Camping, fishing, swimming back on with NT parks to be reopened this weekend

TERRITORIANS will be allowed to go camping, fishing and swimming at parks across the NT from this long weekend, as Chief Minister Michael Gunner lifted the first set of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Camping World owner Kevin Thomas welcomes the easing of restrictions on camping, fishing and swimming from this weekend. Picture: Glenn Campbell

TERRITORIANS will be allowed to go camping, fishing and swimming at parks across the NT, as Chief Minister Michael Gunner lifted the first set of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

With just five active cases left and not a single new COVID-19 case in three weeks, the NT is tracking “well ahead of schedule” and a detailed restriction exit plan will be revealed on Thursday.

At noon this Friday, Territorians will be allowed back into tourist-free national parks, excluding Kakadu and Uluru, with police and rangers to undertake strict crowd control.

People are asked to keep within their zones, with parks in Central Australia only open to residents within those designated biosecurity areas.

In the NT, gatherings are still capped at 10 people, but the Chief Minister is yet to outline who people are allowed to go camping with and if it will still be restricted to those within their own households.

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That will be made known on a “detailed road map” on Thursday, along with when community sport, outdoor gyms and playgrounds will reopen.

The fate of golf courses is likely to be known then too.

Camping World owner Kevin Thomas was relieved to hear about the parks reopening just in time for the dry season because it was the busiest time of year for his Berrimah business.

“There won’t be any tourists around this Dry so I’d encourage Territorians to take advantage of this opportunity to get out of the house for a few days and take a fishing or camping trip,” he said.

“We’ve got some fantastic places around, and there should be plenty of space at campgrounds to still be safe and practice social distancing.”

Camping World owner Kevin Thomas was relieved to hear that parks will be reopening just in time for the dry season. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Mr Gunner said the Government planned to lift restrictions imposed on businesses, including cafes, clubs and gyms, by June.

He will also be “providing clarity” around spectators being allowed into events like the Darwin Cup and Supercars, leaving the door open for the revival of some major dry season calendar staples.

“In the coming weeks, the Territory will gradually transition to a ‘new normal’, where Territorians can get back to business, back to work, and back to enjoying the Territory lifestyle, while also staying safe from coronavirus,” he said.

“The sooner we get money flowing around the economy again … I think that’s incredibly positive for the Territory.”

Chief Minister Michael Gunner has announced Territorians will be allowed to resume camping, fishing and swimming at parks across the NT. Picture: Glenn Campbell

However, there remains little chance voters will see an NT Government budget before the August election because it is dependent on the Federal Government releasing its own first.

But Mr Gunner confirmed the Government would release its quarterly expenditure report in mid-May, as scheduled.

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Lifting restrictions will come with trade-offs, and Territorians are being asked to be more vigilant than ever before.

The NT Government’s restriction-easing, three-pronged plan includes maintaining strict border controls, a “rapid response plan” that involves increased testing, widespread use of the Federal Government’s COVIDsafe app and ensuring any new or possible cases are quarantined immediately.

Territorians will have to adhere to social distancing, cleaning and hygiene protocols, and businesses will need to prove they have safety management plans in place.