The Territory Labor Government is today launching the Lhere Mparntwe Management Strategy 2019, providing a way for a coordinated approach to maintaining ecologically healthy rivers in Alice Springs.

The Strategy has three main objectives:

• To protect and enhance the natural and cultural values of the rivers;
• Encourage locals and visitors to use the rivers in culturally and ecologically appropriate ways; and
• Ensure governments, Traditional Owners, business and the community work collaboratively to care for them.

The Todd River is home to dozens of large, mature red gums. Sadly, a large number of illegally lit grass fires within the Todd River and Charles River in 2017, destroyed many of these trees, some believed to be about 500 years old, and which are also registered Sacred Sites.

Key stakeholders have come together to work with Government on how to protect and manage the natural resources within the Todd River and its immediate catchment, including the Charles River.

The committee identified fire management as a key element affecting river health and its forms a major component of the strategy.

To view the Strategy, go to https://denr.nt.gov.au/programs-and-strategies

Quotes from the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Lawler:

“The Territory’s natural environment is one of our best assets and a huge part of what makes living here so special - that’s why this Strategy is so important, it’s our first and overarching step towards a more effective and collaborative approach to the management of the rivers for future generations.

“The Todd River is iconic to Alice Springs and special to the community for many different reasons, and is also home to large, mature river red gums that hold strong cultural significance to the local Arrernte people.

“Thank you to the Lhere Mparntwe Working Group for their hard work in ensuring we have a comprehensive Strategy to protect an important and iconic part of Central Australia well into the future.”

Media contact: Ellie Clancy 0436 646 689