Conserving NT Living Rivers for all time: a proposal
02 Aug 2006
The Northern Territory's icon rivers would be conserved for all users for all time through a new Living Rivers Act under a landmark proposal.
The report "A way forward on developing a Living Rivers program for the Northern Territory" was developed by WWF-Australia and the Environment Centre NT.
"The Territory's rivers are the envy of Australia and the world. They need strong legal protection to keep them healthy for everyone," said Dr Stuart Blanch, Freshwater Manager, WWF-Australia and joint author of the report.
="The Territory Government promised a Living Rivers program with legislative teeth at the last election. Our proposal shows a way forward to do this," Dr Blanch said.
"No-one wants the Territory's rivers to be degraded by poor management and bad planning so that they end up like the Murray or the Ord River," said joint author Dr Gary Scott, Freshwater Campaigner, Environment Centre NT.
"This proposal would ensure Territory rivers remain environmentally healthy for all time to maintain the cultural and recreational values we all enjoy," Dr Scott said.
The report proposes:
- A Living Rivers Act to be developed by the end of 2007.
- A comprehensive Territory Rivers Assessment to guide selection of Living Rivers.
- Prohibiting new dams and in-stream mining on Living Rivers and tributaries, and clearing native vegetation in buffer zones and adjacent wetlands.
- Mandating stronger assessments for major developments in the entire catchments of a Living River, such as major water extraction and land clearing.
- Strong community engagement including culturally appropriate consultation with Indigenous communities and protecting their rights and interests.
- A goal of listing ten Living Rivers by 2010, or about one-third of Territory rivers.
"Declaring a Living River would recognise its outstanding values and provide great prestige for the catchment community which would attract funds for management and tourism dollars," Dr Scott said.
"A Living Rivers Act would give the election commitment to 'Conserve the Daly' strong legal backing. It would also guarantee Territorians that their rivers will be conserved by future governments," Dr Blanch said.
Find out more
Download the proposal from WWF's website, or visit the Environment Centre NT website.
Dr Stuart Blanch, Freshwater Manager, WWF-Australia
Mobile: 0427 957 868
Dr Gary Scott, Freshwater Campaigner, Environment Centre NT
Phone: 0439 373 386
Jacqueline McArthur, Media Communications Manager, WWF-Australia
Phone: 02 9281 5515
Mobile: 0408 626 780
Email: jmcarthur@wwf.org.au
