Land Suitability Publications - Land and Water Program 2014-18
The department’s Land and Water Program 2014-18 is producing a range of comprehensive soil and land suitability studies to identify options for irrigated agricultural development on pastoral, Aboriginal and crown land in the Territory. The studies have been undertaken in close collaboration with the Water Resource Division. A similar program (Mapping the Future) will commence on 1 July 2018 and continue for another four years.
Download a Northern Territory Status Map of the Land and Water Program.
Recently completed surveys
Ali Curung
The soil and land suitability assessment was undertaken in parallel with a review of the Western Davenport water allocation plan.
The soil and land suitability assessment investigated 47,610ha across pastoral and Indigenous land, and identified more than 43,840ha of land suitable for a range of irrigated agricultural crops.
With agriculture already established in the Ali Curung area, this new information will support the expansion of this fledging precinct.
Beswick
The study area overlays the eastern edge of the Tindal aquifer.
Soil and land suitability assessment for irrigated agriculture on a small area in the western part of the Beswick Aboriginal Land Trust.
The investigation covers an area of 1,160ha, and has identified 265ha of versatile land suited to a range of irrigated agricultural cropping options.
Dunmarra
The soil and land suitability assessment investigated 59,980ha in the Dunmarra area to assist the potential development of irrigated agriculture in the vicinity.
The land resource mapping and crop type suitability findings have identified 14,831ha of versatile lands suitable for irrigated agriculture across the entire range of crops assessed, with a further 10,396ha occupied by lands that are suitable for a limited range of irrigated agricultural activities.
- Download report via NT Library
- Download interactive maps created for this survey
- View survey information on NR Maps
Gunn Point
The soil and land suitability assessment investigated 7,619ha across NT Land Corporation land and a pastoral lease in the Gunn Point area, and identified more than 5,000ha of land suitable for a range of irrigated agricultural crops.
Kurnturlpara and part of Warumungu Aboriginal Land Trusts
Soil and land capability assessment for irrigated agriculture in the Kurnturlpara and Part of Warumungu Aboriginal Land Trusts (Frewena), Barkly Tableland. The investigation was undertaken after interest from Traditional Owners.
Approximately 2,490ha were considered to have moderate capability, consisting of deep, well drained, sandy or loamy texture soils. The 400ha area of interest identified by the stakeholder for irrigated agriculture development (adjacent to the Barkly Highway) was found to have approximately 118ha of land with moderate capability for irrigated agriculture.
A concurrent departmental groundwater investigation across the broader Barkly region, to be finalised in the near future, is likely to identify viable aquifers for irrigation.
Larrimah area
Soil and land suitability assessment for irrigated agriculture in the Larrimah Area. The report identified 22,000ha of land as being potentially suitable for a range of irrigated crops.
The department also developed for the first time a crop specific land suitability framework for the Katherine to Daly Waters region.
- Download report via NT Library
- Download maps created for this survey
- View survey information on NR Maps
The soil and land suitability assessment was undertaken in parallel with a groundwater investigation, which identified 40Gl/y of water available for use.
- Download report via NT Library.
Larrimah township
The soil and land suitability assessment investigated 5,930ha in the Larrimah township area to assist the development of irrigated agriculture in the vicinity.
The land resource mapping and crop type suitability findings indicate approximately 2,180ha of versatile land generally suitable for irrigated agriculture with only minor limitations.
North East Bathurst (Tiwi Islands)
Soil and land suitability mapping, ground and surface water investigations and a biodiversity assessment of north east Bathurst Island.
The report is supported by the map Summary of the Bio-Physical Resources of North East Bathurst Island.
- Download reports via NT Library (summary and Technical Report)
- Download maps created for this survey
- View survey Information on NR Maps
Investors are requested to an express interest in Tiwi Islands Developments to the Land Development Corporation.
For more information contact Land Development Corporation on 08 8944 0909.
Orange Creek
The soil and land suitability assessment investigated 1,664ha within Orange Creek Station to assist the expansion of a current enterprise in Central Australia.
Crop type suitability findings indicate between 71 and 87ha of land is suitable for irrigated agriculture with only minor limitations. A further 1,043 to 1,130ha is considered suitable land with moderate limitations.
Tennant Creek West
Soil and land suitability assessment for irrigated agriculture in the Tennant Creek West area.
The investigation was undertaken in collaboration with pastoral lessees and Traditional Owners - 30 to 65kms west of Tennant Creek. The project investigated 57,855ha with 54,520ha found suitable for irrigated agriculture.
The study area is situated in the Tennant Creek West Groundwater Prospect.
Ti Tree
The investigation was undertaken in parallel with a review of the Ti Tree Water Allocation Plan.
The soil and land suitability assessment investigated 13,563ha across private and Aboriginal land and identified more than 10,000ha of land suitable for a range of irrigated agricultural crops.
With agriculture already established in the Ti Tree area, this new information will support sustainable development in this central Australian agricultural precinct.
Wadeye
Soil and land suitability assessment for irrigated agriculture in the Nangu Area, south of Wadeye.
The investigation was undertaken with support of traditional owners. The investigation covers an area of 6,010ha and has identified more than 5,030ha of versatile land suited to a range of irrigated agricultural cropping options, including native species such as Kakadu Plum.
The study was undertaken with an water resource assessment.
Wildman River
Soil, land and water assessments have been conducted for the Wildman River Area. There has been 15,000ha identified as having high to moderate land capability for irrigated agriculture and approximately 6,000ML/yr of water available.
The soil and suitability investigation was undertaken in parallel with a water resource investigation.
- Download the water resource assessment report via the NT Library
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