Darwin rural water regulation strategy

The Darwin rural water regulation strategy aims to improve water resource management in the Darwin Rural Adelaide River water control district.

Better management will:

This also applies to the former water control district.

Key elements and actions

The strategy includes the following 4 key elements.

Regulatory reform

Two changes to the Water Act 1992:

provide a streamlined avenue for eligible water users to apply for a water extraction licence
limit over-allocation through new restricted water extraction areas.

Recalibrate allocations

Read about the groundwater management zones via the Territory Stories website.

This only applies to the former district.

Regulate unlawful water use

Prioritise engagement with water users in the area.
Officers will conduct site inspections and make direct contact with unlicensed water users.
Streamline a free application process for eligible applicants for 2 years from:
- 1 August 2023 for former district
- 30 July 2024 for current district.
Compliance and enforcement action will be considered for those water users who must be licensed but fail to apply for a licence during this time from:
- 31 July 2025 for former district
- 29 July 2026 for current district.

Recover excess water

Review of the reported water usage of current licence holders NT wide.
Current licence holders that meet the criteria of water recovery will be notified and invited to respond before a decision to recover water is made
Recovery of water will become an ongoing standard process.

The Department of Lands, Planning and Environment will lead the strategy implementation over 3 years.

Water resource officers will be available to assist all water users in determining their licensing and planning requirements.