Northern Territory
BALANCED
ENVIRONMENT
STRATEGY
A message
from the Chief
Minister
The Northern Territory is a wonderful place to live. We enjoy a diversity of ecosystems
and environments, stretching from the arid desert of the red centre, through the savannah
woodlands in the Katherine region, to the tropical monsoon region of the north.
The environment plays a very special role in the lives of Territorians. We recognise the
importance of conserving the natural environment for its beauty and intrinsic value, as
well as for promoting the health and wellbeing of Territorians, providing recreational
and tourism opportunities, enhancing our identity and culture, and stimulating social
and community connectivity.
Territorians recognise the importance of our environment – we value what we have,
and we understand it is our responsibility to protect our way of life and our natural
environment.
Territorians also value the economic opportunities arising from our natural
environment. Many of us earn a living from the environment – whether through farming,
fishing, tourism, working in the resource sector, or providing services to the growing
number of businesses in the Northern Territory.
The Northern Territory’s landscapes and waterways offer unique visitor experiences
and a wide variety of leisure activities. The development and management of our natural
and protected areas requires a careful balance.
We want to ensure Territorians are given every opportunity to benefit from our growing
prosperity, and it is therefore important that the Northern Territory’s development is
sustainable and not at the expense of our natural environment, culture and lifestyle.
This Balanced Environment Strategy outlines our overarching strategic and contemporary
approach to the sustainable management of the environment. It is not intended to
provide a prescriptive or detailed management approach, but rather to guide our
policy and decision-making into the future. This plan will guide the direction and
priorities of government through an implementation framework, which will ensure the
Strategy’s goals, aims and actions are achieved. It is the Northern Territory community’s
responsibility to work together to achieve environmental protection.
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NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
This strategy acknowledges that the sustainable management of the environment can
only be achieved by:
• Recognising that extensive knowledge resides with business, traditional
owners, community members and across Government organisations, which if
pooled, would provide significant insights into environmental protection and
management efforts;
• working collaboratively with experts and across all levels of Government to
achieve our environmental goals;
• taking responsibility for our actions and actively participating in a more
sustainable future;
• strengthening existing activities and, where possible, adopting innovative
approaches to further protect the natural environment.
Achieving effective environmental protection requires us all to participate and to make
decisions that support the ongoing protection of the environment. It is critical that we
all work to minimise the environmental impacts that are a consequence of our activities,
that we adopt sustainable practices, and that we work together to share information.
Government has a responsibility to provide leadership and policy direction to conserve,
protect and manage our environment. Industry has a responsibility for ensuring it has
the smallest possible impact on our environment through innovation and the use of
new technologies. Territorians have a responsibility to be informed and aware of their
collective and individual impact on the natural environment. Collectively, we share a
responsibility to protect the environment for our future generations.
It is clear that Territorians are passionate about the environment. It is with great
pleasure that I release the Balanced Environment Strategy. This strategy will help to
protect and conserve our spectacular environment, both now and into the future.
Adam Giles MLA
Chief Minister
We will consider all feedback received to inform the final Strategy. The final Strategy
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© Parks and Wildlife Commission
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NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
Contents
A message from the Chief Minister
2
Why our environment matters
6
Our challenges
8
Our opportunities
11
Our current context
14
Our vision
16
Our principles
16
Our framework for a balanced environment
17
We all have a role to play
Our goals for a balanced environment
18
19
Healthy waterways, catchments and GROUNDWATER SYSTEMS
20
Resilient marine, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems 22
Contemporary management practices
24
Increased knowledge and understanding
26
Environmental responsibility
28
Liveable cities and towns
30
How we will achieve a balanced environment
32
Improving the environmental regulatory system
33
Improving our engagement with the community and industry
34
Strategic planning
35
Demonstrating our commitment by investing in managing our environment
36
Conducting research and building knowledge to enable innovative and adaptive management practices
37
Measuring our progress
38
5
Why our environment
matters
The Northern Territory has a spectacular natural environment, made up of sweeping
landscapes, breathtaking escarpments, expansive river systems and extensive desert
ecosystems. These habitats are home to a vast array of plants and animals, many of
which inhabit a restricted range. Our flora and fauna is diverse and exceptional and is
embedded in the culture and values of Indigenous Territorians. These intrinsic values
alone should be sufficient reason to conserve and protect the Northern Territory’s
natural environment.
Yet the natural environment offers us so much more.
Territorians enjoy a friendly, relaxed lifestyle where our way of life responds to our
climate and unique natural environment. Whether on land, water or in urban and
remote areas, enjoying the outdoor lifestyle is a significant part of our identity, and our
experiences are heightened by the Northern Territory’s rich natural environment.
In addition to the considerable lifestyle benefits that Territorians enjoy, there is
increasing research to demonstrate the significant benefits that the natural environment
can provide to the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of people. People
are healthier, happier and more content in green spaces. They experience greater
community and social connectivity, and they recover more quickly from illness when
exposed to nature. Our natural environment is therefore an important asset for us to
protect.
Our natural environment draws millions of visitors to the Northern Territory each
year. The world’s largest intact tropical savannah ecosystem is found in the Northern
Territory, along with one of the world’s last networks of free flowing tropical rivers. Our
wildlife and endemic species are globally significant, and the Northern Territory is home
to the world’s largest shallow tropical marine ecosystem.
Our enviable lifestyle and economic prosperity are heavily dependent on our
environment. Consequently, it is critical that we employ our principles of balance,
strategic planning, transparency and evidence-based decision-making to protect and
preserve our environment for future generations to enjoy and use.
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NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
For a significant proportion of the Northern Territory population, the cultural and
economic value of the environment runs far deeper than the lifestyle we derive from
it. Territorians are renowned for participating in fishing, boating, camping and bush
walking. We spend a significant portion of our leisure time in the natural environment.
