Transformation of Middle Arm into a globally competitive, sustainable precinct with a focus on low-emission petrochemicals, renewable hydrogen, carbon capture storage and minerals processing has realised another significant milestone to ensure environmental sustainability.

Over 500 light industrial businesses who produce emissions in Greater Darwin are invited to contribute towards the development of an airshed model for the Greater Darwin region as part of air quality management planning.

Engaging with stakeholders and industry is an important part of environmental planning and will help ensure government delivers a sustainable precinct for emerging low-emission industries.

The airshed model will be informed by the data obtained from light industrial business as well as from heavy industry emission already reporting through the NT Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA).

The airshed model will:

• establish an emissions baseline reflecting the current status of emissions-producing activities
• demonstrate which pollutants exist and where, and help assess optimal new industry locations
• support industrial development planning by measuring the effects of additional emitting activities
• assist with regulating emissions from heavy industry
• plan the regional monitoring network by understanding where air quality is being impacted.

The model will be considered leading edge for understanding cumulative air emission effects and is a requirement of environmental approvals for the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct.

Consultation is also occurring as part of the environmental impact assessment. This targeted stage of consultation coincides with the public exhibition of the draft Terms of Reference for the environmental impact assessment being undertaken under both the territory and federal environment acts.

Feedback is invited on the draft Terms of Reference which determines what values must be considered, and what matters must be assessed, in the environmental studies, through the NT EPA and Have Your Say websites until 10 June.

With increasing demand for products created from sustainable gas-based manufacturing and supply chains, a dedicated low-emission precinct is a significant growth opportunity for the Territory.

This low-emission precinct will pave the way for industry growth in a net-zero emissions world with the potential to attract over $20 billion in investment and create over 15000 direct and indirect jobs.

Find out more about establishing gas-based processing and manufacturing in the Territory.