Action item 8.4

Progress

100%

Complete.
Approved by decision makers.
Recommendation implemented.

That gas companies must be required to have an approved weed management plan for any area the subject of an exploration permit prior to any part of that area being accessed for the carrying out of any exploration activities. The WMP must be consistent with all relevant statutory obligations and relevant threat abatement plans established under the EPBC Act.

Target completion date

Completed.

Reform area
Safeguarding water and the environment
Project action
Maintaining and monitoring ecosystem health
Lead agency
Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security

Action item update

Implementation

The Northern Territory Government worked with independent scientific experts to develop the Code of Practice for Onshore Petroleum Activities in the Northern Territory (the Code) relative to the Inquiry recommendation. The Code is legally enforceable through the Petroleum (Environment) Regulations 2016. The finalised Code was published on 12 June 2019 and is on the DEPWS website.

Weed management plans are now required by the Code to be included as part of an environment management plan, under the Petroleum (Environment) Regulations 2016.

A weed management planning guideline has been developed outlining specific requirements on the DEPWS website.