The Northern Territory Government has released a tender for a lead environmental consultant to undertake an environmental assessment for the Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage (AROWS) infrastructure project and also produce a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Ensuring a rigorous environmental assessment is essential to supporting the viability of this important project.
The lead environmental consultant will build on the preliminary environmental assessment and studies completed to date by the Power Water Corporation.
The final EIS will inform government as to whether additional environmental or regulatory approvals need to be undertaken for the AROWS project.
Community consultation and securing key regulatory approvals is essential before a decision can be made to deliver the project.
The Northern Territory Government is committed to ensuring that future water infrastructure projects are developed in a sustainable manner that minimises the potential impact on the environment.
To ensure this each stage of the environmental impact assessment process will be assessed in line with requirements under the Northern Territory Environment Protection Act 2019 and Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, to inform the final EIS
The AROWS project is the largest water infrastructure project in the Northern Territory’s history and it is proposed to be Darwin’s next major water supply source to provide water security to our community.
As an off-stream water storage project, AROWS takes an innovative approach to provide complementary outcomes of water availability and environmental sustainability.
The Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission (TERC) identified that a step change in the Territory’s approach to water is needed to support the Territory’s target of a $40 billion economy by 2030.
Investment in enabling water supply infrastructure will support the realisation of the Territory’s economic target.
It is also important that we develop sustainable solutions that protect our environment and maintain our great Territory lifestyle.
For further information and to register for the industry briefing email WaterInfrastructure.DITT@nt.gov.au
The Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program - Stage 1 is jointly funded by the Australian and Northern Territory governments, delivered in partnership with Power and Water Corporation.
Shaun Drabsch, CEO Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
“The NT Government is committed to delivering safe drinking water for all Territorians, as well as enabling economic development through irrigated agriculture and industry expansion.”
“It is also important that we develop sustainable solutions that protect the environment and our great Territory lifestyle.”
“Environmental considerations are critical in the development of the AROWS project and the Territory Government will always ensure our environmental processes are robust.”
“Sustainable outcomes and environmental protection of the Adelaide River and surrounds are paramount for planning for this infrastructure project and will be a key feature of the EIS.”
“Stakeholder consultation is also important and there will be opportunities for the community to provide input through this process.”
Source: Department of Industry, Tourism & Trade
