The Finocchiaro CLP Government has delivered on an election commitment, launching a new 'Hunting in the NT' grant program.
The $50,000 annual grant program will enable local not-for-profit hunting organisations to complete conservation activities in hunting reserves.
The CLP Government will continue to restore our unique Territory lifestyle, back Territory hunters, and support practical conservation.
The unique Territory lifestyle is once again front-and-centre as the Finocchiaro CLP Government delivers on a key election commitment to support Territory hunters.
The 'Hunting in the NT' grant program supports local not-for-profit hunting groups with $50,000 grants for practical, one-off conservation activities in designated hunting areas.
Activities could include erosion control, weed management, and rubbish clean-ups. Funding will also be available for equipment to enable conservation activities, including trailers, monitoring equipment, and spray units.
Minister for Parks and Wildlife and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby said that the CLP was getting on with the job of restoring our unique Territory lifestyle and promoting outdoor recreation opportunities.
"The CLP proudly backs hunters, regional jobs, and practical conservation in our reserves, and we'll continue to promote opportunities - and invest in - Territory parks," Minister Boothby said.
"At the same time, although it's a niche market, hunting brings in high-yield visitors to our regional and remote areas where they spend more, see more, and do more, which supports our local jobs and businesses.
"Hunting is part of our unique lifestyle offering here in the Territory, and demand is high - we need to make sure that our hunting areas keep pace with demand now and into the future, and that's what this program is all about."
Deputy Chief Minister and Member for Nelson, Gerard Maley welcomed the grants.
"I know just how important our hunting reserves are to Territorians who enjoy the outdoors and want to see these areas protected and maintained for future generations," Minister Maley said.
"This grant program is about backing local hunting groups to deliver practical conservation outcomes while supporting the Territory lifestyle that so many people in our region value."
Member for Goyder and keen hunter, Andrew Mackay said that the grants highlighted the government's commitment to backing in our unique Territory lifestyle.
"These grants will help ensure our hunting reserves are the best in the world and ensure local families can continue to go for a hunt for generations to come," Mr Mackay said.
The grant program was developed with hunting organisations through the Hunting Working Group and NT Parks and Wildlife.
Eligible designated hunting areas include:
Back Country Hunting Area in Litchfield National Park;Harrison Dam Conservation Reserve;Howard Springs Hunting Reserve;Lambells Lagoon Conservation Reserve; andShoal Bay Coastal Reserve.
Successful recipients will work with NT Parks and Wildlife to ensure works comply with park management plans.
The grant program comes on the back of the CLP Government's historic purchase of Silkwood and expansion of the Harrison Dam Hunting Reserve, common-sense reforms to magpie goose and waterfowl management, and certainty for recreational hunters and competitive shooters.
It also comes as the CLP commits a landmark $10 million to upgrade parks infrastructure across the Territory.
"Whether it is hunting, camping, fishing, walking or riding, we want Territorians to have more opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors," Minister Boothby said.
"In our year of growth, certainty, and security, we'll continue to put the Territory lifestyle - and our visitor economy - front and centre."
