The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering on its commitment to restore the Territory lifestyle by enabling rural development, accommodating the diverse needs and aspirations of rural residents.
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment, Joshua Burgoyne, has declared a Restricted Water Extraction Area (RWEA) over the Howard South Groundwater Management Zone.
With the declaration of the RWEA, potential subdivision projects that were previously restricted due to groundwater limitations, may now be able to proceed.
"In our year of action, certainty and security, we are listening to the concerns of rural residents and allowing people who wish to sub-divide their property to do so, while strengthening protections for our environment and water resources," he said.
Anyone subdividing land within the RWEA will need to secure an alternative source of water to support the additional land titles created as a result of the subdivision.
For example, if one lot is subdivided into 4 lots, groundwater extraction will be allowed on one lot, with alternate sources of water needed to be provided on the remaining 3 lots.
The number of land titles on which owners and occupiers have the right to access water remains the same, meaning there is no additional pressure on the groundwater resource and security of supply is increased for existing water users.
"For too long, Labor wrapped up development in red tape and limited rural landholders who wanted the opportunity to develop their land." Mr Burgoyne said.
"This approach balances land use opportunities, including subdivision, with the need to protect the long-term sustainability of the shared groundwater resource.
"By preventing new demand on groundwater, we can preserve water security for existing users and ensure development happens in a responsible, planned way.
"This is about respecting rural landowners, listening to their concerns, and delivering the practical solutions Labor never could."
McMinns Lagoon resident, Ian Bell, welcomed the Government's decision to allow landowners in the RWEA to subdivide their property.
"This common-sense decision is a long time coming and gives people like myself, who are not large developers, the ability to subdivide our land with appropriate water storage methods." he said.
"We have no alternative water supply, and reticulating town water to our property is estimated to cost $800,000.
"Allowing rainwater tanks on subdivided properties brings the Northern Territory back into step with the rest of the country."
Land holders will need to secure an alternative source of water to support the additional land titles created as a result of subdivision.
Sources of water will vary by location and may include access to reticulated services like those provided by Power and Water, or rainwater tanks.
