Let’s talk gamba and the impact on the environment in the Top End

An update for Territorians on the achievements of the first year of the Territory Water Plan

The Territory Water Plan is the NT Government’s first whole-of-government strategic plan for water and with the aim to deliver water security for all Territorians, now and into the future. It was released in June 2023, and we are now a year into delivery of this important initiative. On today’s episode, we talk with Rowan Riley, Director of Office of Water Security and Susannah Clement the Senior Policy Officer about everything that has been happening in the first 12 months to deliver these important reforms for the Territory’s water security. So join us as we discuss the progress made on safe drinking water legislation; the Manton Dam return to service; how we are improving water security for remote communities; transition how we are securing commonwealth investment in drinking water projects in the bush, and understanding the cultural values of water, to name a few. The Territory Water Plan and its priority actions are no small feat but integral to securing the Territory’s water future. As one of our most precious and valuable natural resources, water is the heart of everything to sustain the Territory environment, work and job opportunities and life for not just us, but all creators, great and small. You can find the 2024 Annual progress report here: https://watersecurity.nt.gov.au/territory-water-plan/progress-on-the-plan [https://watersecurity.nt.gov.au/territory-water-plan/progress-on-the-plan] which outlines the progress for the first year in implementing the priority actions. If you have any question about this episode or if there is a topic you would like to hear about in one of our upcoming podcasts, feel free to send us an email at communications.depws@nt.gov.au [communications.depws@nt.gov.au] or a DM facebook.com/EnvironmentNT [https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentNT] You should also sign up to our newsletter, Finding the Balance [https://depws.nt.gov.au/consultation-publications/finding-the-balance-sign-up] to get all the news about the Territory Environment and the answers to all your questions.

Presenting our Parks, ready for the visitor season

Every year our Park Rangers have a huge job to prepare and get the Territory’s national Parks and Reserves ready for the locals and visitors with the tourist season. There is so much more to preparing parks then you would ever imagine. It’s not just about cleaning toilets and BBQ’s but also cleaning up after cyclones and bushfires, water quality testing and croc monitoring. We talk with Louise the District Manager for Darwin Urban Parks and Andrew, the District Manager for Top End Parks about just what our rangers have to do and celebrate the network of volunteers that support the parks, reserves and wildlife rescue. So if you ever wanted to know where your camping and Park Pass fees are going or perhaps you always wanted to know what it’s like to be a Park Ranger in the Territory! Then this is the episode for you.  Show Notes and links: * Always check for opens and closures before you go as things can change quickly https://nt.gov.au/parks [https://nt.gov.au/parks] * Book your camping, multi-day walking or get your Park Pass if you are an interstate visitor before you go https://parkbookings.nt.gov.au/Web/ [https://parkbookings.nt.gov.au/Web/]  * Stay safe on our parks, observe the rules and always remember to #BeCrocwise, #BeattheHeat and #LeaveNoTrace https://nt.gov.au/parks/safety-rules [https://nt.gov.au/parks/safety-rules] * If your looking to give back and volunteer with Parks and Wildlife visit https://nt.gov.au/parks-volunteers [https://nt.gov.au/parks-volunteers]  * Report/Rescue injured wildlife visit https://nt.gov.au/environment/animals/report-injured-wildlife-or-rescue [https://nt.gov.au/environment/animals/report-injured-wildlife-or-rescue]  If you have any question about this episode or if there is a topic you would like to hear about in one of our upcoming podcasts, feel free to send us an email at communications.depws@nt.gov.au [communications.depws@nt.gov.au] or a DM facebook.com/EnvironmentNT [https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentNT] You should also sign up to our newsletter, Finding the Balance [https://depws.nt.gov.au/consultation-publications/finding-the-balance-sign-up] to get all the news about the Territory Environment and the answers to all your questions.

How to prepare for the Top End bushfire season.

