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Glyde Point & the Vernon Islands

Coastal gem OR industrial disaster? Glyde Point and the Vernon Islands are just north of Darwin on the tip of Gunn Peninsula. The NT Department of Planning wants to develop a huge new industrial estate, port, and residential subdivision there.

NEW - "Rainforest to Reef : An assessment of the conservation significance of Glyde Point and the Vernon Islands and the impacts of proposed heavy industry".

This report, prepared for The Environment Centre NT (ECNT) and Australian Marine Conservation Council (AMCS), documents the natural and cultural conservation values of the Gunn Peninsula/ Vernon Islands area; highlights the potential impacts of an industrial estate on the values of the area and explores alternative options for the future.

Click here to download a copy of the report. (1,334kb)

Rainforest Tree

Part of the unique rainforest near Glyde Point. Photo: Jacinda Brown

Glyde Point forms part of the Gunn Peninsula - located 40km's north east of Darwin and home to:

»	the beautiful & culturally significant Murrumujuk Beach;
»	the barramundi and prawn nursery grounds of Shoal Bay;
»	the popular fishing destination Leaders Creek;
»	the rare rainforests and diverse mangroves of Glyde Point; and
»	is adjacent to the coral-reef fringed Vernon Islands and is significant habitat for threatened species such as dugong and turtle.

Situated on Darwin's doorstep this area of natural qualities and cultural importance is very important for locals, recreational fishers, Traditional Owners and tourists.

However the government is planning to destroy these qualities and replace with:

»	Development of 4000 ha of heavy industry including a new port, smelters, chemical and fertilizer factories in the most fragile of environments, the coastal zone.
»	Extensive clearing of unique mangrove and rainforest ecosystems.
»	Reclamation of 1500 ha of ocean and mangroves.
»	Dredging of a 4.9 kilometer channel for the new shipping port.
»	Activities that greatly impact upon protected species including dugong and turtle.
»	High risk of oil spills, chemical pollution and shipping accidents and a massive residential estate including a sewerage outfall.

This development will cost hundreds of millions of taxpayers' dollars and has no identified investors.

The environmental assessment is being undertaken by the NT Department of Planning and Infrastructure.

The people of Darwin treasure their natural, healthy environment and all the services it offers; it is up to the people of Darwin to make sure it stays this way - every voice counts!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE FUTURE OF YOUR COASTAL ENVIRONMENT MAKE SURE YOUR VOICE IS HEARD:

»	Support the Glyde Point campaign
»	Inform your friends and family
»	Write directly to Chief Minister Clare Martin
»	Attend the Public Meeting (date to be announced)

MORE INFORMATION

»	For more information call Adele Pedder on 8941 7461
»	See also: Marine & Coastal Media Releases

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The Environment Centre of the Northern Territory
3/98 Woods St, Darwin » Postal Address: GPO Box 2120, Darwin 0801 NT
Phone: 08 8981 1984 » Fax: 08 8941 0387 » E-mail: ecnt@octa4.net.au