Katherine water allocation plan 2026-2036 declared
The Katherine Water Allocation Plan 2026–2036 has been approved by the Minister for Water Resources and replaces the 2024–2026 plan that expired on 16 February 2026. This new plan will guide how water is used in the region over the next 10 years.
For more information about the plan, go to the Northern Territory Government website.
At its core, the plan is about balance. It aims to make sure there is enough water for communities, businesses, the environment and cultural needs, both now and into the future.
Built on science and community input
The plan was not developed in isolation. It was shaped by advice from the Daly River Water Advisory Committee, along with feedback from the local community. This included targeted discussions with key groups and a public consultation period held between October and November 2025.
It also draws on decades of research. Since the 1960s, Northern Territory water scientists have been studying and monitoring Katherine’s water systems. This long-term work has helped build a strong understanding of how the region’s water behaves and the new plan reflects the best available knowledge today.
Understanding Katherine’s water system
The plan focuses on interconnected surface water and groundwater systems, known together as the Katherine water resource. The Tindall Limestone Aquifer is the most productive groundwater system in the plan area. It forms a part of the larger Cambrian Limestone Aquifer and plays crucial role in keeping the Katherine River flowing during the dry season, when rainfall is scarce. To better manage this important resource, the plan area has been adjusted to focus more closely on:
- the aquifer itself
- dry season river flows
- bores and water licences linked to his system.
Both the aquifer and the river are strongly influenced by the climate, especially wet-season rainfall. In fact, the amount and intensity of rain have a much bigger impact on water levels than how much water is taken out.
Over the past 120 years, rainfall in the region has generally increased. As a result:
- groundwater levels today are higher than in the 1970s
- dry-season river flows are stronger and more consistent.
This shows that the system is resilient, especially when managed carefully.
The aquifer also supports:
- spring systems
- local livelihoods and recreation
- the wellbeing of communities
- and strong cultural connections for Aboriginal people.
What’s new in this plan
The new plan builds on earlier versions and introduces several improvements:
- the estimated sustainable yield has been slightly increased, making more water available for economic development in the region, including a greater allocation to stock and domestic use.
- a new discharge protection zone near the river limits commercial water use in areas that are particularly important for maintaining river flows and springs.
- the plan strengthens the use of announced allocations on the Northern Territory Government website, giving water licence holders a say in how cuts will be applied and more certainty in very dry years.
- clearer water trading rules to ensure that available water is used productively. A 10-day processing target has been set for low-risk trades.
- the plan sets aside 3,220 ML per year for Aboriginal water reserve to support economic opportunities for eligible Aboriginal landholders.
Water for new or expanded projects can come from:
- the general pool
- the Aboriginal water reserve
- or by trading with existing users.
Looking ahead
The plan includes 17 practical actions to be carried out over the next decade. These actions aim to:
- strengthen environmental protection
- support cultural and social water values
- improve water use efficiency
- enhance monitoring and data collection
- ensure long-term water security.
By combining strong science, community input and careful planning, the new plan aims to keep Katherine’s water resources healthy, reliable and shared fairly for years to come.
