Casuarina Coastal Reserve Exclusion: A Controversial Proposal
The Northern Territory government is in the process of designating Darwin’s Casuarina Coastal Reserve as a national park. However, there is disappointment among advocates due to the exclusion of an adjacent woodland block where rare Gouldian finches have been spotted.
Despite years of community opposition, the woodland block may face clearance as early as April to make room for an 800-home housing development.
What comes next? The government has invited community feedback on the proposal until 22 April. Regrettably, they have ruled out the option of repurchasing the housing development land.
Known as a sanctuary for wildlife, dog walkers, and birdwatchers, Darwin’s Casuarina Coastal Reserve is on track to be established as the newest national park in the Northern Territory.
This 1,500-hectare area comprising beaches, sand dunes, bushland, and mangroves is home to various endangered species. It holds global significance as a critical habitat for endangered shorebirds.
However, not everyone is content with the NT government’s intentions for the land situated just north of Darwin. The protection of the reserve seems to be at odds with a nearby development project, which has drawn criticism from environmentalists.
The
Casuarina Coastal Reserve exclusion
is located approximately 15 kilometers to the north of Darwin city.
Casuarina Coastal Reserve exclusion
This month, Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler indicated that the proposed park’s expansion would involve incorporating the existing reserve and an adjacent 34-hectare block of Crown land. This announcement was made as she outlined Labor’s priorities leading up to the August election.
However, the boundaries of the park will not encompass a neighboring 132-hectare area of partially-bulldozed woodland. This particular area is home to the endangered Gouldian finch and has been the focal point of a prolonged disagreement between local environmentalists and a Commonwealth-owned property developer.
Currently, Defence Housing Australia (DHA) is in the process of attempting to clear the remaining portion of the Lee Point block to pave the way for a housing development consisting of approximately 800 homes.
**The Progress on Lee Point Defence Housing Development Halts**
**Casuarina Coastal Reserve Exclusion: A Threat to Biodiversity**
The ongoing work on the Lee Point defence housing development has come to a standstill. Professor Brett Murphy, an ecologist at Charles Darwin University, expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on wildlife within the boundaries of the proposed national park. He highlighted the risk to various species inhabiting the woodland forest habitat that is slated for bulldozing, emphasizing the interconnectedness between the habitat and the park’s ecosystem.
The Lee Point development project by Defence Housing Australia (DHA) has faced delays, particularly since the discovery of the endangered Gouldian finch on the site in 2022. This discovery attracted attention from birdwatchers and the public, shedding light on the significance of the area’s old growth trees in supporting diverse bird species like the red-tailed black cockatoos and threatened animals such as the black-footed tree rat.
In response to mounting concerns, DHA has decided to halt the bulldozing activities until the end of March this year. This pause comes as the federal environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, reviews an emergency application from Larrakia traditional owners to suspend the development based on cultural grounds. Additionally, the declaration of the national park would subject the Casuarina Coastal Reserve to the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, ensuring stricter regulations for any future development plans within the ecosystem.
NT Parks and Rangers Minister Selena Uibo emphasized the necessity of adhering to stringent criteria and regulations in the national park development process. She mentioned that any proposed development would need to meet these standards to proceed. The potential declaration of the national park is anticipated by mid-2024, with the NT government initiating community consultations to gather input on the park’s management strategies.
Despite the discussions surrounding the national park, Ms. Uibo clarified that the government is not contemplating repurchasing the Lee Point development block from Defence Housing Australia to expand the proposed national park area. The exclusion of the Casuarina Coastal Reserve from development aims to safeguard the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region for future generations.
Temporary Halt in Lee Point Development
Construction activities at Lee Point will come to a temporary halt until March following an urgent request from the Larrakia traditional landowners to the federal authorities. This request was made to safeguard the Aboriginal cultural heritage.
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Ian Redmond, who leads the Save Lee Point community group, expressed disappointment that the NT government did not present the option to the community.
He emphasized that wildlife does not adhere to boundaries; they move freely across areas in search of food, flowers, and insects, operating within their natural habitats.
Redmond stated, “We would have preferred a consultation regarding the Casuarina Coastal Reserve exclusion.”
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (DHA) informed ABC that the project was approved after thorough consideration of its specific location.
The ongoing debate on the value of the Casuarina Coastal Reserve exclusion
Drew Wagner, the CEO of the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s NT branch, expressed his support for the proposal and expressed optimism that the new park would enhance the appeal of the NT to potential residents.
He emphasized the importance of balancing development with conservation, referring to the proposal as an excellent demonstration of this principle.
Wagner highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating that it would serve as a valuable example for future endeavors in the region.
The Importance of Proper Funding for Casuarina Coastal Reserve Exclusion
Brett Murphy, an expert in environmental conservation, warns that the ecosystem of the proposed park, specifically the Casuarina Coastal Reserve exclusion, could be in grave danger. Dr. Murphy emphasizes that without adequate funding from the NT government to address issues such as managing weeds and controlling feral animals, the park’s sustainability is at risk.
Dr. Murphy highlights the necessity of proactive measures, stating, “Merely establishing a park does not guarantee its protection.” He points out the current challenges faced by existing national parks in the NT due to insufficient financial resources allocated for their management.
Expressing concern, Dr. Murphy asserts, “It is essential for the government to invest in the effective management of the park rather than just symbolic gestures.” Without tangible financial support, the preservation of the Casuarina Coastal Reserve exclusion remains precarious.
The NT government has indicated that a comprehensive management plan for the park, including the Casuarina Coastal Reserve exclusion, will be developed following the conclusion of community consultations on April 22.
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