Business case reveals Manton Dam and AROWS project most viable for Darwin region
An assessment of water storage options for the Darwin region of the Northern Territory has found the Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage (AROWS) and the Manton Dam Return to Service (RTS) are the recommended infrastructure solutions for a safe and reliable water supply.
Both projects, if approved to go ahead, would provide increased water security to the Darwin region for the next 50+ years.
The detailed business case, which took place over the past 18 months, looked at water supply options over the short, medium and long term. The assessment has found the Manton Dam RTS would address short term water supply while the AROWS project would address long -term needs and be developed over a 7–10 year period.
If AROWS is built, it would support a 2,000 hectare plot of undeveloped agricultural land at Lambell’s Lagoon near Darwin.
Initial estimates suggest, if the project goes ahead, AROWS will help to drive the Australian Government’s aim to boost agriculture from its current $65 billion industry to $100 billion by 2030.
The business case assessment was funded by the Australian Government (via the National Water Grid Authority) in partnership with the Power and Water Corporation.
Find out more:
- Safer and more reliable water supply for Darwin step closer - Deputy Prime Minister’s media release