The rainy season is coming to a close in the Top End of the Territory and as it starts to dry out it signifies the time for rural Top Enders to prepare for the impeding bushfire season. We talk with Tom from Bushfires NT about what you need to do and how to prepare your property and plan for fire safety in the Top End. Simon from the Bushfires NT Central Australia team also joins us to provide a wrap up of the Central season, as it comes to a close, and go over a bit about the Barkly complex fire, earlier in the Central Australia fire season. We gain an insight into just what these men and women go through to protect the community and some of the tools used to assist with Bushfire management. In honour of all the volunteers that support Bushfires NT, we celebrate and discuss how this amazing network of volunteers support the community in their area and the volunteers that went into the Barkly. Show notes: * Prepare and plan for a Bushfire and know your responsibilities https://nt.gov.au/emergency/bushfire/prepare-and-plan [https://nt.gov.au/emergency/bushfire/prepare-and-plan] * Follow the link for more information about fire break installation and maintenance https://nt.gov.au/emergency/bushfire/prepare-and-plan/firebreaks [https://nt.gov.au/emergency/bushfire/prepare-and-plan/firebreaks]  * Stay up to date with Bushfire Alerts https://securent.nt.gov.au/respond/bushfire-alerts [https://securent.nt.gov.au/respond/bushfire-alerts] * Become a Bushfire NT volunteer in your area https://nt.gov.au/emergency/cyclones/volunteering-cyclones-fire-and-disasters/volunteer-with-bushfires-nt [https://nt.gov.au/emergency/cyclones/volunteering-cyclones-fire-and-disasters/volunteer-with-bushfires-nt]  If you have any question about this episode or if there is a topic you would like to hear about in one of our upcoming podcasts, feel free to send us an email at communications.depws@nt.gov.au [communications.depws@nt.gov.au] or a DM facebook.com/EnvironmentNT [https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentNT] You should also sign up to our newsletter, Finding the Balance [https://depws.nt.gov.au/consultation-publications/finding-the-balance-sign-up] to get all the news about the Territory Environment and the answers to all your questions.

Let’s talk gamba and the impact on the environment in the Top End

Gamba grass, originally introduced as a pasture grass and is a declared weed in the Territory. Gamba is highly invasive, burns up to eight times hotter than native grasses and has a significant impact on the environment.  On this episode we chat with Russel and Emma from the Weed Management Branch about how to manage gamba and the work the department does through programs like the Gamba Action Program. We also celebrate the countless volunteer groups working to bring gamba grass under control. Show Notes: For information about Gamba Grass, how to manage it and handy tips on how to ID Gamba visit https://nt.gov.au/gamba [https://nt.gov.au/gamba] To Have Your Say on the Weed Management Plan Gamba Grass 2020-2030 visit https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/weed-management-plan/surveys/gamba-grass-management-plan [https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/weed-management-plan/surveys/gamba-grass-management-plan] To check your Gamba Grass risk rating visit https://nt.gov.au/environment/weeds/weeds-in-the-nt/A-Z-list-of-weeds-in-the-NT/gamba-grass/gamba-grass-risk-check [https://nt.gov.au/environment/weeds/weeds-in-the-nt/A-Z-list-of-weeds-in-the-NT/gamba-grass/gamba-grass-risk-check]   To report problem Gamba visit https://nt.gov.au/environment/weeds/weeds-in-the-nt/A-Z-list-of-weeds-in-the-NT/gamba-grass/report-gamba [https://nt.gov.au/environment/weeds/weeds-in-the-nt/A-Z-list-of-weeds-in-the-NT/gamba-grass/report-gamba] To contact the Weed Management Branch in your area visit https://nt.gov.au/environment/weeds/contact-the-weed-management-branch/weed-management-branch-contacts [https://nt.gov.au/environment/weeds/contact-the-weed-management-branch/weed-management-branch-contacts]  If you have any question about this episode or if there is a topic you would like to hear about in one of our upcoming podcasts, feel free to send us an email at communications.depws@nt.gov.au [communications.depws@nt.gov.au] or a DM facebook.com/EnvironmentNT [https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentNT] You should also sign up to our newsletter, Finding the Balance [https://depws.nt.gov.au/consultation-publications/finding-the-balance-sign-up] to get all the news about the Territory Environment and the answers to all your questions.

Take a deep dive into what the Rangelands division does for the Territory Environment

This year the NT Cattlemen’s Association celebrated their 40th anniversary of the NT Cattlemen’s Conference, held in Alice Springs. Some of the Rangelands team attended the conference to meet with industry and colleagues to talk about how we can help with all their pastoral, land, soil and vegetation questions. Your host Monica talks with Alana Mackay, Director Pastoral Branch, Rebecca de Vries, Director Development Coordination and Christine Plewinski, Land Development Facilitator as they take us behind the scenes of the conference and discuss what it is the Rangelands division do to support the pastoral industry and land holders in the use and management of land and vegetation.  If you have any question about this episode or if there is a topic you would like to hear about in one of our upcoming podcasts, feel free to send us an email at communications.depws@nt.gov.au [communications.depws@nt.gov.au] or a DM facebook.com/EnvironmentNT [https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentNT] You should also sign up to our newsletter, Finding the Balance [https://depws.nt.gov.au/consultation-publications/finding-the-balance-sign-up] to get all the news about the Territory Environment and the answers to all your questions.