The department includes the key functions that foster and protect the environment and natural resources in the Northern Territory. Find out more
Website under review
Following the change in government, the information on this website is being reviewed.
What we are doing
Adelaide River water advisory committee appointed
Members of the Adelaide River Water Advisory Committee have been appointed by the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security, an important next step in the department’s development of a water plan for the region.
Botanical conservation at the Desert Park
Alice Springs Desert Park is one of three of the Northern Territory’s botanical gardens and part of the Australian Seed Bank Partnership and Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Botany and Herbarium staff are testing 73 species of seed to assess germination viability.
Cabomba and crocodiles
Lok Landji Billabong, located on a section of the freshwater Darwin River, has been surveyed by the Weed Management Branch since 2004 for cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana).
Casuarina Coastal Reserve declared a national park
The Reserve has officially been declared a park and has grown to include an extra 34 ha with the addition of Lot 9458, previously managed by Department Infrastructure Planning and Logistics.
Northern Territory Government Water Demand Management Strategy
The Office of Water Security is excited to announce the release of the Northern Territory Water Demand Management Strategy, a whole-of-government initiative aimed at improving water efficiency and demonstrating Government leadership in water management in the Northern Territory.
Weeds, bugs, and frisbees: the department takes on Eco-Fair 2024
When you mix invasive plants, curious bugs and a touch of educational expertise, you get the Weed Management Branch's (WMB) unforgettable presence at the Jingili Water Gardens for the Eco-Fair 2024.
A unique approach to land resource mapping over many decades delivers for the Northern Territory
Building our knowledge of the Northern Territory’s land resources over many decades using a unique approach to mapping has developed our land-based economy while protecting the environment.
Western Davenport Water Allocation Plan 2024 - 2027 and Katherine Tindall Limestone Aquifer Water Allocation Plan 2024 – 2026 declared
The Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security has declared the Western Davenport Water Allocation Plan 2024 - 2027 and Katherine Tindall Limestone Aquifer Water Allocation Plan 2024 - 2026.
Tangle bins installed at Casuarina Coastal Reserve for those who like to dangle a line
Do you like to dangle a line at Casuarina Coastal Reserve? There are now 2 locations to dispose unwanted fishing gear and rinsed bait bags.
Key stakeholders meet to discuss weeds in the Barkly
The Tennant Creek Weeds Working Group convened a meeting in May to discuss key weed issues.
Over 6,000 megalitres of unused water recovered in Katherine
A total of 6,047 megalitres of unused water entitlements were recently recovered from 9 water licence holders in the Katherine Limestone Aquifer Water Allocation Plan area.
Department staff improve their weed hygiene awareness
Recently staff from the Weed Management Branch, Bushfires NT, Environment Division and Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade completed the National accreditation AHCBIO203 ‘Inspect and clean machinery, tools and equipment to preserve biosecurity’.
Grass Fire Unit (GFU)
Since 2019 Bushfires NT has been working towards establishing a standardised Grass Fire Unit (GFU) as part of a replacement program.
Water demand management strategy
The Northern Territory Government has released its water demand management strategy to improve efficiencies and reduce demand across 16 different agencies.
Managing water in partnership with Territorians
The Department is calling for community members interested in water management, to provide advice to the department and the Minister, on the values (social, cultural and economic values) of the water resources in their area.
Northern Territory release of the long awaited biological control agent for bellyache bush – Stomphastis thraustica
Last month, weed officers from our own Northern Territory Weed Management Branch, collaborated with biosecurity officers from both Queensland and Western Australia, to conduct field trials and release the long-awaited new biological control agent Stomphastis thraustica in the Katherine region.
Declaration of Darwin Rural Adelaide River Water Control District
The boundary of the Darwin Rural Water Control District has been extended to include the Adelaide River catchment.
Water Regulation travels to the Douglas-Daly region
Water Regulation have a yearly KPI to conduct 120 site inspections of water extraction licence holders across the Northern Territory (NT). Water regulation officers aim to attend a range of regional locations and recently attended the Douglas-Daly region which is an important agricultural precinct. Staff carried out inspections on current licence holders in the Oolloo Dolostone Water Allocation Plan area.
Alice Springs young people thrilled to see NT Parks and Wildlife at Career Expo
Over 500 students passed through the NT Parks and Wildlife stall at the Alice Springs VET Career Expo recently.
