Draft Joint Management plans for Northern Territory conservation reserves released for public input

The draft Joint Management Plans for Mac Clark (Acacia peuce) Conservation Reserve and Kuyunba Conservation Reserve have been released by the Northern Territory Government draft Joint for public comment. This is an opportunity for the community to have a say on the future management of the two reserves.

The benefits of joint management creates the opportunity to further support traditional knowledge, such as fire management knowledge, to contribute to park management and benefit the landscape.

There will be no significant changes relating to visitor use or enjoyment of the reserves as the joint management partners will consider recreational activities, where appropriate, that will promote appreciation of the cultural and heritage values of the Mac Clark (Acacia peuce) and Kuyunba conservation reserves.

Mac Clark (Acacia peuce) Conservation Reserve is located almost 200 kilometres south of Alice Springs, within the rich cultural landscape of Lower Southern Arrernte country, known as Akerre country by the Akerre or Andado people. The site is home to Acacia peuce or Irrkep, one of the rarest and most striking trees growing in the Australian arid zone.

The Kuyunba Conservation Reserve is south west of Alice Springs in Eastern and Central Arrernte country and protects a sacred site registered to initiated Arrente men, associated with the Plum Tree Dreaming.

The draft joint management plans have been developed in collaboration with the Traditional Owners for the reserves, with input from the Central Land Council, government agencies and stakeholder groups.

The draft plans are strategic documents that set the long term vision for the reserves, focusing on the value of each reserve, threats and opportunities for each reserve, setting out management strategies and measures to guide the management and development of the reserves through their own plans.

The draft plans support the ongoing protection of the reserves natural and cultural values, including places of historical and cultural importance, and, where appropriate the draft plans outline how visitors will be provided with authentic and engaging experiences.

Joint management is about Traditional Owners and Parks and Wildlife working together to make well informed decisions for the reserves. The reserves are enhanced by the connection of Traditional Owners with their country, adding a richness to the landscape and to the experience of those who visit.

Joint management and the guiding plans enable Traditional Owners and the Department to work together to combine traditional and scientific knowledge to manage each reserve.

Traditional ecological knowledge is preserved through traditional practices and passed on from generation to generation.

The draft plans have been prepared under section 25AD of the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976. Public comment on the draft joint management plans is open until 4pm on Monday 15th April 2024.

Go to depws.nt.gov.au/consultation-publications/plans-open-comment/ to find out how to offer concerns and opinions to be considered in the management of these reserves.

Image. Credit: NT Parks and Wildlife