The Parks and Wildlife Commission NT (PWCNT) has for the first time released report cards outlining how six of its best known parks and reserves are performing in four key areas.
The six parks and reserves are:
· Casuarina Coastal Reserve in Darwin
· Litchfield National Park, south of Darwin
· Nitmiluk National Park, near Katherine
· Judbarra / Gregory National Park, west of Katherine
· Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, near Alice Springs
· Watarrka National Park, south-west of Alice Springs
PWCNT planning services director, Mac Moyses, said the key areas of discussion for each parks or reserve relate to biodiversity conservation and fire, weed and feral animal programs, programs promoting visitor experiences, and cultural heritage.
“These report cards released today tell stories about the state of these parks and management programs during the period 2012-2014,” Mr Moyses said.
“The report cards summarise where good progress is being made and where the challenges lie.
“The most important points of progress during the reporting period and the most important actions to be taken in the next two years make for interesting reading.
“For example, a five year development plan has been prepared for Casuarina Coastal Reserve and considers future recreational needs of visitors, including measures to ensure the Reserve can continue to deliver a high quality visitor experience as visitor numbers increase.
“A similar, five year Visitor Experience Development Plan has been prepared for Litchfield National Park which aims to enhance the visitors’ experience of this Park.
“And at Nitmiluk National Park, which is rated a Class 1 Visitor park and a Class 1 Biodiversity park, an integrated conservation strategy is being developed.
“This will set out a systematic approach to monitoring the impact of fire, feral animal and weed management efforts and, in turn the health of the park’s flora and fauna.
“For now the report cards capture ‘story-telling information’ which is important but as we develop the system more ‘hard data’ will be included in future report cards.”
Mr Moyses said the Parks and Wildlife Commission plans to publish its next “State of the Parks Report” in 2017, covering 15 parks and reserves that make the greatest contribution to Territory tourism, recreation and nature conservation.
Go to www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au to view or download the report cards.
Media note – For further information please contact Mac Moyses on 8951 8228.