News
New bat species confirmed for northern Australia
A collaborative study involving the Flora and Fauna Division has confirmed the presence of a new bat species for Australia, here in the Top End. The coastal wattled bat (Chalinolobus orarius) has officially been added to Australia’s mammal list, following re examination of specimens held at the Northern Territory Museum.
Full water allocations announced for this year
Every year on 1 May, the Controller of Water Resources announces how much water an NT licence holder can use for the upcoming year.
Planning reforms deliver faster approvals and greater certainty
Planning reforms in the Northern Territory are delivering faster approvals, clearer pathways and greater certainty.
Using water wisely – even in the wet
Despite a very active wet season, recent water restrictions highlight the ongoing need to use water wisely as demand continues to grow.
Busy start to 2026 for water monitoring
With the exceptionally high rainfalls during January and February, the Water Division Monitoring team has been working hard to ensure flow data is available to keep communities safe across the Territory.
Emergency authorisation supports Katherine flood recovery
On 13 March 2026, the Northern Territory Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment issued an Emergency Authorisation to support flood recovery efforts in Katherine, marking the first emergency authorisation ever granted under section 46A of the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act 1998.
Adelaide River Water Advisory Committee kicks off 2026
The Adelaide River Water Advisory Committee held its first meeting for 2026 on 10 March.
Lands and Planning Industry Forum – February 2026 update
The Lands and Planning Industry Forum brings together the department and industry representatives to collaborate on how to address the opportunities and challenges facing the Territory’s development sector.
Marrakai water licence information session
Water Resources and NT Farmers held an information session for new water licence holders in Marrakai.
Bladderworts: treasures of the wet season from Darwin’s sandsheet wetlands
With water, colour and life at their peak, the wet season is the ideal time to grab a hand lens, head out to a local sandsheet wetland, and discover just how rich and delicate the communities they support really are. Sandsheet heath wetlands are home to a rich assortment of tiny carnivorous plants called bladderworts (Utricularia).