Pollution response – triage guideline published
The Environmental Regulation Division pollution response triage guideline has been published.
Top End fire danger period has been declared
Rural landholders are being urged to update their property bushfire management and survival plans with the official declaration of the Fire Danger Period.
Weeds and water at the 'Forage to Farming Forum'
A bright, blue-sky day in Katherine set the perfect backdrop for the NT Farmers Forage to Farming Forum, held on Wednesday 12 June at the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre in Katherine East.
State of the water resources 2022-23 for Berry Springs and Katherine
The department has developed status reports, which provides information about the water resource during 2022-23 in the Berry Springs and Katherine water allocation plan areas. These reports provide an overview of the water resource, explain how the resource is tracking, and the management actions that have been undertaken in each area.
Getting Litchfield National Park's Tabletop Track in tip top shape
Hi, I’m Crystal. I recently joined the Northern Australian Parks team as Administration Officer and was offered an opportunity for some field time to help Litchfield National Park rangers prepare the Tabletop Track for visitor season. The track is usually closed at the end of September for the wet season for safety reasons and reopens in the dry season once conditions improve and safety checks have occurred.
Territory Parks Alive!
With the visitor season in full swing, Wednesday 1 May marked the start of Territory Parks Alive 2024!
Volunteer campground hosts give back as they holiday in red desert
Tourist season is underway and so are our volunteer campground hosts!
Weed Management Branch showcases sustainable solutions at George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens Open Day 2024!
The Weed Management Branch (WMB) took the stage at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens Open Day on Sunday, 26 May 2024, captivating a diverse audience with their knowledge and dedication to integrated weed management.
Have your say on the Container Deposit Scheme draft exposure bill
If you regularly purchase drinks in containers that are eligible for a 10c refund, how often do you return the container to collect your refund?
Enjoy your cuppa commute the good good way!
In an exciting step towards a single-use plastic free future for the Northern Territory, 16 cafes are participating in a trial to change the way Territorians drink their favourite morning brew.
Water Resources staff attend aquifer expert workshop
Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) can be an effective groundwater engineering solution for water security.
Release of the Territory Water Plan’s first annual progress report
On Thursday 20 June the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security, Hon Kate Worden MLA released the first annual progress report of the Territory Water Plan.
Man sentenced after pleading guilty to causing a bushfire
A Territory man who pleaded guilty in the NT Supreme Court to illegally starting a fire at Djukbinj National Park 2 years ago has today received a 6-month suspended sentence.
The world’s first Ramsar ‘wetland of significance’ designation was made 50 years ago – and it’s in the Northern Territory
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the designation of Cobourg Peninsula as a Ramsar site - the first Ramsar wetland of international importance to be declared in Australia and internationally.
NT Parks and Wildlife and Australian Defence Force join forces to prepare the Jatbula Trail and Southern Walks for opening
In an impressive demonstration of teamwork, NT Parks and Wildlife Rangers, in collaboration with personnel from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) stationed at RAAF Base Tindal in Katherine, recently embarked on a joint endeavour to service the Jatbula Trail and Southern Walks in Nitmiluk National Park ahead of their upcoming opening.
Volunteers ensure that there is something for everyone in our parks
This year the theme of National Volunteer Week is ‘Something for Everyone’ and the volunteers that walk alongside Parks and Wildlife Division staff help us ensure that our parks and reserves are ready to welcome visitors from around the world.
Visiting Protected Area worker from India
Early this year the Northern Territory Ranger Association, with the support of the department, undertook peer-to-peer fundraising to bring a Ranger (assistant forester) to Australia from India to build capacity, share management techniques (especially for live crocodile capture), knowledge and ideas of the different ways of managing parks and reserves.
Another Typhonium praetermissum season done and dusted!
The Typhonium team within the Flora and Fauna division recently completed another successful field season of Typhonium praetermissum surveys. This data, along with previous years’ data is vital information that contributes to the Conservation Strategy for this species.
Churchill Fellowship to bring best practice environmental regulation to the NT
Last year, Tess Cole-Adams undertook a Churchill Fellowship. She travelled to the UK, Europe and Greenland to meet with best practice environmental regulators.
