Thursday 28 April 2016

Northern Territory plans to develop its Casuarina Coastal Reserve to promote tourism

The Minister for Parks and Wildlife Bess Price has approved the Management Plan for Casuarina Coastal Reserve.

The Country Liberals plan promotes a balanced environment that sets out the direction for the Reserve’s future management. The significant investment in this public asset outlines how the interests for the community and conservation will be served.

This is the third management plan and was prepared with significant input from key stakeholders including the Casuarina Coastal Reserve Advisory Committee.

Minister for Parks and Wildlife Bess Nungarrayi Price said Casuarina Coastal Reserve was one of the most beautiful places to visit so close to the city.

“Last year Casuarina Coastal Reserve had 935,000 visits, so this Plan of Management is vital to our preparation for the future increase in the community visiting our Reserve.

“The Reserve is also important for conservation. It has important feeding and roosting sites for migratory waders and shorebirds, the most significant seagrass meadows in Darwin Harbour and nesting sites for two marine turtle species.

“By working with community groups and locals it will be possible to promote public awareness of the importance of the Reserve in protecting these areas.”

The key management priorities in the Plan include:
  • implementing the Experience Development Plan
  • educating the public about the new Domestic Animal Regulations promoting more public involvement in the Reserve and working with the community, environmental and recreational user groups, including the Casuarina Coastal Reserve Landcare Group; and
  • continuing to work with local groups to encourage public awareness of the importance of all wildlife and native flora in the Reserve and significant species such as migratory waders, shorebirds and marine turtles.

The plan includes changes to the Domestic Animal Regulations, which will help protect the key environmental values and improve the visitor experience.

A key management priority, being the implementation of the Experience Development Plan, is being delivered through the $10.68 million upgrade to Casuarina Coastal Reserve.

Currently work is occurring on upgrades to Lee Point, Dripstone Park and the Free Beach areas, which sees a new toilet block and three new modern picnic shelters at Dripstone Park, including a larger one for functions. BBQs and picnic tables are being upgraded and drinking water fountains at Dripstone Park and the Free Beach car park just to name some of the works.

The $1.38million contract for work at Lee Point, Dripstone Park and the Free Beach was awarded to local Darwin company Rusca Bros Services Pty Ltd which is an indigenous, Territory owned and operated firm, which will see more local jobs for local businesses.

The picnic shelters have been designed by Darwin-based firm Troppo Architects which will add some panache to the Reserve; Troppo has attracted a number of national architecture awards. In 2002, it won the Australian Institute of Architects National Sustainable Architecture Award.

Government has also awarded a contract earlier this month for stage 2 of the CCR works at Dripstone Cliffs and Rapid Creek.

The $4 million project was awarded to local company BMD who will employ 25 local workers.

Stage one of the upgrades sees 36 local workers employed and is expected to be completed by 13 May.

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