Adelaide River Water Advisory Committee meeting
The Adelaide River Water Advisory Committee continued its important contribution to the development of the Adelaide River water allocation plan at its recent meeting.
Since its establishment in 2024, the committee has worked closely with the department to understand the science, policy considerations and community values that will inform the plan. Discussions have focused on maintaining a healthy and productive river system while supporting sustainable water use and protecting the environmental, cultural, social and economic values of the catchment.
At the meeting, the department presented the proposed management framework being developed for inclusion in the draft plan. The framework combines an estimated sustainable yield with flow-based management measures designed to respond to natural variations in river flows and protect key water-dependent values.
The committee also received an update on development of the plan's risk assessment and proposed implementation actions. Consistent with other Territory water allocation plans, the risk assessment considers risks associated with water quantity, water quality, and the social and economic benefits derived from water resources. The committee also discussed opportunities to incorporate recommendations from the Northern Land Council's Cultural Water Values Report into the draft plan.
These discussions were informed by a substantial body of scientific work undertaken across the Adelaide River catchment. The department has commissioned and reviewed a range of technical studies examining groundwater, surface water and environmental processes to ensure the proposed management framework is supported by the best available evidence.
The committee was complimentary of the degree of work that is being undertaken to develop the plan and provided valuable feedback on the draft measures. Members also discussed how information about the plan and its proposed management framework could be communicated clearly and effectively to the broader community during public consultation.
The technical reports supporting the draft plan are expected to be released publicly later this year. Public consultation on the draft Adelaide River water allocation plan will provide an opportunity for community members and stakeholders to review the proposed approach and provide feedback.
Stay up to date on development of the Adelaide River water allocation plan and read more about the Advisory Committee's work or email us at waterresources.dlpe@nt.gov.au.
