Arid Lands Environment Centre (ALEC) is Central Australia’s peak environmental NGO,

defending the health of the land and waters of the iconic arid lands for 45 years.

ALEC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands we live and work on and their vital role in caring for country for many thousands of years, now, and into the future. We acknowledge First Nations Elders past, present and emerging and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

ALEC is grounded in the belief that lasting change is made possible through the strength of our community, shared purpose, and deep collaboration.

ALEC inspires, engages and leads local people to take action for the environment.

ALEC advocates for nature and strong environmental laws. We empower people by sharing knowledge on how to live sustainably in the desert and we work in dynamic partnerships across vast landscapes to build thriving, resilient desert communities.

Current Campaigns

Keep the NT Frack Free

Our Concerns: Fracking is an expensive, dirty and dangerous way of extracting gas from layers of shale deep under the ground. The process requires millions of litres of water, and hundreds of...

Water justice now !

Groundwater is the lifeblood of the arid zone, transforming arid environments into the oases of the desert. Shallow groundwater landscapes support the most complex, biodiverse and climate resilient habitat in the arid...

Climate Justice

Proactive climate adaptation that incorporates climate justice principles involves taking practical actions to build the capacity of Central Australian communities while rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including actions to strengthen housing and...

Latest News

Go to Media Releases

Minister Burgoyne makes catastrophic buffel grass decision that puts his own community at risk

December 18, 2025

The Northern Territory Government has released the Draft Buffel Grass Weed Management Plan 2026-2036 for public comment, after interventions were made by the Environment Minister, Joshua Burgoyne. ALEC understands that the Buffel Grass Weed Advisory Committee was provided with two options that would be...

Urgent calls across nation to declare “firebomb” plant one of Australia’s worst weeds

November 18, 2025

An invasive plant has changed the face of some of the country’s most famous landmarks, causing catastrophic environmental damage, raging bush fires and health issues. Buffel grass strips the beauty and biodiversity from iconic sites like Uluru, turbocharges fire and smoke hazards, suffocates native...

Australia's Great North Conference 2025 Declaration

October 21, 2025

Australia's Great North Conference Declaration 2025 In September 2025, hundreds of people gathered from across Northern Australia to join the inaugural Australia's Great North conference, hosted by the Environment Centre NT, Environs Kimberley, Arid Lands Environment Centre and Cairns and Far North Queensland Environment Centre. This...

Healthy Futures for Arid Lands and People

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