Sustainable Development of Northern Australia Joe Ross, Chair

1. Sustainable Development ofNorthern AustraliaJoe Ross, Chair Workshop: Exploring Northern Australia ABARE OUTLOOK Conference 2010 2-3 March 2010, Canberra

5. Members Joe Ross (Chair) Richie Ah Mat David Baffsky Dr Stuart Blanch David Crombie Elaine Gardiner Dr Ro Hill Dr Andrew Johnson Shirley McPherson Michael Roche Terry Underwood Prof Bob Wasson WaliWunungmurra and Kim Hill

6. Principles 1. View the north through a Northern lens 2. Recognise Indigenous rights and interests 3. Northern Australia as an integrated region 4. Empowering communities 5. Conserving places of natural and cultural significance 6. Recognising the significance of northern rivers 7. Sound science and Indigenous knowledge 8. The importance of climate change adaptive capacity

8. Key Findings • The north’s unique landscape is critically important • Interconnections between the landscape, tourism, fishing and culture points to a need for caution • Conservation and management of land and water is economically important • Capturing and storing surface water is problematic • There are positive opportunities for agriculture • Developing the north requires strong and effective planning, and strategic focus and leadership

9. Groundwater resources

10. [SLIDE 8 Key findings] [SLIDE 8 Key findings]

11. [SLIDE 8 Key findings] [SLIDE 8 Key findings]

13. Summary of Recommendations • Improving data and knowledge infrastructure • Empowering communities and landholders • Improving the condition and resilience of the national estate • Modernising lease and tenure arrangements • Recognise Indigenous rights and interests • Developing sustainable tourism in the north • Strengthening water planning and governance • Facilitating inter-jurisdictional cooperation and national leadership

15. Thank you All documentation is available at www.nalwt.gov.au Enquiries to the Office of Northern Australia Andrew Dickson 02 6274 7127