Rangers attend the 2024 Central Land Council Ranger Camp at Tilmouth Well
Last month NT Parks and Wildlife Rangers from Central Australia Parks were invited to attend the 2024 Central Land Council Ranger Camp at Tilmouth Well.
Science underpinning the Adelaide River ecological assessment
The Water Resources Division has spent the last few months in and around the Adelaide River Catchment collecting the science that will underpin the development of the Adelaide River water allocation plan.
Progress on project to support water infrastructure and housing development in Maningrida
On Thursday 9 May, Rowan Reilly, Director Office of Water Security and Teng Yik, from Power and Water, travelled to Maningrida, located on the Central Arnhem coast at the mouth of the Liverpool River east of Darwin to meet the Hon Linda Burney MP, Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians and Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians to show them the progress being made on upgrades to the community’s water supply system.
Weed surveys on Croker and Goulburn Islands
In April 2024 Weed Officers Shelley Inglis and Russel O’Regan travelled to Croker and Goulburn Islands, northeast of Darwin in the Arafura Sea, to conduct weed surveys with the Northern Land Council (NLC) -funded Garngi and Mardbalk Ranger groups. Rangers were taught weed ID and shown various treatment options to deal with the species present on the island.
Traineeship kick starts career in fire management
A traineeship is a great way to start your career with the Northern Territory Government, as Brendan Flynn from Bushfires NT will attest to. Traineeships are offered to adults as well as school students.
Dr Julia Fortune Senior Scientist Aquatic Health
It’s a good thing Dr Julia Fortune works at Flora and Fauna’s Aquatic Group, because the health of Darwin Harbour is in good hands.
Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Grants Open for Applications
Applications are open for the next round of Northern Territory Government grants to support rescue, care and rehabilitation of native wildlife and release back to their environment.
Recovery of unused licensed water
The recovery of unused water is critical to ensure the sustainability of the Territory’s water resources.
Rangelands and Bushfires NT engage at NT Cattlemen's Association Conference
Rangelands and Bushfires NT Divisions of the department recently participated in the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association 40th Annual General Conference.
Darwin Rural Groundwater Levels
As we approach the dry season in the Top End, it is good to know that our groundwater levels have peaked.
Approach to reforming water resource management laws
The Northern Territory Government’s vision for contemporary legislation that supports sustainable water resource management and builds trust begins with the approach to reform.
Wet season brings lush growth at the George Brown Botanic Gardens
There’s a flurry of activity at George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens after a lively wet season delivered a welcome splash of new growth and with it, a list of challenges and opportunities for the year ahead.
Another ghost net removed from Garig Gunak Barlu National Park waters
NT Parks and Wildlife rangers remove another large ghost net from marine waters within Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the Cobourg Peninsula. These rogue floating nets are a major threat for the marine life that inhabit the protected waters that surround the peninsula.
Working together for generations to come: two draft joint management plans out for public comment
Two Joint Management Plans for Central Australia are now out for public comment. This is an opportunity for the community to have their say on the future management of these Reserves.
Be Crocwise with the Australian Border Force
Community Engagement Ranger Natasha Hoffmann delivered several Be Crocwise presentations to crews of the Australian Border Force (ABF) visiting Darwin, over the last few months.
BirdLife Top End host 'Farewell Shorebirds' event at Lee Point within Casuarina Coastal Reserve
BirdLife Top End event attendees recently celebrated the migratory shorebirds as they prepare to leave the Northern Territory’s coastline after the wet season, and head back into the northern hemisphere. Park rangers assisted by conducting compliance patrols in the area to make sure dog owners in the area were obeying the park rules and not disturbing the birds.
Protecting quandongs and grass trees at Watarrka National Park
The department’s Special Pest Management Projects scheme gives endangered flora some breathing room at Watarrka National Park.
Boosting NT Parks visitor and experience opportunities
Parks have released the Parks Development and Framework Toolkit to help developers realise nature and cultural based opportunities on parks and reserves.
A new platform for delivering Fire Fighting 1 (FF1) Training to Bushfire Brigade Volunteers
Bushfires NT, in conjunction with their third party Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Charles Darwin University (CDU), have developed an online training package to deliver Fire Fighting 1 (FF1) training to Bushfire Brigade Volunteers.
Volunteering at Watarrka National Park, the place to be!
