Thirst to solve Darwin’s water problem: Dams the answer
MAJOR new water infrastructure decisions to solve the problem of future water supply in the greater Darwin region are a step closer
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MAJOR new water infrastructure decisions to solve the problem of future water supply in the greater Darwin region are a step closer with the Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage (AROWS) preliminary assessment now complete.
The preliminary assessment says water supply in the greater Darwin region is not sufficient to meet future demand with more water needed to enable and drive economic growth.
It suggests that because major groundwater resources in the greater Darwin region are already over-allocated and overused, any growth in domestic, stock, agriculture or horticulture demand in the rural region will be dependent on new water retention infrastructure.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said the preliminary assessment had identified options to be considered in a detailed business case.
Northern Territory Infrastructure Planning and Logistics and Water Security Minister Eva Lawler said the NT government was pleased to be working with the Australian government to investigate the feasibility of possible water infrastructure projects that support “our regions now and into the future”.
Mr McCormack said the business case – now under way and scheduled for completion in late 2021 – would provide the detailed information needed to allow potential water infrastructure investments in the region.
“It will assess the potential for AROWS and other storage options to provide secure, reliable and cost-effective water to meet future water demand,” Mr McCormack said. “The business case will also thoroughly investigate the market demand and infrastructure needs for the project to best support economic development in the Darwin region.”
Ms Lawler said projects such as the Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage played an important role in increasing water security for the Darwin region.
“The Territory government has been keeping up the momentum to accelerate preparatory works for the AROWS project such as planning, site investigation and environmental studies,” she said.
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CLP senator for the Northern Territory Dr Sam McMahon said the Australian government’s $2m investment for the AROWS business case forms part of its nationwide commitment for water infrastructure projects.
“Projects such as AROWS will drive economic development in the NT and create badly needed jobs for the Top End,” Senator McMahon said. “This funding will help increase water security in areas where extensive irrigated agriculture already exists, while also helping unlock new agricultural regions, especially here in Australia’s North.”
Visit https://watersecurity.nt.gov.au/
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