The Territory Labor Government is safekeeping one of the Territory’s most cherished recreational attractions, Casuarina Coastal Reserve, by growing the protected area and making it the Territory’s newest national park.
The reserve will expand to include a 34-hectare lot (Lot 9458) to ensure protection of the dry monsoonal rainforest that is home to some of the Territory’s most iconic endangered species, the Black-footed Tree-rat and Croton habrophyllus, the host plant for the endangered Atlas Moth.
Casuarina Coastal Reserve is one of the Territory’s most popular parks, receiving more than one million visitors a year who exercise and enjoy the natural beauty of the coastal habitats between the estuaries of Rapid Creek and Buffalo Creek.
As announced the Chief Ministers Year Ahead speech, the Territory Labor Government has commenced the process for the reserve to become a national park under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976, ensuring its protection and management by Parks and Wildlife.
The new status of national park for Casuarina Coastal Reserve would constrain the type of development that could occur on the land and provide safeguards that any development is consistent with maintaining the values of the park.
Declared national parks provide a range of opportunities for the public to be involved in, including recreation, nature appreciation, scientific research and conservation, with the first step a series of consultation processes, including the outlining the natural, cultural and recreational values of the Reserve.
The community is invited to provide input to make representations about the land through the Have Your Say website: https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/casuarina-coastal-reserve
Applications close on Monday 22 April 2024.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Parks and Rangers, Selena Uibo:
“The Territory Labor Government is dedicated to safeguarding our most precious coastal and rainforest environments.
“Our Labor Government is looking at declaring a new National Park, with the process starting now. It has been eight years since this last happened.
“I encourage everyone to get involved. I am proud that our Labor Government is committed to building a voice for Larrakia, as the traditional owners of Darwin, in partnership management of the new Park.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Casuarina, Lauren Moss:
“Casuarina Coastal Reserve is certainly one of those most special – and loved – places.
“This process will allow for the community to have a say on the many values of Casuarina Coastal Reserve, including biodiversity, recreation, nature appreciation, enjoyment, and valuable scientific research, and it’s management.
“Our beloved urban public assets are important for improved health and wellness, recreation opportunities, mitigating the effects of climate change, and providing wildlife havens.”
