NT Parks will be open this long weekend, says Chief Minister Michael Gunner

TERRITORIANS will be allowed to go camping, swimming and walking at parks and reserves across the NT this weekend, says Chief Minister Michael Gunner

Territorians will be allowed to safely go camping, swimming or walking at parks and reserves across the Northern Territory this weekend, says Chief Minister Michael Gunner.

TERRITORIANS will be allowed to go camping, swimming and walking at parks and reserves across the NT this weekend, says Chief Minister Michael Gunner.

Mr Gunner made an announcement about the first significant step of the NT’s coronavirus lockdown exit plan this morning.

He said national parks will be open from noon on Friday, May 1.

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“We can only do this because of the work and sacrifices of Territorians – and we can only keep our parks open if Territorians are respectful of each other’s space,” he said.

“Let’s all take care of each other.

“We cannot take for granted that we are the safest place in Australia, and we have to work to keep it that way.”

National parks like Kakadu that are within Designated Biosecurity Areas will remain closed to outside visitors.

The Chief Minister said the NT Government was also working on adjusting restrictions on some other outdoor activities as well, which he is expected to reveal details on this Thursday.

“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.

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“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Easing restrictions will actually increase responsibility on all Territorians to keep doing the right thing. That will be our new normal. And we can’t afford to go backwards or do it all again.”

He said the NT Government have a three-pronged strategy to keep Territorians safe which includes:

1) Control the borders – to prevent coronavirus from getting here

2) Rapid response – A “test, trace and trap” plan to contain any future outbreak, minimising the risk to the community

3) The new normal – Territorians enjoying their lives while also adhering to social distancing, cleaning and hygiene protocols

“I know we’ve asked a lot of you – but our COVID-19 response has worked so far – and it’s worked because so many Territorians continue to do the right thing,” he said.

MORE TO COME.