The Finocchiaro CLP Government will introduce legislation to establish an industry-funded ambient air quality monitoring regime for the Darwin airshed.
Changes to the Environment Protection Act 2019 will enable the air quality monitoring network to measure for industrial pollutants for the first time.
Clear and accessible monitoring and reporting of industrial pollutants is essential for strengthening public confidence and upholding environmental standards.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government will introduce legislation to deliver the Territory's first-ever public monitoring and reporting of specific industrial pollutants in the Darwin airshed.
This is the first time that air quality monitoring to measure for industrial pollutants associated with hydrocarbon processing facilities, such as benzene, has been introduced in the Territory's monitoring network, with the data to be available online.
The Territory network currently only measures a more limited range of common air pollutants focused on emissions from transport, dust and bushfire smoke.
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne said human health was the top priority and Territorians deserved transparency regarding air quality in the Darwin airshed, including Darwin, Palmerston and surrounding communities.
"Industrial activity is vital to economic growth and jobs, but maintaining public confidence requires transparent monitoring and reporting of industrial emissions and pollutants," he said.
"That's why our government is proposing changes to develop an improved monitoring program, which will provide the community with greater certainty and evidence-based communication about air quality in real time."
Minister Burgoyne said the changes would allow Territorians to view real-time air quality data on industrial pollutants like benzene via the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA) website.
"What is really important is we are ensuring Territorians do not foot the bill for this program or associated costs such as new air quality monitoring stations that may be established or upgrades to existing stations - this will be cost recovered from industry," he said.
"During our year of growth, certainty and security, we are delivering outcomes that matter to Territorians. That means supporting industry, investment and jobs while ensuring strong transparency and accountability measures are in place for community health and wellbeing."
The announcement has been welcomed by the Chair of the NT EPA Paul Vogel, who said the NT EPA strongly supports the government's decision to upgrade the air quality monitoring network.
"An expanded network measuring an increased array of air pollutants will provide the community with much greater confidence that their health is protected from air pollution and will also enable the NT EPA to validate predictive modelling used in assessing development proposals," he said.
NT Health "welcomes this announcement that will provide independent and transparent emissions data to safeguard human health, while allowing for responsible development."
The Environment Legislation Amendment (Air Quality Protection and Monitoring) Bill 2026 is expected to be introduced to Parliament later this year.
