5 August 2026
Finocchiaro CLP Government has declared the Alice Springs Water Allocation Plan 2026-2036.
This provides certainty for water usage in the Alice Springs region while protecting the environment.
Alice Springs water supply is the primary user under the plan, ensuring water for the community now and into the future.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is providing certainty for water usage in the Alice Springs region, today declaring the Alice Springs Water Allocation Plan 2026-2036.
Following the expiration of the 2016-2026 plan earlier this year, the Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment and Minister for Water Resources, Joshua Burgoyne, has signed off on a new 10-year plan that will manage Alice Springs water now and into the future.
"This plan manages the important water resource for the diverse range of users that rely on water in the Alice Springs region," Minister Burgoyne said.
"Our Government is ensuring water in the Territory can be managed responsibly long into the future as we continue to rebuild and grow the Territory economy."
The Plan is informed by 70 years of surface and groundwater monitoring and assessment by Northern Territory Government water scientists.
"Backed by the best science, this plan ensures the Alice Springs water supply is the primary user and that our important environmental assets like our river redgums are protected," he said.
This is the third iteration of the Alice Springs plan, which will be implemented over a 10-year period, and applies to an area of 4,528km2 within the Alice Springs Water Control District, including the township of Alice Springs and the Amoonguna Community.
The plan area manages groundwater through five water management zones in the area, including the Town, Inner Farm, Outer Farm, Wanngardi and Mereenie.
Key features of the new plan include:
Management zones reduced from 12 to 5 with a focus on groundwater resources to improve governance and management efficiency for water in the region.A total of 1,170ML has been allocated to the Aboriginal Water Reserve across 4 water management zones.
The draft plan underwent community consultation with stakeholders being able to have their say through three pathways - direct interactions, written submissions, and community forums, with feedback incorporated into the finalised plan where appropriate.
To view the Alice Springs Water Allocation Plan 2026-2036 please visit Water allocation plans | NT.GOV.AU here
