 2023-26 PDF (479.7 KB)
• Strategy summary PDF (83.9 KB).

Key elements and actions

Over the 3 year implementation period, the department worked with water users and licence holders across the Darwin rural region to improve compliance with the Water Act 1992 and strengthen water resource management.

Key elements and actions of the strategy included:

• regulatory reform to support a streamlined process into water licensing
• limiting over-allocation through new restricted water extraction areas
• reviewing groundwater resource zones to consolidate the understanding of groundwater resources underlying the Darwin Rural area
• engagement with water users and compliance activities
• recovery of unused licensed water to improve water availability and management.

Final report

The department is currently finalising a report on the implementation and outcomes of the Darwin Rural Water Regulation Strategy 2023-26.

The report will summarise the achievements of the strategy and identify outcomes and opportunities for ongoing water resource management in the district.

The report will be published on this page once available.

Contact

For information about the strategy, water licensing or water resource management in the district, contact your local Water Resources office.