A/Assistant Director Water Regulation
Water Resources Division, Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security, Northern Territory Government.
What aspects of joining ALGA are you most excited about?
I was excited to join ALGA to be a part of an Association whose focus is on the environment. Having worked as a regulator in the past in the area of environmental protection, ALGA piqued my interest. Currently working in natural resource management, I was interested to be involved in a forum where members are working with current environment issues to ensure I stay informed of topical issues and how it might relate to my current role in regulating the Water Act 1992 (NT).
As the Assistant Director of Water Regulation, could you tell us about your role and what you find most rewarding about working in the NT Government?
I work with an amazing team of water regulators responsible for licensing and permitting under the NT Water Act including licensing the take of surface and groundwater. In addition to that, we also conduct compliance inspection and investigate offences against the Water Act including the unlawful take of water and unlawful interference with waterways (i.e. dams, waterway diversions etc).
I’ve found it rewarding working in the NT Government for the last 4 years as there are many opportunities for skill growth and professional development.
Are there any current projects you’re involved in that you’d like to share with our members?
Recently we have expanded the Darwin Rural water control district to include the Adelaide River catchment (now the Darwin Rural Adelaide River water control district). There are now may water users who are no longer exempt from water licensing. We are currently part way through a 2 year project to communicate the changes to commercial operators in the area and provide advice on water extraction licensing requirements to allow licences to be obtained whilst there is a legislated streamlined application process. Regulating the take of water allows for a better understanding of the water resource and the amount being extracted. This information assists the NT Government to better manage the resource to ensure the security of water for stock and domestic use, public water supply and existing permitted commercial activities.
What is one essential item you cannot live without, and why is it important to you?
I’ll answer this in two parts:
- At work: Water! It’s essential for life. It’s also essential for sustaining environmental and cultural value as well as economic development.
- Outside of work: My slow cooker! I don’t enjoy cooking and after a busy day it’s the last thing I want to do. I set up the slow cooker before work and then return home at the end of the day to dish up a meal that is ready and waiting.