Celebrating a year of environmental achievements
In the vast and ecologically diverse landscapes of the Northern Territory (NT), a dedicated effort to protect and manage our natural treasures has yielded remarkable achievements in the past year.
From conservation milestones to proactive fire mitigation, here's a glimpse of the significant work that underscores our commitment to preserve and safeguard the environment.
The release of the NT Parks Masterplan 2023–2053 has set the stage for a decade of visionary landscape management. This comprehensive strategy charts a clear course for the care of our precious parks, reserves, and conservation areas, ensuring a sustainable legacy for generations to come.
The NT Government has taken bold steps in addressing the ever-present threat of bushfires. An impressive 4,131 kilometres of aerial prescribed burning has created strategic fire scars across our landscape, effectively reducing fuel loads. The implementation of the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) empowers the public with essential information to protect lives and property from the impacts of bushfires.
The commitment to sustainability has been embraced with enthusiasm. A stakeholder engagement and reform program aimed at banning problematic single-use plastics is underway. Work to expand the Territory's successful container deposit scheme has been expanded and simplified, promoting recycling and responsible waste management.
Water management has taken centre stage, with amending legislation introduced to support the development and transition of water users into a licensing regime. The draft water allocation plans for Western Davenport and Georgina Wiso Basins have been published, and the insights from the Strategic Regional Environmental Baseline Assessment (SREBA) in the Beetaloo Sub-basin are guiding informed decisions regarding onshore shale gas industry development.
The NT Government's unwavering commitment to biodiversity preservation is evident through several key achievements. A landscape-scale survey method for the threatened Ghost Bat provides insights crucial for understanding the potential impacts of developments on this species. Moreover, the successful release of captive-bred offspring of the critically endangered Central Rock-rat showcases the success of collaborative breeding programs.
Ongoing funding of $2.5 million per year has been secured to enhance and sustain aerial firefighting capabilities through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre. This funding is a crucial lifeline during bushfire emergencies, helping safeguard our communities and assets.
As we reflect on the past year's achievements, it's clear that the NT is not only committed to protect and care for its unique and ecologically significant areas but is also actively leading by example. This is a testament to the importance of responsible environmental stewardship, and an invitation to all to take pride in the remarkable progress we've made.
Together, we are shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for the NT environment.
Read the annual report.