Volunteering at Watarrka National Park gives you a special opportunity to see the park in a way that most visitors will never see, while also being a rewarding and worthwhile experience. Are you up for the adventure?
Training for low level helicopter operations
Wire strike is the main hazard of low level aerial operations, and a consistent cause of injury, death and destruction for crews operating in ‘Wire environments’. 6 Parks and Wildlife Rangers recently took part in a seminar covering ‘Threat and Error Management and Crew Resource Management’ for low level crews operating in a wire environment.
Six new water projects co-funded by National Water Grid Authority
On Thursday 14 March the National Water Grid Authority announced that it has co-funded 6 new projects in the Northern Territory worth over $58 million with the Northern Territory Government and partners.
Territory Water Plan nominated for the Australian Water Association’s Organisational Excellence Award
In 2023, the Office of Water Security finalised the Territory Water Plan. In recognition of their hard work, and together with other government agencies and the Power and Water Corporation, they won the Organisational Excellence Award at the NT Water Awards. The Territory Water Plan is now nominated for this category at the national Australian Water Awards.
Move to Reuse: A step towards sustainability in the Northern Territory
Territorians can get ready to make the Move to Reuse and step towards a circular economy! The recent release of a public tender called for proposals to implement a self-sustaining reuse model aimed at increasing the reuse of food and beverage items across the Northern Territory.
Understanding the Mataranka Water Allocation Plan
The draft Mataranka water allocation plan has been released by the Minister for the Environment and Water Security, for the public to have their say on the proposed limits to the amount of water that can be taken, as well as the water management and trading rules that apply.
Gamba ID workshop
In February 2024 the Northern Territory Weed Management Branch hosted a Gamba ID Workshop as a part of the ICIN 2024 North Australian Savanna Fire Forum.
A first for onshore petroleum inspectors, surveillance from the skies
With recent rainfall causing access restrictions to remote onshore petroleum well sites, inspectors from Petroleum Operations and Weeds Management Branch of the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security took to the skies to conduct their first wet season surveillance exercise across the Beetaloo Sub-basin, via helicopter.
Development Proposals on NT Parks and Reserves
The Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security has developed a policy setting out processes and considerations for developers of commercial proposals.
Water Resources Division respond to Victoria River flood
On 14 January, a tropical low pressure system designated as 03U by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) crossed the north western coast near Wadeye.
Honouring our heroes: unveiling the Bushfires NT memorial
Last year, while attending the St Florian (Patron Saint of Firefighters) service on the Esplanade in Darwin, representing Bushfires NT at the Cenotaph, Bushfires NT staff realised the absence of recognition for Bushfires NT and our dedicated volunteer network at Bushfires NT Headquarters (HQ).
Casuarina Beach named among the best in the country
Casuarina Beach was recently named as one of the top 10 best beaches in the country for 2024.
Botanical workshop held at the Herbarium
On Monday 2 October 2023 the Office of the Supervising Scientist (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) held a botanical workshop with its colleagues from Environmental Resources Australia and Kakadu Native Plants, made possible by the Northern Territory Herbarium (DEPWS), Palmerston.
Building capability in marine emergencies
The two year maritime emergency program is one of the Northern Territory (NT)’s national and international obligations for marine environmental protection and has a heavy focus on marine oil spill management.
Environmental regulation of mining
The department is planning and implementing activities for the commencement of the new environmental (mining) licensing framework established under the Environment Protection Legislation Amendment Act 2023.
New exhibits at the Alice Springs Desert Park
The Alice Springs Desert Park team is excited to share three new exhibits in the Nocturnal House. The Brush-tailed Mulgara, Inland Desert Scorpion and Barking Spider each are fascinating and a little intimidating if you were to find them in the wild.
100th meeting of the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority Board
The Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA) is an independent authority established in 2012, under the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority Act 2012.
The Water Resources appointment system is live!
On 22 November 2023, the Territory Appointment System for Water Resources went live!
Keeping AELERT in the North
On 7 - 8 February 2024, Darwin hosted a meeting of environmental regulators convened by AELERT - the Australasian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulators neTwork.
Let us take care of your holiday plans - become a volunteer caretaker in Limmen National Park
Located on the Roper River, right in the heart of barra country, there is a picturesque campground in need of a new volunteer caretaker or two.
