Process begins to turn Casuarina Coastal Reserve into national park

One of the Territory’s most popular reserves, receiving more than one million visitors a year, is set to become a national park.

Casuarina Coastal Reserve is set to become the Territory’s newest national park. Picture: Supplied.

The process to turn the Casuarina Coastal Reserve into the Territory’s newest national park has begun following an announcement by the state government that the protected area is to be expanded.

The expansion would include a 34-hectare lot of monsoonal rainforest that is home to endangered species, the Black-footed Tree-rat as well as the host plant for the endangered Atlas moth.

Parks and Rangers minister Selena Uibo said protecting natural environments like that found around the reserve is of the utmost importance.

“The Territory Labor government is dedicated to safeguarding our most precious coastal and rainforest environments,” she said.

“Our Labor government is looking at declaring a new National Park, with the process starting now — It has been eight years since this last happened.”

Traditional land owners, Larakia Nation, would also manage the park in partnership with the government.

Minister Uibo with Casuarina MLA Lauren Moss and Chairman of Larrakia Nation, Jerome Cubillo. Picture: Supplied.

Casuarina Coastal Reserve receives more than one million visitors a year and by becoming a national park any development on the lands would be highly constrained and only allowed if they maintain the values of the park.

Casuarina MLA Lauren Moss said it was a boon for the community to have the reserve declared as a national park and they would have an input into its future.

“Casuarina Coastal Reserve is certainly one of those most special and loved places,” she said

“This process will allow for the community to have a say on the many values of Casuarina Coastal Reserve, including biodiversity, recreation, nature appreciation, enjoyment, and valuable scientific research, and its management.

“Our beloved urban public assets are important for improved health and wellness, recreation opportunities, mitigating the effects of climate change, and providing wildlife havens.”

Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Picture: Patrina Baxter.

Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Picture: File

When a national park is declared public feedback is sought to determine park aspects ranging from recreation and nature appreciation to scientific research and conservation.

The first step is a series of consultation processes, including the outlining of the natural, cultural and recreational values of the Reserve.

The community is invited to provide input to make representations about the land through the Have Your Say website at haveyoursay.nt.gov.au with applications closing Monday 22 April.

The bullet point summary was created with the assistance of AI technology (PaLM2) then edited and approved for publication by an editor.

Originally published as Process begins to turn Casuarina Coastal Reserve into national park