A recent survey of people living in the Greater Darwin region found that the vast majority (74%) expect the next NT Government to do more to protect the health of our coasts.
The research commissioned by Keep Top End Coasts Healthy found that while most people (73%) believe the Territory coasts were in good health, many (53.1%) are concerned that they are in decline.
This was particularly evident amongst recreational fishers, where most (60%) said that the quality of fishing has declined in coastal NT.
The overwhelming majority of people (86%) said that keeping our coasts healthy is vital to support tourism and economic recovery in the NT.
When asked about Government spending, majority of people (84%) supported investment in management and protection of the NT coasts with most people (47%) saying funding should be increased.
‘This research has confirmed what we are hearing from people across the Top End – while our coasts are mostly in good shape, many Territorians have observed that things on the water are not as good as they used to be’ said Adele Pedder, Coordinator of Keep Top End Coasts Healthy.
‘Our coasts are the heart of our Top End lifestyle. They contribute $2billion to the Territory economy every year supporting more than 6,000 jobs’
‘This research shows that Territorians understand that looking after our coasts is a responsible and practical step that will support tourism and our economic recovery’
‘And that Territorians expect the next NT Government to take more action and invest in the protection and management of our coasts’ said Ms Pedder.
