Permit application procedures streamlined for Northern Territory Parks and Reserves

The Northern Territory Government is streamlining its permit procedure - making it easier for tour operators to work in Territory parks and reserves.

The new approach means a reduction in the required information for permit applications, as well as combining three separate processes into one web-based form.

Standard permits will now allow for more flexibility in tour guide operations by covering all applicable parks, removing a requirement for tour operators to specify multiple locations.

Businesses will also be able to track their applications through SMS or email updates, further delivering on open and transparent government processes.

Tourism operators should use the form when applying for a permit for any type of commercial tour activity in Territory parks and if applying for a concession, can access a new interactive digital map to pinpoint any proposed facility locations or off-path activities.

NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Nicole Mansion advises “anything we can do to support our hard working tourism and hospitality operators is a win.

“We know how important tourism is to the Territory – providing over 12 000 jobs across the NT and injecting billions back into our local economy.”

“Our $1.7 billion Tourism Industry is in its most exciting high season since the start of the pandemic and we know our beautiful parks and reserves are a big drawcard to domestic and international tourists.”

NT Minister for Corporate and Digital Development, Ngaree Ah Kit adds “Tourism is at the forefront of our post-Covid economic recovery and these changes make life easier for commercial operators wishing to undertake guided tours on parks and reserves.

“Allowing tour businesses to track their application further delivers on being an open and transparent government.”

In line with the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission recommendations, the Can-do Territory online services portal forms part of a broader digital transformation program to slash red tape, centralise business information and offer tracking and transparency to online application processes.

Can-do Territory will continue to expand over time, integrating more online applications making it easier for Territorians and businesses to access information, lodge and track online forms and transact digitally with the NT Government.

Find out more at candoterritory.nt.gov.au

Image: Courtesy Venture North - specialists in high quality, guided 4WD tours into rarely seen locations across the Northern Territory and hold an exclusive permit to operate a safari-style camp on the remote Cobourg Peninsula, north-western Arnhem Land.