Marine & Coastal

12 December 2003

ECNT WELCOMES THE LONG AWAITED DARWIN HARBOUR PLAN OF MANAGEMENT

The Environment Centre of the Northern territory welcomes the release of the Darwin Harbour Plan of Management and waits in anticipation to see if it delivers results.

The Environment Centre has been campaigning for the protection of Darwin Harbour's natural and cultural values since 1983.

The Environment Centre was directly involved in construction of the Darwin Harbour Plan of Management through involvement in the Darwin Harbour Advisory Committee.

The release of the plan, together with the recent declaration of the harbour's mangroves as conservation zone, is sending a signal that the Government is taking positive steps towards protecting the harbour.

"In Darwin we are fortunate to have this unique marine and coastal environment right on our doorstep, and the community recognises that it needs strong protection" said Adele Pedder of the Environment Centre of the Northern Territory.

"The plan of management does not guarantee that the natural integrity of the Harbour will remain intact" said Ms Pedder "The plan does, however provide significant opportunities".

"The plans success depends on implementation of key recommendations. The Protection of the natural and cultural values will only be achieved through effective implementation".

The Environment Centre will continue to pursue its work to ensure the Darwin Harbour Plan of Management delivers the goods in terms of conservation and environmental protection.

"The long term protection of the harbour will be dependent on strong protection measures. The declaration of the harbour as a Marine Protected Area has the potential to deliver these results" said Ms Pedder.

For further information contact Adele Pedder on 8941 7461 or 0422 108 539
Email: ecnt@octa4.net.au

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