The Australian Agricultural Co's proposed meat processing facility south of Darwin is undergoing an environmental assessment as part of the planning approval process.

Draft Guidelines published by the Department of Natural Resources & Environment will be open for review for two weeks to December 23 to allow the public to comment on the scope of the Public Environmental Report.

In a statement, AAco general manager, northern Australia beef, Stewart Cruden said his company welcomed the opportunity to clarify environmental aspects of the project through the process.

“We’re looking forward to working together with the Government and the community to take this project forward,” he said.

“The PER gives us the opportunity to reassure Territorians about our commitment to the environment and our neighbours.”

The proposed meatworks processing facility at Livingstone Valley plans to process up to 1000 cattle a day at peak production with employment for around 270 people.

NT environment minister Karl Hampton said environment assessment was an important process ensuring potential environmental impacts were identified and that safeguards are developed to ensure impacts can be managed within sustainable limits.

An important issue identified in the draft guidelines was water management, consistent with community concerns around this project.

• The draft guidelines can be viewed on the NT Government website.