Lands, Planning and Environment NT

08/06/2026

🌊 World Oceans Day

Our oceans connect us all — from the Top End coastline to communities across the globe.

Healthy oceans support biodiversity, regulate our climate, and sustain livelihoods. Here in the Northern Territory, they’re also central to culture, recreation, and our way of life.

This World Oceans Day, we’re reminded that small actions make a big difference:
• Reduce waste and avoid single-use plastics
• Dispose of rubbish responsibly
• Respect marine life and coastal environments
• Support local conservation efforts

Together, we can protect our oceans for future generations.

05/06/2026

Celebrating wildlife this World Environment Day

Many different sorts of animals play a vital role in keeping our environment healthy - and there’s always more to discover.

Recent collaborative research with our Flora and Fauna Division has confirmed a new bat species for Australia! The Coastal Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus orarius) occurs right here in the Top End.

First suspected over 20 years ago, the species was confirmed after a unique tooth feature was identified in Northern Territory Museum specimens.

It weighs around 10–15g, measures 5–7cm in body length, and has a wingspan of about 30cm. With 34 teeth, it is known to inhabit coastal areas like mangroves and nearby woodland.

A great reminder of the importance of protecting the habitats that support our unique wildlife.

(Image credit – Bec Webb).

29/05/2026

Little Mindil Footpath Temporary Closure

Please be advised that the footpath at Little Mindil as per map below will be temporarily closed to facilitate works associated with erosion protection.

The planned closure period is from 1 June 2026 to 24 June 2026. We apologise for any inconvenience.

For more information E: [email protected]

27/05/2026

BoM releases National Water Account 2025

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has released the 2025 National Water Account, detailing Australia’s water use and availability as well as rainfall and groundwater data.

BoM’s annual report includes data for the Northern Territory in the ‘Daly’ and ‘Ord’ regions which presents key findings for 2025, including above average rainfall in both areas. Check out the National Water Account 2025 link below for more information.

© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2026, Bureau of Meteorology (ABN 92 637 533 532) | CRICOS Provider 02015K | Disclaimer | Privacy | Accessibility

26/05/2026

Australian Water Awards Finalist 2026

Office of Water Security
Congratulations to the Remote Water Team (RWT) for being announced as finalists for the Project Innovation Award at the 2026 Australian Water Awards!

The RWT is made up of 5 NT Government agencies collaborating to deliver improved water security and health outcomes for remote communities. Through communication and engagement, the RWT has supported community members to develop greater trust and confidence in their water.

The winners will be announced at the Australian Water Association's Ozwater'26 Gala Dinner on 27 May in Brisbane. Good luck to the Remote Water Team!

26/05/2026

Australian Water Awards Finalist 2026

Power and Water
Congratulations to the Office of Water Security team on being named finalists in the Organisational Excellence category at the 2026 Australian Water Awards, alongside Power and Water Corporation.

This nomination is for the NT Government Water Demand Management Strategy, which has successfully upskilled water efficiency champions at eight NT Government departments and saved the NT Government more than 290 megalitres of water.

These savings have mitigated a cost to NT Government of up to $3800/day.

The winners will be announced at the Australian Water Association's Ozwater'26 Gala Dinner on 27 May in Brisbane.

24/05/2026

Buffel grass control window extended! 🌱

Winter saw buffel starting to seed and hay off, but recent soaking rain will bring on fresh growth.

That means another great opportunity for herbicide control. Act now while plants are green and actively growing for best results.

The Buffel Grass Program can support interested land holders/managers with:
✅ Management advice
✅ Free herbicide supply
✅ Spray equipment loans

Call 8951 9227 or email w**[email protected]

For general information on buffel grass go to; Buffel grass | NT.GOV.AU

22/05/2026

Learn how to identify the most common prickly bushes found across the Northern Territory.

In this video, we break down the key features of five species, helping you recognise them in the field and understand their impact on the environment. From thorn patterns and leaf structure to flowers and seed pods, this guide will give you the confidence to tell them apart.

You’ll learn how to identify:
• Prickly acacia
• Mesquite species
• Mimosa pigra
• Parkinsonia
• Mimosa bush (native)

Understanding these differences supports effective w**d management and helps protect the Territory’s landscapes.

For more information visit nt.gov.au/w**ds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJJMHMVH2nw

00:00 – Learn how to identify the most common prickle bushes found across the Northern Territory.In this video, we break down the key features of five specie...

19/05/2026

🐝 World Bee Day – Wednesday 20 May 🐝

Did you know that some of Australia’s most fascinating pollinators are bright blue?

This little beauty is a blue-banded bee – a native Australian species known for its striking metallic blue stripes. Unlike honey bees, blue-banded bees are solitary, meaning each female builds her own nest, often in soil or soft rock. They’re also incredible pollinators, using a special technique called “buzz pollination” to release pollen from flowers like tomatoes and native plants.

Some blue-banded bee species (from the Zonamegilla group) can even be found right here in the Northern Territory, including in Kakadu and Arnhem Land.

Bees, both native and introduced, play a critical role in our environment.
They help pollinate:
🌸 Native plants and ecosystems
🍅 Food crops we rely on every day
🌱 Gardens, parks and bushland across the Territory

Without bees, many plants wouldn’t be able to reproduce—and our landscapes, food supply and biodiversity would look very different.

This World Bee Day, take a moment to appreciate these hardworking pollinators and think about how we can support them—whether it’s planting bee-friendly flowers, reducing pesticide use, or simply noticing the bees around you.

Let’s work together to help keep our ecosystems thriving. 💛

Photo credit: Zhenhao Feng

12/05/2026

Don’t Be a Dag, Fill a Bag! 🧹
📢You’re invited this Sunday 17 May to our Clean Up Day in Alice Springs!
The Don’t Be a Dumper (DBAD) Working Group is the NT’s first coordinated cross-agency initiative tackling illegal dumping in Alice Springs.
DBAD is seeking support from the whole community to get involved 👇
📍 Undoolya Road
👉 Sunday 17 May
⏰ 7:30–10:30 am
Everyone is welcome — bring your friends, family, and community groups.
Find more details here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YGs8Up7re/
Please share and help spread the word!