Middle Arm’s environmental assessment approved by Tanya Plibersek

Middle Arm’s environmental considerations has received Tanya Plibersek’s tick of approval. Read more for what it means to the precinct.

Middle Arm’s future appears slightly clearer, with its environmental requirements gaining federal approval.

On Tuesday, the Northern Territory Government confirmed Middle Arm’s final Terms of References had been approved by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.

The Terms of Reference for Middle Arm specify what must be included in the Environmental Impact Study to ensure possible impacts of the development are correctly measured and assessed.

Territory Development Minister Eva Lawler described the Terms of Reference as a tool to ensure “no stone goes unturned”.

“Our Territory Labor Government is focused on protecting the environment, creating green energy, boosting job numbers and growing our economy, all of which will be facilitated through the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct,” she said.

“The Terms of Reference for the strategic environmental assessment have been (formulated) through consultation between environmental experts, community members and government bodies to ensure no stone goes unturned throughout the environmental assessment process.”

NT government confirmed the Terms of References draft had been made public last year for community input, in which 30 submissions were examined in detail.

Ms Lawler maintained Middle Arm would aid in the “fight against climate change”.

“This precinct is an economic enabler which leverages the Territory’s significant abundance of natural resources and critical minerals which are key in the fight against climate change,” she said.