Keep Top End Coasts Healthy (KTECH) has developed a submission to the Northern Territory Parks Masterplan 2022-52 Consultation Paper.
The Masterplan Consultation Paper is a timely reminder of the significant role that the Territory’s parks and reserves network plays in the conservation of biodiversity and culture, and in supporting the Territory lifestyle. Protecting natural habitats in well managed parks and reserves is one of the most effective ways to conserve them for current and future generations to appreciate and enjoy. The network also provides a generous return on public investment, underpinning the Territory economy through a growing domestic and international tourism sector, ecosystem services, employment and recreation opportunities, and benefits for health and wellbeing.
Keep Top End Coasts Healthy supports the preparation of the Masterplan as an important first step in reinvigorating the parks and reserves network and guiding the modernisation of the current NT Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, which is now 45 years old, not fit for purpose and in need of critical reform.
This submission outlines the key issues that must be considered, along with a number of concerns about the direction that the Northern Territory Government wishes to take the parks and reserves network as articulated in the Masterplan Consultation Paper.
Read the full submission here.