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Fact Sheet

Aerial view of the mouth of the Daly River, Northern Territory.
Aerial view of the mouth of the Daly River, Northern Territory.

Sustainable Development for Northern Australia: a comprehensive science review

The Northern Australia Land and Water Science Review 2009 examines a range of options for use of land and water in northern Australia and the likely consequences of those uses, for communities, businesses and the environment.

Science review snapshot

Page 1 of 4

The Review presents the best available quantitative estimate of the amount, distribution and use of water in the northern Australian landscape.  

The Review also estimates how much land may be available for further development, given the constraints of available water.

The Review is different to the recently released Northern Australia Sustainable Yields report (NASY).  The NASY report concentrated on water – its quantity, timing, location and availability.

The Review details the key limitations and enablers required for future development in the north, including environmental, social, economic and governance considerations.

The Review combines the findings from the NASY report with an analysis of how water in the north is currently used to support communities, business and the environment. 

It then examines a range of options for use of land and water in northern Australia (developments) and the likely consequences of those uses, for communities, business and the environment.

The Review details the key limitations and enablers required for future development in the north, including environmental, social, economic and governance considerations. 
 
The Review does not provide sustainable development ‘solutions’ for northern Australia.  The role of the review is to provide data and insights so that others might apply their values to the problems and opportunities of sustainability. It does recommend processes to ensure that developments are designed and selected to proceed with sustainability and equity.

Frequently asked Questions are addressed on page three of this document, which outline the key findings of this comprehensive science review.

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Fast facts

  • In northern Australia, approximately 1 million gigalitres (GL) of rain falls between October – April each year
  • This water performs important roles and is not ‘wasted’
  • Each year, about 600 GL of renewable groundwater occurs across all of northern Australia
  • This volume would be adequate, for example, to irrigate around 40 000 to 60 000 ha of intensive agriculture
  • Several options for further development of the northern beef industry exist
  • Water planning processes need to provide greater clarity of water rights in northern Australia to improve Indigenous people’s access to water and commercial opportunities
  • This Science Review proposes a framework that helps to develop robust institutions and balance water needs based on the benefits provided to vibrant communities and healthy plants, animals and habitats

Contact Information

Science Contact
Dr Peter Stone
Sustainable Agriculture Flagship
Phone: 61 7 3214 2627 
Alt Phone: 61 0 419 285 192 
Media Contact
Ms Larelle McMillan
Communication Officer
Sustainable Ecosystems
Phone: 61 7 3214 2417 
Alt Phone: 61 0 413 807 786