Marine & Coastal

Overview

Big news for Darwin Harbour

Many years of continued pressure from the community and the Environment Centre has resulted in some significant achievements in 2003.

There have been two major announcements from the government. Firstly, the harbour's Mangroves (from high to low tide water marks) were rezoned and are now 'Conservation Zone'. Secondly, the long awaited and long overdue Darwin Harbour Plan of Management was tabled in Parliament. Both announcements do not guarantee protection of the natural and cultural values of the Harbour; however, they do provide many opportunities to advance conservation. It is now up to the government, assisted by community guidance and pressure, to ensure plans and promises deliver REAL protection for Darwin Harbour.

To view the ECNT media release for the Plan of Management click here

Back to top

Threats to the Harbour

Darwin Harbour is threatened by incremental urban and rural development. New residential developments like Bayview Haven and Cullen Bay have seen mangrove communities destroyed and the integrity of the Harbour damaged.

Potential future threats to the Harbour are massive - the Northern Territory Government has plans for marina developments and dams that would destroy over 30% of the Harbour's mangroves and seriously impact upon the Harbour's ecological values. Plans to bring LNG on shore and establish an industrial zone at Wickham point also threaten the future of Darwin Harbour.

For more information about plans to bring gas and associated industries to Darwin Harbour click here

These threats can be avoided but we need to act now.

Back to top

The Campaign

Since its inception in 1983 the Environment Centre has been campaigning for the protection of Darwin Harbour's natural and cultural values. In 1994 ECNT and a number of community groups were successful in preventing the Darwin South marina development. Three years later the Northern Territory Government declared Charles Darwin National Park during an election campaign in response to Environment Centre and community campaigning.

In early 2001, community pressure lead by the Darwin Harbour Alliance saw plans to dam the Elizabeth River abandoned. The previous Northern Territory Government planned to dam the river just upstream of the bridge. Community pressure has seen these plans shelved, but there is still no legislative protection for the whole of Darwin Harbour

For a history of the successful 'Save Elizabeth River' campaign click here

In 1998 ECNT and the Larrakia Nation jointly nominated Darwin Harbour to the Register of the National Estate, while in 1999 ECNT played a central role in the formation of the Darwin Harbour Alliance, a group which has developed a vision for the future of Darwin Harbour.

Late 2003 has seen significant progress towards improved conservation of Darwin Harbour. Mangrove communities (from high to low water tide marks) were declared 'Conservation zone' and the Darwin Harbour Plan of Management was tabled in Parliament. ECNT will continue to pursue stronger protection for the Harbour and its valuable habitats.

Campaigning on the Harbour will continue until this fantastic environment is protected.

Click here to take action to protect the Harbour

You can also help protect Darwin Harbour by joining the Environment Centre NT
To download a membership form click here

Back to top

MORE INFORMATION

Back to top