Casuarina Coastal Reserve and an additional 33 hectares adjoining it will become a national park, NT Parks Minister Selena Uibo has announced.
In the announcement on Monday morning Ms Uibo said survey works for the reserve and the additional 33 ha of Lot 9458 were underway, scheduled for completion today, and said that work would be included with public feedback, which would finalise the section 14 report recommending to the administrator that Casuarina Coastal Reserve becomes the Territory’s newest national park.
She said about 20 per cent of residents who submitted comments for a recently concluded public consultation said they wanted more recreational activities such as fishing, bike riding, and horse riding, and making campfires, while the consultation found dog walking remained the most popular activity for residents.
Ms Uibo said there was clear community concern about Defence Housing Australia land near the reserve, and said while it could not be considered in this process, there would be 22 ha of DHA land west of Lee Point road proposed for zoning as a conservation area to become part of the reserve once rehabilitated.
The consultation also revealed that Territorians were concerned about resources to manage the reserve, and would like to see increased rangers, environmental management, and maintenance works in the Casuarina Coastal Reserve.
“The Lawler Labor government protects what Territorians care about. That is why Casuarina Coastal Reserve will expand and be safeguarded as a national park for Territorians to continue to enjoy the recreational activities they love,” she said.
“We have listened to the concerns of Territorians, and you will continue to walk your dogs, go bike riding and fishing, and enjoy the beauty coastal and dry monsoonal rainforest for years to come,” Ms Uibo said.
“Turning Casuarina Coastal Reserve into a national park with the expanded area will enhance the value of the location and ensure the habitat of endangered species and recreational space is there for generations to come.”
When it is a national park, it is planned to give it to TO”s and fees and restrictions will apply, no dog walking.
The 28000+ strong Government has accomplished absolute nada on the economy or the crime front and has left our hospitals in tatters but has time to do this wishy washy warm inner glow stuff???