INDUSTRY ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
The key natural resource management objective for primary industries is to identify where sustainable practices can improve both profitability and environmental health.
For livestock production, horticulture and broad scale agriculture, sustainable practices mean: ensuring efficient production or harvesting; avoiding overuse of resources such as land, soil, water or grass; managing fire, weeds and feral animal threats; appropriate use of agricultural chemicals; and minimising and managing waste production.
Biosecurity is also vital to the health and development of primary industries in the NT. For commercial fisheries, sustainable practices mean: the efficient harvest of target species; avoiding bycatch or damaging seabed habitats; and minimising and managing waste.
GOAL
Within ten years, more efficient and sustainable practices around the utilisation and management of natural resources are adopted by industry bodies in the Northern Territory, ensuring that people's livelihoods and environmental conditions are benefitting from strong economic growth
Mining makes a valuable contribution to regional and remote economies by providing jobs and purchasing goods and services. The mining industry aims to operate under principles of ecologically sustainable development, making considerable efforts to restrict impacts to within mine sites and to rehabilitate their mining leases as extraction is completed.
However, poor industry frameworks and legislation lead to inappropriate development decisions, as well as deficient operations potentially leading to irreversible environmental decline.
Any expansion of the forestry industry in the NT will require a stronger management and assessment framework.
WHAT WE NEED TO DO
Main priorities in the Northern Territory:
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Increase community involvement in biosecurity activities particularly around coastlines and border areas
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Provide forums and opportunities that promote the adoption of best practice in primary industries through monitoring, knowledge sharing, adoption of new technology, training and innovation
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Instigate partnerships between the NRM community and the mining industry regarding mine rehabilitation and offset programs
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Implement adaptation planning for the likely impacts of climate change on industry
HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS
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Assess the number of industry driven extension programs developed and implemented that improve sustainability and profitability
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Conduct and evaluate follow-up surveys of participant of industry-driven extension programs about the influence of these programs on their practices
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Quantify the level of funding provided for biosecurity extension and support services
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Evaluate the level of alignment between mining offset and NRM priorities
REGIONAL PLANS FOR INDUSTRY ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
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 for the industry adoption of sustainable practices:
