Disappointment on Mataranka Water Allocation Plan

The plan covers a 9,000km² area in the region and enables the extraction of more than 62,000 megalitres of water per year from the ancient aquifer connected to the Roper River system, including the springs at Mataranka.

Traditional Owners have long opposed the plan which fails to protect cultural sites and areas of cultural use, and presents significant ecological and environmental risks.

Despite being a signatory to the National Water Initiative (NWI), the NT Government has failed to genuinely consult with Traditional Owners, and failed to produce a plan informed by best-available science and socioeconomic analysis as required.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“The Mataranka Water Allocation Plan is an absolute failure. It’s dismissive of the environment and our culture.

“Both the previous and the current NT Government have ignored the voices of Traditional Owners who have repeatedly said that the health and viability of the Roper River and the springs at Mataranka are at great risk.

“Water is life. It is our most valuable resource and Traditional Owners have an obligation to take care of the land and areas of cultural significance.

“For many years the Ngalakgan, Alawa, Mangarrayi, Ngandi, Marra, Warndarrang, Nunggubuyu, Ritharrngu-Wagilak and Rembarrnga people have protested this water allocation plan, calling for a ban on all further water extraction. However, their words have fallen on deaf ears.

“There’s clearly no forward-thinking going on here. This is not only very disrespectful to the Traditional Owners, but to all Territorians who are relying on us to create a healthy and sustainable environment for future generations.”

For further information please contact media@nlc.org.au.



Access a copy of the Water Allocation Plan here.