Indigenous Territorians are one of the oldest living cultures in the world and comprise
approximately 30 per cent of the Northern Territory’s population. Up to 80 per cent
of Indigenous Territorians live in remote or very remote communities. Many remote
communities enjoy a unique, culturally rich lifestyle and a strong spiritual and cultural
connection to traditional lands.
Government recognises the wealth of traditional knowledge held by Indigenous people
in relation to the natural environment. We are committed to engaging with Indigenous
Territorians to collaborate, build our knowledge and ensure our environmental
management policies are innovative and best practice.
We all have a role in maintaining a healthy and resilient environment. We all have a
responsibility to have the smallest possible environmental footprint, to use our water
and energy efficiently, to manage our waste effectively, to use our natural resources
sustainably, and to repair any past environmental damage.
Working together, we can ensure that future generations have the same opportunities
to benefit from living in the Northern Territory that we all enjoy today.
© Parks and Wildlife Commission
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Our challenges
Environmental challenges facing Territorians are not new and are not
unique to the Northern Territory. Our ability to modify and adapt our
behaviours and to learn from the lessons of others in order to avoid,
manage and mitigate risks to our environment is an advantage.
Climate variability and
natural events
A changing and variable climate has
significant effects on the environment.
Increasing sea levels, altered rainfall
events and changed weather patterns are
all examples of these changes, many of
which have already been observed. These
changes can have profound effects on the
security of food, water, and agriculture,
with long-term effects on people’s
lifestyles.
We all have a role and responsibility to
help to reduce the potential impacts
of climatic variability. Through careful
monitoring, strategic planning and
adaptive and evidence-based decisionmaking, we can more effectively manage
the risks of climatic variability and natural
events.
Use of natural
resources
Globally, natural resources are being used
at an unprecedented rate. It is critical
that these natural resources continue to
be available to maintain the health and
productivity of natural systems in the
present, as well as for future generations.
According to the February 2014 United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
report, Managing and conserving the
natural resource base for sustained economic
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and social development, approximately
one quarter of the earth’s land area is
now considered to be highly degraded
(compared with 15% in 1991), 5.2 million
hectares of forests are destroyed each
year, 27% of reef-building corals are now
listed as threatened (and an additional
20% are near threatened), and over 30%
of global fisheries are overfished. These
factors have increased biodiversity loss to
rates last seen some 65 million years ago.
The Northern Territory enjoys a rich array
of natural resources, from abundant and
diverse wildlife, through to robust fish
stocks, intact and fertile land, vibrant
plant communities, and healthy harbours
and waterways. The key challenge for
the Northern Territory, therefore, is
to counter the trend in environmental
degradation that is being observed in
other locations, and to balance the use of
our natural resources with their ongoing
protection into the future.
It is critical that the Northern Territory
simultaneously balances the need to
reduce overconsumption and waste of
natural resources, while also providing
secure access to natural resources and
food.
NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
Pests, weeds and
disease
Invasive species and disease can have
major environmental, economic and
lifestyle impacts. These species can cause
degradation to the natural environment,
compete with native species for
resources, facilitate invasion by other
species, and modify the environment to
promote their own survival. They can
also affect the survival of native species
by reducing their health and suppressing
the growth of populations, which in turn,
has significant implications for ecosystem
function and diversity.
Invasive plants have a significant impact
on the Northern Territory environment.
These species affect the diversity of
natural ecosystems by smothering native
plants, by using resources that were
previously utilised by other species, and
modifying the structure and function of
the natural ecosystem. Invasive plants
also increase the severity of wildfires as
these species grow profusely, creating
substantial fuel loads. Wildfires cause
these fuel loads to burn at very high
temperatures, affecting the regeneration
of native plants and irreparably damaging
native seeds. This frequently leads to
decreased biodiversity, or in severe
cases, can result in the creation of a
monoculture, in which a single weed
species dominates large areas of the
environment.
Diseases and parasites are a serious
risk to agriculture, horticulture and
the natural environment in Australia.
For instance, myrtle rust is an exotic
fungal disease that is widespread on
the east coast of Australia. Despite
significant efforts to eradicate this
pest, it is no longer technically feasible
to eradicate myrtle rust in Australia.
This disease has significant impacts on
Myrtaceous species, which make up the
major component of Australia’s native
vegetation. Continued infection of new
seedlings and young trees over time may
hinder the regeneration of susceptible
species in natural forests. This may alter
balance of species and modify stable
environments, with implications for the
genetic diversity, ecosystem function
and overall environmental resilience of
infected areas.
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Our challenges
Wildfire
While wildfire conditions can be
predicted in broad terms, it is often
difficult to be certain of the location or
frequency of wildfire events, and the
resources required to effectively manage
different wildfire scenarios. Of particular
threat to the natural environment is the
frequency, scale and intensity of fires as
intense, frequent and large-scale fires
can have significant impacts leading to
species loss and ecosystem change. For
instance, increasing densities of weeds
in the Northern Territory has resulted in
more frequent and intense fires across
a broader area, which has had negative
impacts on plant and animal populations.
It is possible that changing environmental
conditions and unpredictable weather
patterns in the future will affect the
frequency, severity and scale of fires in
the Northern Territory.
Serious wildfires can have long-term
impacts on our plant and animal
communities by reducing survival of both
adult plants as well as seeds, and affecting
the viability of animal populations,
therefore impacting on future community
regeneration, diversity and functionality
in these areas.
Growing population
As the world’s population continues
to grow, demand for natural resources
will increase. To circumvent the issues
associated with a growing population,
action is needed to conserve and manage
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food resources, freshwater, waste,
pollution, forests, marine ecosystems, and
biodiversity.
In addition, there are likely to be impacts
on housing, education and healthcare
services, as well as social infrastructure
and access to open and green spaces.
Urban development
The development of new roads and urban
expansion can fragment and encroach
on natural habitats. It can also affect the
viability of natural populations and alter
the ability of the ecosystem to function.
In many cases, this can be managed by
identifying areas of high environmental
value for protection.
