COMMUNITY GRANTS
MINIMISING ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINTS OF DEVELOPMENT
The NT is recognised and valued for its relatively intact natural environments. Our water, beaches and air are in a more pristine condition than those of more populous and developed parts of Australia and our landscapes and waterways retain much of their integrity.
Nevertheless, the future prosperity of the Territory depends upon continuing economic and infrastructure development, which, if not carefully managed, could result in degraded environmental conditions.
Urban expansion and growth of towns and communities will place more demands on resources and pressure on the natural
GOAL
Within 10 years, energy and water efficiency have improved to be equal with comparable areas in Australia and offsets are utilised for high priority NRM activities.
environment. Pollution risks include: the contamination of water systems with chemicals or heavy metals from mine sites; nutrients from agriculture; and wastewater and pollutant discharges and debris from marine vessels.
Compared with other jurisdictions in Australia, the NT does not have a good record when it comes to energy and water efficiency, with our per person water and energy consumption being the highest in the country.
Minimising the environmental footprint of these developments requires a focus on energy and water use efficiency and minimising pollution and waste. There is clearly scope for improving water efficiency. In cases where approved development cannot avoid causing some environmental degradation, this needs to be offset by an investment in programs to improve environmental conditions elsewhere. This program aims to encourage an increased focus on and understanding between all stakeholders about the opportunities of offsets to fund NRM and conservation activities between all stakeholders
WHAT WE NEED TO DO
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Promote development approval processes, plans and policies to establish clear strategies for urban and peri-urban development that minimises ecological damage and maximises community involvement
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Assess procedures for current hazardous substance handling and emergency response and improve where necessary
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Develop a clear direction to offset activities that increases investment into priority NRM activities
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Develop and support strategies that minimise environmental and cultural impacts of tourism and recreational users on the environment through collaboration with key recreational user groups
HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS
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Monitor trends in per capita water and power consumption and better target key areas where efficiencies are most likely to be achieved
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Assess the type and amount of funds from offsets invested into NRM activities
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Determine the percentage of energy deriving from renewable sources and assess the level that policies support the uptake of incentives for renewable energy
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Calculate the number of accredited green tourism programs and level of engagement of recreational user groups in sustainability measures
REGIONAL PLANS TO MINIMISE THE ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINTS OF DEVELOPMENT
There is a different emphasis relevant to its people, environments and industries for the four major regions in the Northern Territory.
Click on your region to see your regional plan to minimise the ecological footprints of development:
