Water controller
The Controller of Water Resources is appointed by the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Water Security.
Their decision-making is directed by the Water Act 1992 and relevant Northern Territory Government policy.
On 1 May 2023, Andrew Johnson PSM was appointed the Controller of Water Resources. Read about Mr Johnson PSM.
Role of department
The department looks after the assessment and monitoring of the Territory's water resources in line with legislation.
It supports the controller by providing evidence-based scientific and regulatory advice for the controller to make informed decisions.
Role of controller
The controller may delegate their powers and functions (s19) from time to time. Delegated powers and functions are shown with an asterisk (*).
The controller has the power to:
- enter land to construct, maintain, repair or remove works fit for the investigation, use control, protection or management of water (s20)
- appoint an authorised officer (s21) - read policy PDF (736.4 KB)
- refer matters to a Water Advisory Committee (s23)
- issue a remediation notice if a person has contravened the Act (s33A) or take action to recover costs (s33D)*
- ensure that a continuous program for the assessment of water resources of the Territory is carried out
- including the investigation, collection, collation and analysis of data about the occurrence, volume, flow, characteristics, quality, flood potential and use of water resources (s34)
- give directions (s70)*
- approve the use of a bore where costs have been borne by the Territory (s81)
- recover unpaid moneys (s84)
- provide advice to the minister with regard to emergency powers and take certain actions (s96 and s97)
- approve proceedings for an offence against the Act (s105)*.
The controller can also grant a permit or licence for the following:
- explore for water (s36)
- interfere with a waterway (s41)
- take surface water (s45)
- drilling (s49)*
- bore work (s57)
- take groundwater (s60)
- take groundwater for hydraulic fracturing (s60A)
- underground water disposal licence (s63)
- recharge licence (s67)
- grant a developer a licence to take water (s71G) and subsequent licences (s71H)
- waste discharge licence (s74).
They can also amend*, change or revoke a licence (s93).
When a delegated decision is published, information about who made the decision will be available at that time.
Regulatory statements
Read regulatory statements made by the controller on:
Contact
If you have any questions, contact the Water Resources office.