Casuarina Coastal Reserve is growing
Casuarina Coastal Reserve is one of the Territory’s most popular recreational attractions, receiving more than 1.4 million visitors each year.
It’s hotter than a Taylor Swift ticket: busting the myths about the Jatbula Trail booking
Excitement surrounded the release of bookings for the Jatbula Trail on February 6 2024, via the Online Booking System.
Surface water – wet season flows policy announced
The Surface Water – Wet Seasons Flow Policy was announced by the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security, Kate Worden on Thursday 15 February, and introduced a precautionary approach to extracting surface water from the 30 river basins in the Top End.
Management Program for the Saltwater Crocodile in the Northern Territory
The draft of the revised Management Program for the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia is now available for your comments.
Wastewater regulation during the wet season
The Petroleum Operations unit is committed to providing clear information on how the onshore petroleum industry in the Northern Territory is regulated during the wet season.
New furry faces at the Desert Park
The Alice Springs Desert Park celebrated the arrival of some new residents this month. Six Brush-tailed Mulgara joeys (Dasycercus blythi) were delivered in a successful breeding program onsite.
Farewell to a ranger and bushfires extraordinaire!
A bittersweet moment was felt by many in the department last week, as we bid farewell to a cherished colleague who has been an integral part of the team for many years.
Closures during the festive season
The department will commence the annual close down period as of close of business Friday, 22 December 2023 and will reopen on Tuesday, 2 January 2024.
Garig Gunak Barlu National Park rangers undertake marine megafauna research
Garig Gunak Barlu National Park rangers recently worked with Charles Darwin University researchers to undertake boat-based surveys to satellite tag and collect DNA skin samples for sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and manta rays.
Sharona Bishop tells the Be Crocwise story through art
The Parks and Wildlife Community Engagement team takes all important Be Crocwise messages to communities across the Top End, talking to everyone about how to stay safe while they are living in crocodlie country.
Top hydrogeologist Steven Tickell
Steven Tickell is the resident specialist hydrogeologist in the Water Resources division and provides core groundwater knowledge across the geological domains of the NT.
Three wins at Interpretation Australia Awards
Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife staff recently attended the national Interpretation Australia conference in Sydney and took out three major awards at the annual gala dinner and awards night.
Exploring nature together: REALM adventure begins!
Imagine diving deep into the heart of our community, discovering the hidden wonders of our local ecosystems. REALM isn't just about mapping; its about discovery and learning the secrets of our natural world!
Seagrass survey in the Gulf of Carpentaria
Seagrasses are an important part of marine ecosystems in the Northern Territory, providing food, shelter and nursery grounds to many different aquatic species. Despite their name, seagrasses are not ‘true’ grasses.
Water bore drilling in the Northern Territory - complying with the law
Bore work is a regulated activity in the Northern Territory (NT). Regulating bore work helps to protect aquifers, and enables improved understanding of some of the Northern Territory’s most important water resources.
Territory’s response to Climate Change
The previous Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security, Lauren Moss tabled the third annual progress report on PDF (1.4 MB) the Northern Territory (NT) Climate Change Response in Parliament in October 2023.
Gamba Grass Annual Report 2023
The Weed Management Branch have recently released the Gamba Grass Annual Report 2023. This is the third gamba grass annual report that has been released since 2020 reporting on progress against implementation of the Weed Management Plan Gamba Grass 2020 – 2030.
Notice of limited services on 8 December 2023
The Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security will be operating with limited services across the Territory on Friday 8 December due to our annual department meeting.
Empowering Aboriginal rangers: investing in the land and sea for a sustainable future
The Northern Territory's captivating landscapes, rich in natural beauty, biodiversity and cultural heritage, are home to diverse Aboriginal communities and dedicated ranger groups that have safeguarded these lands and seas for generations.
Grants available to grow the circular economy!
Applications for a new grant program to grow the circular economy are now open!
Gamba Action Program begins
The Gamba Action Program (GAP) is now in its 13th year, which continues to provide rural landholders with support in the fight against gamba grass.
Territory Natural Resource Management Conference
Staff from Flora and Fauna and Rangelands Divisions ran a workshop at the Territory Natural Resource Management (TNRM) conference on Tuesday 21 November.
