The Northern Territory Government is working to secure the Darwin region's future water supply.
Today, the Northern Territory Government announced a new Community Reference Group to represent and discuss matters of community interest related to the Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program.
The group will provide a mechanism to share community feedback with government, help to build community understanding of the Infrastructure Program and communicate project development progress to the wider community.
Members have been selected based on their expert knowledge, experience and ability to represent the local community directly impacted by the project.
There are 12 members appointed on an initial two-year term:
Darryl Day, Director Wongulla Waters Pty Ltd (Chair)Gary Higgins, former NT Minister and local residentDheran Young MLA, Member for Daly Kezia Purick MLA, Member for Goyder Joe Martin-Jard, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Land CouncilPaul Burke, Chief Executive Officer, NT FarmersGreg Ireland, Chief Executive Officer, Chamber of Commerce NTRuth Palmer, Public Officer, Lake Bennett Community Association Inc.Stephen Hoyne, Chief Executive Officer, Litchfield CouncilDavid Ciaravolo, Chief Executive Officer, Amateur Fishing Association of the NTAnna Malgorzewicz, Chief Executive Officer, Coomalie Community Government CouncilKaren May, Chief Executive Officer, Territory Natural Resource Management
If further community representation is required as the Infrastructure Program progresses, additional members may be added to the group.
The program will provide long term water security for the Darwin region, supplying up to 67.5 gigalitres of additional water each year and has two components, detailed in a business case that investigated the Darwin region's future water supply requirements:
Manton Dam Return to Service (RTS) - short-term water supply with a development timeframe of 3-4 yearsThe Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage (AROWS) project - long-term water supply, with a development timeframe of 7-10 years
This program aligns with the NT Government's draft Northern Territory Strategic Water Plan that will soon be released for consultation, supporting delivery of the Government's commitment to deliver the Territory's first long-term, comprehensive plan for water security across the NT.
