The Environment Centre NT looks forward to working with the likely elected Labor Government to achieve the best environmental outcomes for the Territory and deliver on those policies that the Labor party committed to throughout the 2020 election period. We also congratulate and look forward to working with independents Kezia Purick and Yingiya Guyula on their environmental policies.
Environmental issues were front and centre throughout this year’s NT election, with voters calling on NT’s main parties to take action on climate, support renewable energy, stop the spread of Gamba Grass, increase support for Aboriginal Rangers and safeguard our coasts, and with these issues backed by heavy media coverage.
The four main parties - the Country Liberal Party, Territory Labor, Territory Alliance and NT Greens - committed to delivering a renewable energy target of at least 50% by 2030, increasing resources to fund the fight against gamba grass, and implementing the plan to protect our coasts.
There were partial commitments to implementing a Safe Drinking Water Act. Water issues will be a defining issue over this next term of government.
The Environment Centre NT Director Shar Molloy said, “we saw unprecedented coverage of and support for strong environmental outcomes for the Territory – be that from voters, the political parties and the media. Our community is stronger than ever before.
“Territorians have an enduring passion for our lifestyle, our unique landscapes and biodiversity. This election they made it clear that no party would be successful unless they made strong commitments to jobs in renewables and looking after our environment.
“We congratulate and look forward to working with a likely Labor party on implementing their election policies throughout their term in government, which included continuing environmental regulatory reform, implementing the Coastal Marine Management Strategy, increasing funding for gamba grass management and committing $12 million dollars to the Aboriginal Ranger Grants Program for the next four years.
“And we thank the many thousands of Territorians who were the backbone of these campaigns, particularly those who spoke to their local candidates about environmental issues this election.”