The Darwin Harbour region is the Northern Territory’s most densely populated area, supporting the Territory’s largest concentration of commerce and industry.

Darwin Harbour is a working harbour with ongoing development. It is recognised as playing a pivotal role in the economy of the Northern Territory.

While Darwin Harbor has economic value, however the environmental, cultural and recreational values cannot not be underestimated.

The Darwin Harbour region includes Port Darwin and Shoal Bay and covers 3,227km of land and water. It extends from Charles Point to Gunn Point, including the estuarine areas, tributaries and catchment areas of:

• Cox Peninsula
• Woods Inlet
• West Arm
• Middle Arm
• East Arm and
• the Howard River.

• The Darwin Harbour Advisory Committee (the committee) was first formed in 2002.
• The committee's role is to oversee the development and subsequent implementation of a Plan of Management for Darwin Harbour and its catchment.
• 2003 – the Darwin Harbour Regional Plan of Management was released.
• 2007 – a review of the committee and its Regional Plan of Management was undertaken to identify future priorities and how the Plan can be effectively implemented.
• 2009 – a new terms of reference and statement of expectations was released for the committee with a revitalised focus on sustainable development and the long-term protection of the Darwin Harbour.
• 2010 – the NT Government endorsed the 2010 Darwin Harbour Strategy superseding the 2003 Darwin Harbour Regional Plan of Management.
• 2013 – the committee was disbanded by the former government.
• 2016 – the NT Government committed to reinstating the committee as outlined in the Protecting our Marine Environment Policy. It was identified that the committee would develop a community led, integrated plan of management for Darwin Harbour, and specifically a plan to protect vital habitats like mangroves which are at threat from climate change.
• 2017 – the second iteration of the committee was formed.
• 2020 - The NT Government endorsed the Darwin Harbour Strategy 2020 - 2025