Over the subsequent 70 years Water Resources has grown from modest beginnings into the cornerstone of responsible water resource management; overseeing the investigation, allocation, regulation and use of the Territory’s most vital resource. 

This year is a remarkable milestone. This year, Water Resources celebrates 70 years strong. 

Water Resources has been celebrating throughout 2025 with engagement activities centred on the theme “The Northern Territory has its own water story.” These activities included educational forums, and community events and programs that have been intended to honour our legacy to the Territory while inspiring the next generation. 

Celebrations started with an article in the February-March edition of Australian Drilling magazine that reflected on the evolution of drilling in the Territory through the decades, with many people not realising the indispensable role that the information collected by drillers has played in informing and shaping the Territory’s future. 

This year, at the Alice Springs, Katherine, and Freds Pass Show, the Water Resources stall became a hub of curiosity and conversation, as visitors paused to explore, ask questions, and share their own stories about the Territory’s water. 

The Chief Minister dropped by for a friendly chat, intrigued by the geological core samples on display and sparking thoughtful discussion about local water sources. Not far behind, the Minister for Water Resources arrived with his family, exploring the campaign materials and joining in the excitement. 

Each show provided a chance to engage around the future of water planning in the Territory. In Alice Springs and Katherine, Water Resources highlighted the upcoming water allocation plans set to launch in 2026, with conversations centring on how these will support the unique needs of each region. At Freds Pass, staff shared insights into the Adelaide River Water Allocation Plan under development and the Darwin Rural Water Regulation Strategy, giving locals a chance to learn more and have their say on the management of water in their own backyard. 

Water Resources was also proud to take part in this year’s NT STEM Fair, a celebration of science, technology engineering and mathematics. Held at Charles Darwin University’s Darwin Campus, the event brought together primary and secondary students, educators, and science professionals for two days of hands-on discovery. 

CHECKING THE HOWARD SPRINGS WATER SIGN 

JESSICA ARGENT AND MISSY FREY AT THE ALICE SPRINGS SHOW 

The grounds buzzed with curiosity as students explored interactive activities and watched experts at work. Front and centre of our display was the Water Resources groundwater model, vividly demonstrating how water use and rainfall patterns affect aquifer levels. It quickly became a focal point, sparking conversations with the next generation of Territory water champions! 

Building on this commitment to education, the Division also sponsored the water module of Landcare NT’s BioEd project. Delivered to eight Darwin primary schools, the program gave students the chance to explore the importance of water in the Top End through interactive sessions. These included using the groundwater model to demonstrate how water moves through an aquifer, and a river simulation where they learned how to measure environmental flows. The activities furthered students’ understanding of water cycles, and the role water plays in the environment and daily life. 

As part of the 70-year celebrations Water Resources have been recognising the people who make their work possible. At about 80 team members, Water Resources is proud to recognise its staff for their dedication and contribution to water management across the Northern Territory. Each officer brings a unique skill set, with roles from drillers to engineers, data officers to regulators, all playing a role in administering the NT Water Act 1992, and meeting the priorities of government. 

To celebrate the workforce, Water Resources has been featuring staff in monthly articles in their newsletter, where team members share insights into their roles, highlight their skills, and reflect on their proudest achievements. 

Looking ahead, planning is underway for the Australian Water Association’s Water in the Bush conference and awards dinner on 16 October 2025. This gathering will bring together water professionals, industry and the community from across Australia. It will be a chance to exchange knowledge, reflect on the Territory’s unique challenges and opportunities, and inspire fresh ideas for the future. 

Water management in the Northern Territory continues to be an area of high community interest and passion, with water essential to sustaining the environment, the economy, and the social and cultural values that people rely on, not just to live but to thrive here in the Territory. Water Resources’ legacy is one of innovation, collaboration, and resilience that will shape the Territory for generations to come. TQ