Within urban areas, there are populations
of native species that must be protected
for the intrinsic value they provide to the
lifestyle of residents. Learning to adapt
our lifestyles to effectively live with native
wildlife can create a more harmonious
and healthy life for local people.
Waste
Waste is a significant environmental issue.
Disposal of waste consumes land and
produces pollution to the atmosphere, soil
and groundwater, representing a loss of
potential resources. Poor environmental
outcomes will occur in the absence of
appropriate management practices and
regulatory monitoring of waste streams.
NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
Our opportunities
While there are a number of challenges facing the Northern Territory,
there are a large number of opportunities that we can build on to
protect and effectively manage our environment for the long term
future of Territorians.
Innovative and
adaptive practices to
respond to the effects
of climate variability
The Northern Territory environment
will continue to change in response to
the climatic variation. In terms of our
capacity and capability to respond to
these changes, the Northern Territory
Emergency Services has long-established
relationships and programs focused on
building community resilience to these
changing conditions as well as to ensure
rapid responses in emergency situations.
In addition, we have the opportunity
to develop new technologies which
will enable us to monitor and analyse
changing weather patterns. By working
with expert bodies, industry and
Traditional Owners and ensuring our data
is scientifically sound, we can improve our
natural resource management practices
to adapt to the changing environment.
Increasing our understanding of the
effects of changing climatic conditions can
be used to drive new industry potential
in the Northern Territory including in
renewable energy, recycling, and urban
design fields.
Renewable energy
The Northern Territory is already
a world leader in the development
and implementation of renewable
energy technologies. The Alice Springs
Solar Cities project has been a huge
success. The $55 million Solar Energy
Transformation Program (Solar SETuP),
that is rolling out 10MW of solar to
reduce diesel consumption by 15%, across
approximately 30 remote communities,
is the largest wide scale rollout of
solar in a regulated environment. We
have the opportunity to utilise lessons
learned during these projects to export
our knowledge as a world leader and
implement new technology across
the Northern Territory. Further work
under Solar SETuP will investigate
the opportunity to utilise batteries in
conjunction with solar to minimise the
use of diesel for electricity generation in
remote communities.
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Our opportunities
Living Water Smart and
Water Sensitive Cities:
An innovative future
The Northern Territory Government
aims to provide guidance for the long
term goals of sustainable use and
security of our water resources. We have
already begun implementing programs
to ensure water security, like Power
Water Corporations ‘Living Water Smart’
initiative. We have the opportunity to
make our towns and cities more water
sensitive through collaboration with
international research bodies and
industry partners. Through intelligent
planning and innovation we aim to reduce
water consumption and improve the
liveability of our cities and towns.
© Parks and Wildlife Commission
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Protected areas
Much of the Northern Territory is
managed as Indigenous Protected Areas
and National Parks and Reserves. As
such, there is considerable opportunity
for the Northern Territory to capitalise
on the existing natural resource
management activities that are already
being undertaken by Indigenous ranger
groups and Park rangers. This will ensure
the long term protection of ecosystems,
biodiversity and the environment against
threats posed by invasive species, fire,
disturbance, and development.
NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
Generating
baseline data and
implementing best
practice regulatory
frameworks
The Northern Territory is vast, resource
rich and ecologically important.
Government is committed to accumulating
baseline data which is robust, timely,
and consistent across the Northern
Territory. This will not only enhance our
knowledge and understanding of our
unique systems, but it will contribute to
improving our management outcomes.
There are exciting opportunities arising
to link into Commonwealth initiatives
and programs, to promote and facilitate
high quality science through research
institutions and universities, and to provide
assurance about our data by subjecting it
to independent review. Engaging in these
initiatives will deliver greater certainty
to resource users, industry and the wider
community. This will further progress
our goal of becoming the leader in best
practice environmental regulation.
Regional leader in
biosecurity
The Northern Territory is Australia’s
geographical gateway to Asia. Being
in this unique and strategic position is
an exciting opportunity to advance our
economy and develop stronger ties in
the region. However, this also brings
with it added risks of foreign pests and
diseases. The Northern Territory has
an opportunity to develop world class
biosecurity regulations, procedures and
scientific expertise, becoming an exemplar
of the Asian-Pacific region.
Exporting waste
reduction strategies:
Container Deposit
Scheme
Following the lead of South Australia,
the Northern Territory introduced the
Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) in 2012.
With outstanding waste reduction and
potential employment opportunities, the
initiative has the opportunity to become
national best practice for smart resource
recovery across Australia.
Use traditional
knowledge to help
solve contemporary
issues
Indigenous people have lived on this
land for thousands of years and hold
valuable knowledge in sustainable land
management practices. We have the
opportunity to learn from Indigenous
land and sea rangers and to utilise and
integrate Indigenous knowledge into
contemporary scientific approaches to
help resolve current management issues.
Partnerships
It is well-acknowledged that partnerships
form an important component of projects
and initiatives in the Northern Territory.
It is critical that we work collaboratively
across all levels of government and
with Traditional Owners, research
organisations, community groups and
the wider public to ensure the effective
management of our natural environment
and to improve environmental
management practices.
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Our current context
The Northern Territory Government’s Framing the Future strategic plan sets the
foundation for the future. The strategic plan is based on four key objectives of a
Prosperous Economy, Strong Society, Confident Culture, and a Balanced Environment.
The Balanced Environment Strategy provides a pathway for government to achieve
its objectives and outlines our goals and aims to deliver our vision for a balanced
environment.
The Strategy is complemented by other Northern Territory initiatives including the
development of the Northern Territory’s first water discussion paper, Our Water Future,
the Northern Territory Biosecurity Strategy, and the Waste Management Strategy for
the Northern Territory. These initiatives include a strong focus on effective management
of our natural resources.
Modelled on the original system established by the Commonwealth Government before
the introduction of its Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999;
the Northern Territory’s environmental regulatory system has not been substantially
amended since its creation over thirty years ago.
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NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
We need to nurture and protect our natural resources by ensuring they are used
sustainably to meet our social and economic needs. To do so, we need to improve our
monitoring and regulatory system. The community expects that the Northern Territory’s
environmental management system is transparent, consistent, informed in its decisionmaking, and capable of managing the potential environmental impacts resulting
from development. Industry needs a system that provides an attractive operating
environment by providing certainty to project proponents through transparent,
consistent and timely decision-making.
Dr Allan Hawke AC was commissioned by the Northern Territory Government in March
2014 to undertake an Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the Northern Territory. In
light of his findings, Dr Hawke was asked to build on work done in the inquiry and make
further recommendations about how the Northern Territory environmental regulatory
system could be strengthened. Dr Allan Hawke’s Review of the Northern Territory
Environmental Assessment and Approval Processes was publicly released in November
2015. It identified a number of areas where improvement and modernisation of the
current system could be made. Government support for the implementation of the
findings will ensure benefits to all sectors of the community through;
• certainty for proponents by providing a ‘single front door’ through the system;
• testing and accrediting project legislation and agency procedures by the Minister
for the Environment in consultation with the NT Environment Protection
Authority (NT EPA);
• the establishment of the Minister for the Environment as the decision-maker for
projects not subject to approval by an accredited approval process;
• transparent public reporting by proponents on compliance with their
environmental obligations;
• strengthened audit and compliance role for the NT EPA;
• the Minister for the Environment providing proponents and the community with
certainty by publishing policies and procedures; and
• clarity in the roles and responsibilities of government agencies and the NT EPA.
This Strategy sets the overarching goals and prioritises environmental needs across
the Northern Territory. Through appropriate implementation and oversight, the goals,
aims and actions of the Balanced Environment Strategy will ensure protection and
conservation of our environment and responsible use of our natural resources, both now
and into the future.
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Our vision
A healthy and resilient environment
Our principles
Supporting our vision for a healthy and resilient environment, the following principles
will guide our decision-making to enable us to responsibly use, manage and safeguard
our environment.
1. Balance – we will balance environmental, social and economic factors in our
decision-making.
2. Stewardship – we will work together to manage our environment responsibly and
ethically.
3. Strategic planning – we will define our goals and systematically plan how we will
achieve them.
4. Engagement – we will engage in consultative and inclusive decision-making.
5. Intergenerational equity – we recognise our role as custodians of the
environment and as such we will work together to maintain and enhance the
health, diversity and productivity of the environment for the benefit of future
generations.
6. Transparency – we will ensure decisions are clearly communicated to all
stakeholders.
7. Evidence-based – we will use robust scientific data to support our decisionmaking.
8. Polluter pays – we will ensure that the cost and responsibility for environmental
damage sits with the responsible party.
9. Leadership – Government will lead by example through effective management
and monitoring of government projects and government assets and establishing
appropriate legislation and regulations.
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NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
Our framework for a
balanced environment
Conducting research and building
knowledge to enable innovative and
adaptive management practices
Demonstrating our commitment by
investing in managing our environment
Strategic planning
Improving our engagement with
the community and industry
Improving the
Environmental regulatory system
How government
will achieve the
right conditions
Six goals support our vision for a balanced environment. In addition, government has
also identified five ‘enablers’, which represent the operating context we need to create
in order to achieve our environmental goals in collaboration with the community and
industry. By focusing on optimising the conditions that support environmental use and
protection, Government will enhance the Northern Territory’s ability to achieve our
overall vision of a healthy and resilient environment.
Our goals
Healthy waterways, catchments and
groundwater systems
Resilient marine and terrestrial
ecosystems
Contemporary management
practices
Increased knowledge
and understanding
A healthy
and resilient
environment
Environmental responsibility
Liveable communities, cities and towns
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We all have a role to play
Everyone has a responsibility in protecting, conserving, sustainably using and enjoying
our environment. A balanced environment requires an active partnership between
governments, industry and the community.
environment
Community
Government
Industry
Community’s role is to:
• be accountable for their own
actions;
• hold industry and government
accountable for good
environmental practice and
management;
• get involved and stay informed;
• encourage government to adopt
best practice approaches;
• modify behaviours to reduce their
impact.
Industry’s role is to:
• be responsible and accountable for
their own actions;
• support research and innovation;
• commit to good environmental
practice;
• minimise adverse impacts on our
natural environment;
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Government’s role is to:
• be accountable for our actions;
• support science and innovation;
• lead by example and commit to good
environmental practice;
• minimise adverse impacts on our
natural environment;
• commit to collaborative strategic
planning;
• implement robust environmental
risk management practices;
• establish and maintain governance
systems that support our goals for a
balanced environment;
• consult and engage stakeholders in
decision-making processes;
• ensure transparency in assessments,
approvals, decision-making and
through reporting on the health of
the environment;
• keep the community informed
about environmental performance
and outcomes;
• promote access to information and
educate industry and the community
about the environment and bestpractice management approaches;
• build its social license by
incorporating healthy environment
and community well-being
objectives into business practices.
• implement, review and modify
environmental management in
government business and projects to
reflect leading practice.
NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
Our goals for a
balanced environment
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Healthy waterways,
catchments and GROUNDWATER
SYSTEMS
The Northern Territory’s waterways and catchments are an integral part of our lifestyle and
economy. These waterways and catchments are used for a variety of purposes (recreation,
agriculture, industry, and as a significant source of food and water for Indigenous people),
each with different and competing demands. Rainfall varies significantly across the Territory’s
climatic zones, from the wet-dry tropical north to the arid central desert region. As a result of
the high variability and seasonality of surface waters, year round water use is largely reliant
on our extensive groundwater systems. Many of these groundwater basins have large storage
capacities which are recharged by rainfall; however their renewable capabilities are often
complex and highly climate-dependent.
It is important that we manage the increasing demand on our water resources to protect the
integrity of this resource for the environment and for our current and future generations.
Management of springs and water holes within our arid climes is of particular importance as
these resources provide environmental refuge, meet the ecological needs of the environment,
and have strong links to Indigenous culture and practices. These environmental and cultural
values, coupled with concerns about the potential impact that climate variation will have
on our surface and groundwater systems, make it essential that the use of our groundwater
resources is carefully monitored. This evidence, gained through transparent, evidence-based
science, should be used to implement adaptive and innovative management approaches, and to
predict and quickly respond to changing conditions.
In addition to protecting our water supplies, it is critical that we safeguard the health of our
waterways by managing the inflow of pollutants and through effective waste water treatment
techniques. This is particularly important within the urban areas of the Northern Territory, where
inputs of nutrients and pollutants can have significant impacts on the quality of our waterways,
harbours, river systems and groundwater, with subsequent impacts on flora and fauna.
© Parks and Wildlife Commission
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NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
Our aims
• The health of our
waterways, catchments
and groundwater
systems are maintained
or improved to support
environmental, social,
cultural and economic
values.
• Sufficient water is
available to ensure
the health of natural
ecosystems, while
meeting economic and
social needs.
• Strong partnerships
are established to
facilitate innovative
approaches to waste
water management for
the ongoing health of
our environment.
• A culture of responsible
water stewardship is
adopted throughout the
Northern Territory.
• Innovation in water
management is
promoted, which is
based on sound data
and best practice.
Our actions
• Implement strategic and risk-based planning processes to protect
the quality and availability of surface water and groundwater for the
ongoing sustainability of natural resources.
• Implement strategies, plans and programs to protect our aquatic
ecosystems, such as mangroves, marine seascapes, coastal
ecosystems, and river systems.
• Develop and employ a risk assessment and classification framework
of water sources across the Northern Territory.
• Develop, instigate and review water allocation plans to manage
sustainable water allocation in accordance with the National
Water Initiative Reform Framework, and in partnership with key
stakeholders and local communities.
• Execute regulatory and legislative reforms, such as the requirement
for operators to have water extraction licenses under the Water Act
for mining and petroleum activities.
• Establish a long-term research and monitoring program targeted at
sustaining the quantity and health of our surface and ground water
resources and ecosystems.
• Expand ground water monitoring programs to enhance our
understanding of aquifer capacity and deliverability, particularly
for those systems experiencing, or likely to experience, increasing
demands for water.
• Assess and adopt efficient, innovative and proven water use and
waste water management approaches to ensure the health and
wellbeing of our environment and our people.
• Continue to implement and communicate sound criteria and rationale
for water licensing and allocations to ensure transparency in all
aspects of decision-making.
• Educate and promote water efficiency and innovation for industry
and the community by supporting demand management and
community engagement programs.
• Promote water stewardship to build water literacy and empower the
community to use water efficiently.
• Form partnerships with industry and stakeholders to identify and
implement scientifically sound programs to address knowledge gaps.
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Resilient marine, aquatic and
terrestrial ecosystems
The Northern Territory has many distinct landscapes. Embedded within these is an extensive
system comprising wetlands, river systems, mangroves, rocky ranges, deserts and rainforest
patches, each with their own unique flora and fauna.
Within these ecosystems is a vast network of plants and animals, which collectively interact to
enable the ecosystem to function effectively. Loss of individual plants and animals, or groups of
species, can have serious implications, including diminished functionality, decreased resilience,
loss of species, and environmental degradation. At a time of unprecedented biodiversity loss,
it is critical that the decline in biodiversity is halted and that we work together to ensure
the protection of species within these systems. This will ensure the ongoing viability of our
ecosystems and that every individual and organisation within the Northern Territory is
engaged and takes responsibility for protecting and maintaining our natural environment.
Economically and socially, people derive extensive food, water, recreation and cultural benefits
from our ecosystems. However, development, resource intensive industries, and climate
variation are impacting the flow of ecosystem services on a large scale. Strategies are needed
to help us understand and protect these ecosystem services.
The Northern Territory Government is committed to adaptive, innovative and sustainable
environmental management practices to safeguard the resilience of our ecosystems.
Maintaining the resilience of our ecosystems is essential to ensuring that our diverse natural
land and seascapes and high biodiversity values continue to be enjoyed by current and future
generations.
22
NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
Our aims
• Natural systems are
stronger and more
resilient and can
respond to threats and
pressures.
• Marine, aquatic and
terrestrial biodiversity
is better understood,
protected and valued.
• Biodiversity is
protected; with at risk
species and populations
stabilised or recovered.
• Indigenous traditional
knowledge about
biodiversity
conservation is
embraced.
Our actions
• Develop, implement and review plans and programs to reduce
the negative impacts of wildfire, invasive species and diseases on
Northern Territory ecosystems.
• Continue to employ a coordinated, transparent and consistent
approach to environmental protection across all levels of
Government to reduce ambiguity, duplication and inconsistency.
• Continue to support National Parks and Reserves, and Indigenous
Protected Areas as key sites for conservation and environmental
management activities, and for education and cultural exchange.
• Support public reporting on the health of the environment,
ecosystems, wildlife and fisheries.
• Continue to develop management plans for sustainable use of wildlife
and other environmental assets, therefore ensuring the protection of
natural resources while supporting economic outcomes.
• Maintain sustainable development guidelines for national parks and
reserves.
• Develop and implement strategic biosecurity plans, such as those
identified in the draft Biosecurity Strategy 2015-2025.
• Continue to collaborate on conservation and recovery projects that
benefit threatened species and sites of conservation significance.
• Support robust data collection and monitoring frameworks and
encourage industry and research organisations to form partnerships
to improve our collective knowledge.
• Form partnerships with industry and the community to increase
knowledge, participation and stewardship for environmental
management and conservation.
• As appropriate, amend the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act
to reflect contemporary biodiversity conservation and sustainable
use approaches, including incorporating the international assessment
method for evaluating and listing threatened species.
• Undertake rigorous reporting at key sites across the Northern
Territory to ensure appropriate and effective management practices,
including ‘State of the Parks’ reports for key Parks and Reserves.
