Marine & Coastal

1 April 2004

Conservation groups welcome Darwin Harbour Management Plan but question its ability to deliver

MEDIA ALERT – 1st April 2004. 12:00 hours

Today the Darwin Harbour Management Plan is to be launched by the Northern Territory Government. This 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.

However, the Environment Centre of the Northern Territory and the Australian Marine Conservation Society are questioning the ability of the Management Plan to guarantee that the natural integrity of the Harbour will remain intact.

Peter Robertson of the Environment Centre of the Northern Territory said “The rhetoric of the Management Plan is sound, however in order to properly implement the Plan there needs to be defined on-ground outcomes supported by sufficient resources – it appears that this may be lacking”.

“ Specified funding for implementation has been set at just $355,000. This is the amount designated for the protection of Darwin Harbour, recognised throughout the community as Darwin’s greatest asset and overflowing with natural and cultural values. Is this figure reflective of the REAL value of the Harbour?” said Mr Robertson.

“ The scale of industrialisation proposed for the Harbour could easily undermine it’s natural and cultural heritage values. The Government is willing to spend $19 million on ONE road to the Wickham Point Gas Plant and $100 million on the Wharf Precinct Development. Funding allocated to management of the harbour is a pittance in comparison” said Mr Robertson.

Adele Pedder of the Australian Marine Conservation Society said “The plan does provide significant opportunities but does not guarantee that the natural integrity of the Harbour will remain intact. The plans success depends on the Government’s willingness to put resources behind its implementation”.

“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.

Contacts:

Peter Robertson
Campaigns Coordinator
Environment Centre of the Northern Territory
BH: 8981 1984 , M:0409 089 020

Adele Pedder
Northern Marine Campaigner
Australian Marine Conservation Society
BH: 8941 7461, M: 0422 108 539
Email: ecnt@octa4.net.au

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