Department of Tourism and Culture CEO Alastair Shields today announced the appointment of a new Executive Director for the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory, Mr Mark Ashley.

Previously the Executive Director for Bushfires NT, Mr Ashley has been responsible for leading reforms in bushfire management, and has a broad background in natural resources management, community development and pastoral research. He has also worked at various organisations such as the CRC for Remote Economic Participation and the Northern Land Council.

Mr Ashley said he was delighted to have been chosen for the role. The Territory has some spectacular assets, including Litchfield National Park, the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Alice Springs and the Territory Wildlife Parks and significant reserves and facilities.

“I feel privileged and very excited about the opportunity to work with Traditional Owners in the joint management of these important community assets, and look forward to exploring new partnerships that deliver both conservation and economic development outcomes.

“Responsibly managing these assets, and protecting and conserving our flora and fauna is something the Territory has a proud history of maintaining.

Territory parks attract more than 3.5 million visitors each year and tourism remains an important pillar of our economy, both in terms of jobs and economic development.

“The challenge is to realise future economic opportunities in a way that is consistent with the joint management arrangements and delivers jobs and enterprise development opportunities for Territorians, particularly those living in remote areas.

“Of course any promotion and development of the park estate must be done in a way that is culturally appropriate and consistent with best practice cultural and natural resource management principles. This is a core component that I hope to deliver in the role, and one I know is shared by the staff of Parks and Wildlife Commission.

“I have worked closely with the Commission and have great respect for the work and commitment the broader team delivers to the Territory,” Mr Ashley said.

Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory manages 87 areas as parks and reserves covering 50 069 square kilometres. There are 32 ranger stations and offices Territory-wide, and 33 parks subject to formal joint management with Aboriginal traditional owners.

These arrangements provide for continued use of these areas as parks and the ability to provide ongoing visitor access and development.

The Commission is part of the overarching Department of Tourism and Culture, a shift following the Territory Government’s decision to bring tourism, arts, museums and heritage, sport and recreation, and parks and wildlife together as one agency.

Department of Tourism and Culture CEO Alastair Shields said the alignment of these business areas allowed for a focus on creating a vibrant and exciting Territory to attract visitors, provide local opportunity, deliver jobs, and grow the economy.

“Mr Ashley is an excellent candidate, with a long history in the Northern Territory having worked and lived in Alice Springs, Katherine and now Darwin over the past 25 years.

“He is no stranger to the importance of conserving the precious natural and cultural values of the Territory and will do a great job to enhance visitor experiences, and promote the health and wellbeing of the community,” Mr Shields said.

Mr Ashley is a self-proclaimed bad fisherman, a (slow) mountain biker, who’s lucky enough to be married to a beautiful botanist and Dad to two strong young women.

Mr Ashley commences 13 June 2017.

This appointment comes following the retirement of Mr Andrew Bridges, who worked for 36 years in the Northern Territory Public Service.

ENDS

Media interviews: Department of Tourism and Culture 0448 698 409