• Build Indigenous capacity, capability and knowledge through
Indigenous Ranger programs and continue to support joint
management on national parks and reserves.
23
Contemporary management
practices
Territorians are the benefactors and custodians of extensive cultural and natural resources. It
is crucial that we recognise our role as caretakers of the environment and that we look after
our natural resources for the good of future generations.
Contemporary, leading and adaptive management of our natural resources balances the needs
of the environment with economic opportunities. The ongoing challenges of invasive species,
disease, inappropriate fire regimes, and changing climatic conditions all require a modern
approach to environmental management and protection. These approaches must also consider
the increased demand for investment and infrastructure development that is necessary to
support our growing population.
Contemporary management practices should be employed to avoid, minimise and mitigate
the environmental impacts of development. These approaches are innovative and should be
consistent with existing and progressive knowledge and community expectations. It is our
vision that continued development will complement our lifestyle without compromising the
health of our environmental values.
© Parks and Wildlife Commission
24
NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
Our aims
• Progressive and
innovative approaches
are adopted to
protect the natural
environment against
threats, including
climatic variability.
• The Northern
Territory is aligned
with national and
international standards
and principles for
environmental
protection.
• Climate adaptation
strategies are flexible
and responsive to new
information.
Our actions
• Develop and implement innovative and adaptive management
systems, such as integrated conservation strategies, based on
credible science and robust data.
•Exercise education, compliance and enforcement processes to
ensure acceptable rehabilitation and remediation standards
are realised.
• Continue to address legislative and regulatory reform in
relation to the environmental assessment and approvals
process.
• Continue to implement regulatory reforms in relation to
Dr Hawke’s Report of the Independent Inquiry into Hydraulic
Fracturing in the Northern Territory.
• Where appropriate, adopt national and international standards
and principles for planning, monitoring, and executing
regulatory initiatives.
• Consider opportunities to manage residual environmental
impacts resulting from development.
• Develop adaptive management approaches to address the
impacts of climate variability on biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Continue to implement Emergency Services community
programs and volunteer education programs to build the
Northern Territory’s resilience and responsiveness to changing
and unexpected weather conditions.
25
Increased knowledge and
understanding
Much of the Northern Territory is considered to be of high conservation value. However, taking
action to protect this valuable asset is contingent on knowledge and understanding of the
environment, its ecosystems and its biodiversity.
Enhancing our knowledge and understanding of the natural environment is critical for
enabling implementation of effective and adaptable management programs and for
promoting community stewardship and engagement. This is particularly important in light of
the unpredictability that climate variability presents to Northern Territory’s environment,
biodiversity and communities.
Increasing our knowledge of the environment through the application of science, collection of
data and continual monitoring provides us with the tools to respond to changing conditions.
It also enables us to manage risk and to increase our understanding of biodiversity and the
broader environment. It is critical that we engage with Indigenous custodians to better
understand traditional approaches to natural resource management and the role that these
approaches can play in combination with contemporary management practices.
The Northern Territory’s vast landscapes are sparsely populated and many aspects of the
natural environment and the biodiversity within it are not well understood. It is important
that government, research institutions and industry pool their resources to generate the best
available science and data. Using science to improve our understanding of our natural systems
will allow us to focus on areas of high conservation value and develop an adaptive management
framework that balances risk and use, with the capacity for the environment to remain healthy
and resilient.
In addition to implementing robust data collection methods and processes, it is crucial that this
information is transparent, clearly communicated and accessible to the community. Increased
transparency will enhance community engagement and stewardship, while facilitating
increased awareness about the issues and threats facing our natural environment.
26
NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
Our aims
Our actions
• Sound scientific data is
collected and collated
to inform decisionmaking and policy.
•Require comprehensive monitoring and evaluation programs to
support adaptive management practices.
• Collaborations are
formed to encourage
data sharing
across all levels of
government, expert
bodies, industry
and Indigenous
communities.
• Work with industry, the community and all levels of government
to improve efficiencies, streamline approaches, prioritise research
needs, and ensure coordination of environmental research and data.
• Scientific evidence is
utilised to produce
strategic approaches
to unprecedented or
unpredictable threats
to natural resources,
biodiversity and the
environment.
• Information is
transparent and
readily available to the
Northern Territory
community.
• Collaborate with Indigenous custodians to enhance our collective
knowledge about land, water and biodiversity.
•Educate and raise awareness within the community to promote
environmental knowledge and stewardship.
• Promote research and developments within the areas of science,
engineering, technology and design with the view of developing new
products, processes or services for the green economy.
• Participate in national research initiatives, such as the National
Environmental Science Programme, to improve our understanding of
the health and capability of the Northern Territory’s environment.
• Design and implement adaptive management and monitoring
programs to increase our capacity to predict and rapidly respond to
changes in the condition of the environment.
•Ensure that policies, assessments and decisions are based on credible
evidence which is accessible to the public.
• The knowledge and
actions of external
experts, land care
groups, landholders
and members of
the community are
welcomed.
27
Environmental responsibility
We are all custodians of our environment and, as such, we all have a responsibility to manage
our use of natural resources, and to reduce our impacts on the environment.
Industry is responsible for ensuring their operations are ethical and sustainable and do not
adversely impact the environment. Industry is required to practice effective environmental
management which complies with environmental laws.
Government has a key role in ensuring robust environmental frameworks are in place and to
engage stakeholders as part of a transparent decision-making process. As an environmental
regulator, government establishes environmental laws and develops policies and programs to
ensure effective environmental outcomes.
Our personal choices and behaviours also impact on the environment. The government is
committed to increasing Territorians’ understanding of our natural landscapes and ecosystems.
In doing so, Government seeks to build awareness of appropriate disposal of waste, recycling
programs and the efficient use of our water and energy resources. Equally, government is
focused on ensuring Territorians are responsible for their actions and that, as environmental
stewards, we all ensure that the cost and responsibility of environmental damage is accepted
by the responsible party. Collectively, this will reduce our environmental footprint, with
benefits for our natural environment over the long term.
