18 March 2013

The Daly River Catchment, approximately 200km south of Darwin in the Northern Territory, is a significant area of interest for both conservation and development. It supports important recreational, economic and social values and activities. 

It is also the largest perennial river in the region, making it a vital source of water throughout the dry season.

Researchers from the Northern Australia hub are designing a regional conservation and development plan for the Daly in collaboration with the Northern Territory Government and the Daly River Management Advisory Committee.

On February 8 the project team met with the Daly River Aboriginal Reference Group in Darwin. The group represents various language groups in the Daly region and provides feedback on relevant natural resource issues, in particular water allocation and land use planning.

At the meeting the group participated in a discussion led by Dr Vanessa Adams, about the most important places and activities in the catchment and how these contribute to their well-being. Their advice has helped to refine a survey which will be sent to all catchment residents and used in upcoming focus groups in the Douglas Daly, Darwin and Katherine.