Territory Eco-link – Conservation For The 21st Century

The Territory Government today announced an important milestone in its Territory Eco-link initiative to create a huge conservation corridor that spans the Territory.

Parks and Wildlife Minister Karl Hampton said the Government has secured a conservation management agreement that will see the Fish River Gorge Block become a key link between Gregory and Litchfield National Parks as part of Territory Eco-link.

“This is the first of six key links that will join up conservation areas to create Eco-Link,” he said.

“The Territory is home to iconic Australian species such as crocodiles, barramundi, bilbies and wedge-tail eagles – and this initiative will help protect their environment.

“Territory Eco-link will deliver more than 2000km of linked protected areas along a north-south corridor through vital partnerships with various landholders and stakeholders.

“Our much-loved parks and reserves will provide the foundation within the corridor of linked protected areas that will connect with Indigenous, pastoral and defence land.

“Indigenous ranger groups and many pastoralists already manage vast tracts of the Territory to achieve sustainable land management and better conservation of our unique wildlife.

“These efforts should be recognised and Government intends for example to work with pastoralists such as RM Williams Agricultural Holdings on making Territory Eco-link a reality.”

Mr Hampton said Fish River Gorge Block was relatively undisturbed with no clearing having been undertaken.

“The Block is 1274sqkm in area – or about 80 per cent the size of Litchfield National Park and is home to at least 120 Rainforest Species of plants and animals,” he said.

“Fish River will be managed by Parks and Wildlife and marks an important milestone in the development of the Territory Eco-link.”

Mr Hampton said the Territory Government had committed $1.8 million over three years as part of an election commitment to create a conservation corridor of national and global significance and had secured a further $600,000 from the Australian Government.

“Territory Eco-Link is conservation for the 21^st century – all the best science tells us to best protect our animals and plants we need to save landscapes – not focus on individual species.

“Territory Eco-Link gives us the ability to better adapt to changes in climate, drought, rain and fire regimes,” Mr Hampton said.

Go to www.greeningnt.nt.gov.au for more information about Territory Eco-link.

Media contact: Edwin Edlund 0401 119 563