28
NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
Our aims
• Government, industry
and the community
are knowledgeable,
informed and
responsible for the
protection of the
environment.
• The community is
an active participant
in conservation,
waste management,
rehabilitation and
renewable energy
initiatives.
• Sustainable practices
and technologies are
adopted to increase
use of natural
renewable energy
sources, recycling and
reuse.
• Environmental
threats and impacts
are considered
in all planning
and development
decisions.
Our actions
•Ensure legislation, policies and processes are in place to enable
industry and the community to achieve quality outcomes for the
protection of the environment.
•Raise awareness across all levels of government, industry and
the community to promote stewardship and enhance adoption of
sustainable practices.
•Introduce incentives which reward businesses, organisations and
individuals that actively minimise environmental harm.
• Continue to recognise the role of Indigenous Territorians in policy
and decision-making processes.
• Develop frameworks for the long term management of projects such
as legacy mines and rehabilitation of mine sites.
• Create opportunities to support quality community based
environmental management programs.
• Provide advice and support for natural resource managers,
landholders and the community to protect threatened species and
habitats, assist in the sustainable use of resources, and minimise
threats to our ecosystems.
• Promote government, community and industry participation in
sustainable industry practices to encourage businesses to adopt or
develop resource efficient technologies, such as the Smarter Business
Solutions Program, which provides grants to assist in reducing day-today energy, waste or material costs.
• Continue to refine enforcement tools to reduce negative impacts on
the environment.
•Encourage reduced consumption and generation of waste by
facilitating resource recovery and recycling activities across the
Northern Territory.
• Prepare policies, contracts and agreements which protect the
interests of the community and the environment by ensuring that
responsibility for remediation and rehabilitation lies with the
responsible party.
•Ensure appropriate approvals are obtained from Indigenous people
for activities on their land. This includes encouraging proponents
to obtain Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority Certificates for
proposed developments anywhere in the Northern Territory, and
that Indigenous and Land Council agreement is provided prior to
approving development proposals on Indigenous land.
29
Liveable cities and towns
Liveable cities and towns are an important element in maintaining a healthy and
prosperous environment. Well planned, healthy, attractive and vibrant towns and cities
tend to demonstrate a stronger environment and a healthier population.
By ensuring development is balanced and sustainable - that the social benefits are
enduring and the environmental costs minimised - the Northern Territory will meet the
needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their needs.
The primary objective in planning for today’s society is to design a framework that is
sustainable, safe and efficient. This ensures that designs not only meet the diverse needs
of the community, but that they are adaptable to future change. This is particularly
important in light of the changes to our climate and the increasing focus on preserving
the natural environment for the future. As outlined in the National Climate Resilience
and Adaptation Strategy, consideration must include climate risk to ensure decisions
are informed by an understanding of current costs and benefits as well as risks and
opportunities that may arise over time.
The government has a role in coordinating, planning, and delivering cities, towns and
communities that are more productive, sustainable and liveable without compromising
the natural environment and our quality of life.
30
NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
Our aims
Our actions
• Urban planning and
designs promote
sustainable practices
and minimise impacts
on the natural
environment.
• Promote planning principles that integrate ecologically sustainable
development.
• Innovative
technologies are
adopted to increase
efficiency and
sustainability of our
homes and industries.
• Strengthen the integration of land use and transport planning to
support sustainable transport choices.
• Urban designs
are adaptable
and responsive to
current and changing
Northern Territory
climatic conditions.
• Natural spaces are
preserved to nurture
community connection
with nature.
• Progress the Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative to ensure
greater participation and activity in parks and green spaces by all
members of the community, including youth, elderly citizens, migrant
communities, and people with disabilities.
• Promote behavioural change in the community to ensure the
sustainable use of water resources.
•Encourage the use of renewable and alternative energy sources and
promote sustainable energy usage.
• Contribute to national and international efforts to reduce energy
usage, such as promoting energy efficient designs in residential
and commercial areas and the Commonwealth’s vehicle emission
standards.
• Develop a sustainable and active transport system which is
responsive to the environment, and innovative technologies which
encourage walking, cycling and public transport use.
•Introduce education and awareness raising initiatives to reduce the
amount of waste generated.
• Partner with local government and community stakeholders to
enhance future cities planning.
•Implement appropriate land use planning principles to protect native
habitat and areas of important biodiversity.
• Strengthen and improve standards and processes for environmental
regulation.
• Champion the benefits of the environment to social wellbeing and
health by including parks, green spaces and healthy landscapes into
the strategic planning of our cities and towns.
• Promote the protection of places and objects of heritage and cultural
significance.
• Conduct land capability assessments to enhance our knowledge and
understanding of our environment.
31
How we will achieve a
balanced environment
The Northern Territory Government has identified five enablers
which will create the operating environment the Northern Territory
community needs to accomplish our environmental goals. These
enablers will optimise our ability to collectively achieve the overall vision
of a healthy and resilient environment.
32
NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
Improving the
environmental
regulatory system
Government is responsible for
developing and implementing
a robust and transparent
environmental regulatory
system to strike the right
balance between development
and the protection of our
environment.
Our regulatory system must
be trusted by the community,
but at the same time create
an attractive operating
environment for industry by
providing certainty through
transparent, consistent and
timely decision-making.
The Northern Territory’s
environmental regulatory
system assesses potential
environmental impacts of
planned developments, and
provides for adequate control
and mitigation measures
to be put in place during
development, construction
and operation. While we have
strong regulation in place, we
are committed to improving
this by implementing the
reforms recommended by Dr
Allan Hawke which will assist
us to continue to strengthen
and improve our regulatory
environment.
To achieve an improved
environmental regulatory system,
government will:
1. Work with stakeholders and partners to ensure that projects
undertaken in the Northern Territory minimise impacts on the
natural environment.
2. Support a culture of continuous improvement, therefore
ensuring the regulatory system supports best practice, both
now and into the future.
3. Ensure our legislation reflects our commitment to the
environment.
