Ecologically sustainable development in the Darwin Harbour Region : review of governance frameworks
Environment Protection Agency.
Environment Protection Agency (Northern Territory); Northern Territory. Department Of Lands, Planning And Environment
E-Publications; E-Books; PublicationNT
2010-09
Date:2010-09
Executive summary -- Introduction -- 1. Background -- 1.1 Terms of reference -- 1.2 Scope and structure of the review -- 1.3 Ecologically sustainable development and governance -- 1.4 Ecologically sustainable development, principles and criteria -- 1.5 The Darwin Harbour Region -- 2. Ecologically sustainable development in legislation, policies and plans -- 2.1 Strategic development and management -- 2.2 Land use -- 2.3 Minerals, extractive materials and petroleum -- 2.4 Ports -- 2.5 Pollution, waste and public health -- 2.6 Water -- 2.7 Fisheries and marine areas -- 2.8 Biodiversity, heritage and natural resource management -- 2.9 Environmental assessment -- 3. Discussion and findings -- 4. Advice.
English
Darwin Harbour -- Environmental aspects; Environmental management -- Northern Territory -- Darwin Harbour
Environment Protection Agency
Palmerston
vii, 59 p. : col. ills. ; 30 cm.
application/pdf
Copyright
Environment Protection Agency
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00042
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/243122
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/603823
46 Plans and Policies One of the most fundamental issues with ESD in Darwin Harbour is that very little is known of its coastal ecosystems and how these may be valued within the broader Northern Territory context. Approaches to rectify this issue include the Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Strategy and the NT Marine Protected Areas Strategy. The Northern Territory is establishing a comprehensive, adequate and representative system of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to be a part of the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas. In order to address national and international obligations and cater for unique Northern Territory circumstances, a strategy for identifying, selecting, managing and monitoring a system of MPAs has been initiated. The strategy aims to recognise the unique and relatively pristine habitats of NT marine ecosystems, their strong socio-cultural associations and the prevalence of coastal Indigenous ownership and legal rights (e.g. Land Rights Act, Native Title Act, Sacred Sites Act). It will also recognise the significant social, ecological, fisheries and economic benefits of establishing MPAs and the need for a science-based and participatory approach to MPA identification and selection involving all stakeholders. The NT Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Management Strategy is currently being developed by NRETAS and will review existing strategic, policy and technical documents relating to the NT's coastal and marine ecosystems, habitats and species. Key issues, actions, responsibilities, performance indicators and resources required for conservation management will be prioritised. Conservation and threat assessment for each coastal and marine habitat/species group will enable prioritisation of conservation management issues. Strategic, policy and technical issues and proposed actions will also be outlined. Another critical issue is achieving the integration of management across the range of sectors with an interest in the harbour region. The Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRM Plan) provides the framework for management of the Northern Territorys natural environment by government, industry and community sectors. The plan is broadly based on the principles of ESD and is a good example of a framework encompassing Darwin Harbour that promotes integration and public participation. Findings The subservience of the TPWC Act to legislation associated with the mining and petroleum sector effectively cedes decision-making authority to the Minister for Mines who is not bound to act according to ESD principles. One of the most fundamental issues with ESD in Darwin Harbour is that very little is known of its coastal ecosystems and how these may be valued within the broader Northern Territory context. The Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan for the NT provides a good example of a framework encompassing Darwin Harbour that promotes integration and public participation.