Just two weeks ago we represented Environment Centre NT (ECNT) before the NT Supreme Court. ENCT is challenging the Minister’s decision to declare the Mataranka Water Allocation Plan – a water extraction plan which threatens the jewel in the crown of top end nature.
Now we’re assisting ECNT in another legal intervention to defend this incredible ecosystem. Our client has obtained explosive documents revealing that the NT Government’s own scientific modelling predicted dire risks to NT nature from increased water extraction.
Why this matters?
The NT Government has granted Larrimah Farms a licence to extract 10 billion litres of groundwater every year – water that feeds Bitter Springs, Mataranka Springs, and the Roper River.
ECNT made a freedom of information request for government documents about proposed water extraction in the Mataranka area. And what these documents reveal is shocking.
They show that even current extraction rates could devastate these ecosystems and push the freshwater sawfish closer to extinction. This incredible creature, now listed as endangered, grows up to 6.5m long and relies on these waterways to provide critical nursery habitat for its pups.
Even at current rates, flows needed for sawfish spawning may only occur three times in 50 years. The introduction of the Larrimah Farms licence will make things even worse.
What are we doing?
We have written to the Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt on ECNT’s behalf asking him to call in the Larrimah Farms cotton project and properly assess it under the EPBC Act – Australia’s nature laws.
The minister has the power to request this project be referred to him to ensure it is assessed, and the potential impacts are properly understood and considered.
As climate change takes hold in northern Australia, it’s critical that decisions about precious water resources are transparent and based on science.
