Lands, Planning and Environment NT

As the year comes to a close, we would like to advise you that our offices will be closed from Tuesday 24 December 2024 and will reopen on Thursday 2 January 2025. Thank you for your support as we work to achieve a strong economy and healthy environment that benefits all Territorians. We extend our warmest wishes to you and your family for the festive season. For more information please visit: 📣 Securent 🚗 @roadreportnt 🌧 @bureauofmeteorology

Last day to pick up your free herbicide allocation before the Christmas Period closure. The team will be at Freds Pass Reserve today (Saturday 21 December) from 8am to 12pm The team will be taking a break from Monday 23 December and will reopen Monday 6 January 2025 Check out nt.gov.au/gamba to find out other herbicide pickup outlets.

Did you know that the best time to treat gamba grass is before it begins to seed and the leaves begin to dry? Have you ever questioned if you're spraying your gamba grass correctly? Check out this video on the best way to spray gamba.

♻️ Reactiveness turned into proactiveness: NT EPA focuses on waste transfer station compliance ♻️ In June, Environmental Regulators identified demolition waste containing asbestos at the Howard Springs and Humpty Doo Transfer Stations—facilities not licensed to store asbestos. Immediate action was taken to address the issue: ✅ impacted material was contained following directions issued to Litchfield Council. ✅ warnings were issued to prevent future non-compliances. ✅ Environment Protection Licences were updated with new performance conditions to prevent unlicensed waste streams. The NT EPA, working in collaboration with Worksafe NT, remains committed to regulating in line with PACTT principles: proportionate, accountable, consistent, targeted, and transparent. Looking ahead, our Regulation team has launched a proactive campaign to help waste transfer stations improve their environmental compliance and outcomes. This initiative is part of our 2024-25 Compliance Plan, demonstrating our commitment to supporting those who comply and taking action against non-compliance. Have questions about compliance? Contact us—we’re here to help! 🌱 Read the full story: https://vist.ly/3mq65w6 #environmentalcompliance #sustainability #wastemanagement #NTEPA #territoryenvironment

It’s time to spray your gamba grass! Have you ever questioned if you're mixing your herbicide correctly? Check out this video on the best way to mix your herbicide. Be sure to wear proper safety gear when mixing and using herbicide. Happy spraying over the holidays. nt.gov.au/gamba #gambagrass

🌍 Environment officers assess compliance at remote east arnhem landfills and sewage facilities 🌍 In early November, three officers from the Environmental Regulation Division conducted an inspection blitz across East Arnhem Land, visiting Milingimbi, Gapuwiyak, and Galiwinku to ensure that local landfill and sewage treatment facilities are operating to required standards for public health and environmental protection. The inspections focused on: Three sewage treatment facilities managed by Power and Water Corporation, ensuring compliance with Water Discharge Licences. Local landfills operated by the East Arnhem Regional Council, offering support and guidance to improve environmental practices. The Milingimbi landfill, which was licensed under the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act in late 2023, marking the first compliance review since licensure. In Gapuwiyak and Galiwinku, where landfills remain unlicensed, the officers offered advice on the path to future licensing and improved environmental outcomes. These inspections are part of our commitment to being a PACTT (proportionate, accountable, consistent, targeted, and transparent) regulator. Our continued presence in remote regions is a priority, with additional inspections planned into 2025 as part of the 2024-2025 Compliance Plan. Read the full story: https://vist.ly/3mpyv66 #environmentalregulation #wastemanagement #sustainability #EastArnhemLand #NTEPA #territoryenvironment

The Gamba Action Program will be closed over the Christmas Period from Monday 23 December 2024 and will reopen on Monday 6 January 2025. This is the last week to pick up your free herbicide allocation before we close for the Christmas holidays. The Freds Pass distribution outlet will be open on Monday (16 December), and Friday (20 December) from 7.30am to 10:30am and 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Last day for herbicide collection prior to Christmas closure will be Saturday (21 December 2024). Opening times 8am – 12 Midday. Check out nt.gov.au/gamba to find out other herbicide pickup outlets.

Come down and see the team at Freds Pass Reserve today (Saturday 14 December) from 8am to 12pm. Check out nt.gov.au/gamba to find out other herbicide pickup outlets!

Development Consent Authority Specialist Member nominations now open! Are you passionate about development, the environment and town planning in the Northern Territory? Applications are now open for a Territorian who wants to contribute to decisions about how their town develops to apply to be a Specialist Member of the Development Consent Authority (DCA). As a Specialist Member you will play an integral role in the community by reviewing, considering and determining development applications within the relevant division areas, and contributing to the growth and progress of the Northern Territory. The position is financially remunerated and DCA meetings ordinarily are held every month except for the Darwin division which meets every two weeks. The Batchelor and Tennant Creek divisions meet on an as needs basis (less frequent). To find out more and how to apply visit https://vist.ly/3mpqyn9 Applications close Friday 24 January 2025.

🌏 Midterm review confirms success of Oolloo water allocation plan 🌏 The midterm review of the Oolloo Dolostone Aquifer Water Allocation Plan (2019–2029) has been completed and approved by the Minister for Water Resources! This review confirms the plan’s continued success in achieving its objectives, based on sound science, and suitability to remain in force for the next five years. 🌊 Key highlights: • the plan covers 5,277 km² in the Daly River Basin, supporting agriculture and protecting important cultural and ecological sites. • monitoring includes 14 surface water gauging sites and 40 bores, integrated into a cutting-edge water model reviewed by the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training. • despite increased water use, groundwater levels and river flows remain well above long-term averages. The review identified three priority actions to enhance management and inform the development of the next plan. 💡 Why this matters: Water allocation plans are vital for sustainable water management under the Water Act 1992. By reviewing plans every five years, we ensure they remain effective and adapt to changing conditions. This success highlights the strength of collaborative water management efforts in the Northern Territory. 🌱 Read the full story: https://vist.ly/3mpqx25 #waterallocation #sustainabledevelopment #DalyRiverBasin #environmentalmanagement #territoryenvironment #Oolloo