Ban seabed mining for good
UPDATE June 2021: The Submission period has ended!
Thanks to a huge community campaign from scientists, Traditional Owners, fishers and Territorians we’re on the verge of banning seabed mining in the NT for good.
With over 270 petitions signed and sent to the Northern Territory government, the message is loud and clear. Top Enders don’t want Seabed Mining in the NT.
Subject to the comments received during this final consultation process, the declaration process is expected to be completed in August 2021 with the permanent ban coming into legal effect soon after.
The Northern Territory Government first declared a three-year temporary ban on seabed mining in March 2012, and has since extended it twice under both the Country Liberal Party (CLP) and Labor Governments. Then, on 5 February 2021 the Gunner Government announced that they would permanently ban seabed mining in the NT.
We commend the Gunner Government for listening to the evidence, and the people of the Northern Territory, and acting to ban this destructive activity.
You can read our submission supporting the draft declaration to ban seabed mining here.
We just want to give a huge thanks to everyone who helped out on this campaign by signing a petition or writing a submission. Because of you, we’ve now ensured that our precious coasts and fishing lifestyle are protected well into the future.
To stay updated on the final outcome we encourage you to join our mailing list here.
Read the email that we'll send
Dear Minister for the Environment,
I commend you and the Gunner Government for listening to the evidence, and the people of the Northern Territory and acting to ban seabed mining in the NT. It is a win for marine life, fishing and culture.
Healthy coasts and rivers are central to our Top End way of life, our economic success and our culture. They underpin one of the most important economic and cultural pursuits – the Top End fishing experience. They contribute $2billion to the Territory economy each year, supporting more than 6,000 jobs and are a powerful drawcard for tourists from around the world.
By banning seabed mining, the Gunner Government has demonstrated their commitment to protect our coasts and safeguard our fishing, lifestyle and regional economies.
I strongly support the draft declaration to ban seabed mining. The draft declaration is very positive as it appears to be permanent and it declares that mining exploration and actual mining are prohibited actions within coastal areas.
Please accept this as my submission to the Draft Declaration to Prohibit Subsea Mining requested as per the Environment Protection Regulations 2020.
(This email has also been sent to the Chief Minister, the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security and my local MLA).
Yours sincerely,
(Your name and suburb will be added here)