4. Facilitate a culture within the public sector which supports a
balance between development and environmental protection.
5. Develop a coordinated, transparent and consistent approach to
environmental protection across all levels of Government.
6. Streamline and simplify regulatory processes, while
maintaining sound assessment practices for the ongoing
protection of the environment.
33
Improving our
engagement with
the community and
industry
34
The government provides
services to engage landholders in
leading practice management for
the sustainable use of resources,
which also ensures improved
landholder compliance with
legislation. We are committed to
working with and empowering
landholders, industry and the
community to support best
practice land management
outcomes. We are also focused
on improving transparency
and communication with the
community to instill confidence
and assurance in the data we use
and the decisions we make.
To enhance our engagement with
the community and industry,
government will:
Government recognises that
we must all be responsible for
our environmental footprint. By
building effective relationships
with industry, stakeholders and
the wider community, we can
encourage everyone to take
responsibility for environmental
outcomes.
5. Forge relationships with industry to encourage project
proponents to become owners of environmental outcomes.
1.Educate and raise awareness within the community to promote
environmental knowledge and stewardship.
2.Empower and engage the local community through forums and
events that promote two-way communication.
3. Provide services and support to engage the landholders and
the broader community in best practice management for the
sustainable use of resources.
4. Encourage Territorians to make a difference by adopting
measures such as the use of energy efficient building design
and technologies, appliances and motor vehicles, recycling,
responsible waste disposal and planting native vegetation.
6.Improve collaboration across all levels of government to ensure
consistent and robust risk assessment strategies to address
key threats to the environment.
NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
Strategic planning
Government is committed to
ensuring strategic planning and
policy design is based on sound
environmental knowledge.
Our strategic land use plans
identify priority areas for
land use and release, with
affected stakeholders provided
with the opportunity to
contribute to the plans through
participation in workshops
and providing feedback
to discussion drafts. Our
planning and decision-making
processes are transparent and
development applications are
subject to robust, risk-based
environmental assessment and
approval processes.
To support effective strategic
planning, government will:
1. Strengthen our strategic decision making so that
environmental risks and impacts are appropriately considered
when decisions are made.
2. Adopt measures to ensure future development is ecologically
sustainable.
3. Clearly identify environmental conditions and the level of
environmental risk associated with development.
4. Develop innovative and adaptive management solutions.
5. Strengthen long-term strategic land use and planning so that
environmental considerations – including threatened species
impacts – are taken into account when strategic land use
decisions are made.
6.Regularly review decisions to assess their contribution towards
a balanced environment.
35
Demonstrating
our commitment
by investing in
managing our
environment
36
From weed management to
feral animal control, from water
allocation plans to land use
mapping, government invests
in a range of environmental
management systems.
Government is continuing
to support conservation
initiatives, and directs
resources towards priority
environmental programs. These
include contemporary fire
management regimes, adaptive
weed management programs,
renewable energy technology
in remote communities, ecotourism and research projects.
To demonstrate our commitment
to managing our environment,
government will:
Government will continue to
support initiatives and direct
resources towards priority
environmental and conservation
programs. Government will
also continue investigating
opportunities for co-investment
and leveraging Commonwealth
Government and private
sector funding to invest in
environmental management
programs.
6. Collaborate with industry and the community to identify
new and novel opportunities to address key challenges
and opportunities in remote areas, such as through Desert
Knowledge Australia.
1. Continue to invest in high priority environmental projects and
programs.
2. Lever industry and public sector capital spending.
3.Encourage industry to fund programs aimed at mitigating the
residual impacts of operational and development activities.
4. Ensure that proponents are able to sufficiently fund and
implement effective rehabilitation and remediation programs
at the conclusion of works.
5. Invest in research to improve our knowledge of the natural
environment, while identifying knowledge gaps.
NORTHERN TERRITORY BALANCED ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY
Conducting research
and building knowledge
to enable innovative
and adaptive
management practices
Government is building on
its existing knowledge and
expertise through collaboration
and partnerships with
Traditional Owners, research
institutions such as Charles
Darwin University, and subject
matter organisations including
the CSIRO, Geoscience
Australia and the Bureau of
Meteorology. We are also
focused on expanding our
environmental baseline data
and mapping, which will be
achieved through targeted
research and collaboration with
subject matter experts and
research organisations. With
knowledge and understanding
of the current state of the
environment, we can develop
innovative and adaptive
environmental management
solutions.
To build research and knowledge
for innovative and adaptive
management practices, government
will:
We recognise the need for
data to be robust, transparent
and accessible. We will
continue to work with industry
stakeholders, other levels of
government and the community
to improve data sharing
arrangements and to promote
two way communications with
our partners and stakeholders.
6. Integrate our knowledge of environmental assets and threats
(fire, weeds, feral animals, pollution and nutrient inputs, etc.)
to develop strategic and adaptive approaches to managing the
environment as a holistic system.
1. Continue to expand our environmental baseline data and
mapping through targeted research and collaboration with
subject matter experts and research organisations.
2. Build knowledge through effective collaboration and
partnerships with Traditional Owners, research institutions
such as Charles Darwin University, and subject matter
organisations including the CSIRO, Geoscience Australia and
the Bureau of Meteorology.
3. Collate scientific evidence and information and apply this
information to the planning and management of natural
systems across all sectors.
4. Ensure agencies have access to the best scientific knowledge
available and that policy decisions are based on robust and
transparent evidence.
5. Ensure land capability assessments are undertaken to enhance
our knowledge and understanding of our environment.
37
Measuring our
progress
We are committed to delivering our vision for a balanced environment – one that
balances protection and sustainable use to maintain a healthy and resilient environment.
Government will monitor progress against the Strategy’s goals and actions, through the
development of an implementation plan outlining the various activities that are being
delivered against this Strategy.
We are committed to a rigorous annual evaluation and reporting process demonstrating
success, areas for improvement and actions that will be undertaken to enhance future
outcomes.
38