Today we submit our own comments on the draft declaration to prohibit subsea mining in the NT, along with 271 Territorians who signed our petition in support of the ban.
We commend the Gunner Government for listening to the evidence, and the people of the Northern Territory.
While seabed mining has never been allowed in Australia, it was proposed across the Northern Territory coast. Mining corporations were lining up to mine some of our most precious places like Fog, Anson and Blue Mud Bays, the Wessel Islands and Limmen Bight Marine Park.
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.
On 5 February 2021 the Gunner Government announced that they would permanently ban seabed mining in the NT. They drafted the legislation and asked for public comments on whether or not to pass the law; with submissions closing today - 21st June 2021.
Adele Pedder, Campaign Manager of the Keep Top End Coasts Healthy Alliance commends the Gunner Government for listening to the evidence, and the people of the Northern Territory, and acting to ban seabed mining in the NT.
She says "The draft declaration appears to be a permanent ban and declares that exploration and mining are prohibited actions within coastal areas. By banning seabed mining, the Gunner Government has demonstrated its commitment to protect our coasts and safeguard our fishing, lifestyle and regional economies".
You can view here, the Minister for the Environment's draft declaration to prohibit subsea mining PDF (119.9 KB) and the statement of reasons for the draft declaration PDF (772.7 KB) .
Subject to the comments received during the final consultation process, the declaration process is expected to be completed in August 2021 with the permanent ban coming into legal effect soon after.
Read our final submission below submitted to the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security