Darwin Harbour is one of the Territory's great natural assets, and the latest annual water quality report show that it's in great shape.
Home to a diverse range of flora, fauna and marine life, the harbour also plays a key economic role for various industries, including tourism, fisheries, transport and exports.
For locals, it's a favoured location for sailing, fishing and boating.
The 2021 Darwin Harbour Water Quality Report shows the harbour's water is as good as it's been since monitoring began in 2009.
Seven of nine monitoring locations returned the highest "A" rating for water quality.
No aquatic pest incursions have been detected in the latest monitoring period.
Water quality this year improved at Middle Arm and Myrmidon Creek, while at Buffalo Creek Power and Water Corporation continues to work on minimising the impact of the Leanyer-Sanderson wastewater treatment plant.
Territory Labor is rolling out the largest environmental regulatory reform since self-government to ensure strong protections and ecologically sustainable development of this and other important natural resources.
The Darwin Harbour region includes Port Darwin and Shoal Bay, and with its catchments covers 3230km2 of land and water.
The full report card can be found online here: Darwin Harbour water quality report 2021 | Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security here.
Quotes from Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security, Lauren Moss:
"Our beautiful Darwin Harbour is loved by Territorians and it's reassuring to see it in such great shape, but we can't be complacent.
"Territory Labor is introducing the reforms needed to preserve and protect the harbour for the enjoyment of future generations, while allowing ecologically sustainable economic development to benefit all Territorians."
"Careful monitoring and management is critical to ensuring that we can all continue to enjoy the harbour for what it has to offer in terms of recreation as well as future economic activities."
Northern Territory Government
