New Finocchiaro Government has an opportunity to protect Northern Territory rivers

Conservation groups have asked the incoming Finocchiaro Government to fix the Northern Territory’s broken water system and to act to protect iconic river systems.

“Our Top End rivers support the livelihoods of local communities, culture, and world-class tourism and fishing. They are essential to the health of endangered turtles and sawfish, as well as barramundi, prawn and crab industries,” said Mitch Hart, NT Manager for the Pew Charitable Trusts.

“But thirsty industries from down south are continuing to push to take more water

and bulldoze land alongside our most iconic rivers. Our water laws are failing to protect iconic Top End rivers like the Roper and Daly. The newly elected Finocchiaro Government is now faced with the perfect opportunity to correct systemic governance failures and act to protect Top End rivers.”

“It’s time that we restore integrity and public trust to the water management system. The Northern Territory’s savanna is a national treasure and the world’s largest remaining intact tropical woodland – but it’s at risk of being bulldozed by cotton producers. Big cotton devastated the Murray Darling Basin – we mustn’t be bullied into making the same mistakes here.”

“Territorians have made it clear they don’t want to see what has occurred down south happen to Top End rivers. 72.5% of NT residents say large cotton companies shouldn’t be allowed to expand operations until they fix the problems they have caused in the Murray Darling Basin.”

“It was welcome to see the County Liberal Party commit to no new dams, but these special rivers are still under threat and the incoming government needs to listen to the community and protect our rivers.”

“It is essential that the new NT Government fix our broken water laws, increase transparency and community engagement in water decision-making and ensure our Territory rivers and floodplains are protected for future generations,” said Mr Hart.