The Government has expanded Limmen Bight Marine Park by more than 20%, delivering on an election promise and building on its track record of unlocking Territory parks. This will expand the region’s largest seagrass meadow, supporting one of the world’s largest dugong populations, while creating new opportunities for tourism, recreation, and research. Finocchiaro CLP Government will continue to unlock Territory parks so that Territorians can get outdoors and enjoy our unique lifestyle.
There’ll be plenty more space for dugongs and plenty more for Territorians to do in the Territory’s Gulf country, as the Finocchiaro CLP Government delivers on its commitment to expand Limmen Bight Marine Park.
The decision will see the park increase by 185km² to 1069km², extending south to Rosie Creek – offering more opportunities for Territorians to enjoy recreational fishing, marine wildlife, and the remote Gulf landscapes that make the area one-of-a-kind.
Minister for Parks and Wildlife, Marie-Clare Boothby, said the expansion followed significant consultation, and was about restoring our unique Territory lifestyle, while protecting what makes the Territory unique.
“Limmen Bight is home to some of the best fishing and views in the world, and we’ve worked with experts and local stakeholders, including the Mararr traditional owners, to unlock more opportunities for Territorians to enjoy the region,” Minister Boothby said.
“We are proud to be the Party of parks and conservation. We expanded Litchfield by 20% with the purchase of Silkwood. We expanded Harrison Dam Conservation Reserve by 20%. And we continue to work with local communities and businesses to unlock new opportunities for recreation and investment in our growing parks estate.”
Limmen Bight Marine Park sits within the internationally recognised Southern Gulf of Carpentaria Important Marine Mammal Area. Featuring a 24,000ha seagrass meadow the park is home to one of the largest dugong populations in the region, as well as turtles, fish, and other sea creatures. The seagrass meadow supports commercial mudcrab, prawn, and barramundi fishing as well.
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment, Joshua Burgoyne, said the decision was a positive step for the Territory’s marine wildlife.
“The Territory’s marine environment is one of our greatest natural advantages – supporting diverse wildlife, recreational opportunities and local communities,” he said.
“Extending Limmen Bight Marine Park strengthens an incredibly important habitat for dugongs, green turtles, and a wide range of other marine species, making this a win for conservation, Territorians, and visitors alike.”
Manager of Keep Top End Coasts Healthy, Adele Pedder, said the Limmen Bight Marine Park expansion was a huge win for Territory coasts.
“This remarkable stretch of coast is where healthy seagrass meadows, reefs and mangroves support barramundi and mud crab, and where dugongs, dolphins and turtles still thrive. It is one of the Top End’s great fishing and wildlife places,” Ms Pedder said.
“We look forward to working with theGovernment to ensure the Marine Park is well-funded and well-managed, so it can protect the fishing, marine life and culture in this special part of the Territory coast for years to come.”
The expansion delivers on the Country Liberal Party’s 2024 election commitment to expand Limmen Bight while growing tourism, recreation and private investment.
