Territorians are being encouraged to have their say on the proposed Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage (AROWS) project, the largest water infrastructure project in the Territory’s history, with a referral recently submitted to the Environment Protection Authority.

The AROWS project has submitted an Environmental Referral to the NT Environment Protection Authority, marking a significant milestone in the territory’s water infrastructure that aims to double Darwin’s water supply to an annual capacity of 60 gigalitres by 2050.

Under the planning and approval phase, the project is undergoing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process with public consultation opportunities, with concerns about potential impacts on vulnerable species, like the Black-Footed Tree Rat, having been raised.

Initial simulations indicate that effects on the downstream coastal environment will likely be minimal, the government said.

Department of Logistics and Infrastructure general manager Giovina D’Alessandro said advancing the project through the EIS process will guarantee that the environmental impact of AROWS is evaluated at the highest assessment level by carrying out the necessary scientific, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory processes.

“It’s important for us to understand the public’s thoughts, issues and concerns as it plays an important role in informing how the AROWS project is developed,” Ms D’Alessandro said.

AROWS aims to develop a water storage solution in a natural basin located north of Lake Bennett by constructing two dam walls to control the water pumped from the Adelaide River, with no infrastructure to be built across the river to maintain its flow.

An environmental referral will also be submitted to the Federal Government for evaluation, and a public comment period is anticipated later this year.

The NT Government intends to work with scientists, the local community, and Aboriginal groups over the next two to three years to fill information gaps and mitigate potential impacts, the department said.

This initiative is part of the Darwin Region Water Supply Program, funded by the federal and NT governments.

Public input closes on February 25 and can be sent to ntepa.nt.gov.au/consultation/adelaide-river-off-stream-water-storage.