Performance Reporting Parks and Reserves Parks and Reserves Visitor Management Programs 86

Output: Parks and Reserves Visitor 3. Upgraded the Kings Creek Walk at , near Management Programs Alice Springs, to a higher standard, by making the path wider and paving using natural rock. The path is now more stable and visitor This output creates commercial, educational and recreational safety has been increased. opportunities based on sustainable use of the natural and cultural assets of the Parks estate. 4. Completed two new shelters and eco-friendly designed toilets on the Larapinta Trail near Alice Springs, on Section 10 near the Finke Performance Measures 06-07 07-08 07-08 08-09 Output: Parks and Reserves Actual Estimate Actual Estimate River and at the junction of Sections 2 and 3 beside Jay Creek. Visitor Management Programs 5. Completed a new wet toilet block for visitors and associated landscaping at Ellery Creek Bighole in the West MacDonnell Quantity National Park near Alice Springs. Total visits to Territory Parks (1) 3 048 529 2 850 000 2 867 523 3 050 000 6. Completed the design for a viewing platform for the Ghost Gum Number of Park visitors 12 100 12 700 13 640 12 700 engaged in ranger-guided Lookout at Ormiston Gorge in the West MacDonnell National Park interpretation activities (2) near Alice Springs. Quality 7. Completed upgrades to the visitor access crossings between the Visitor satisfaction N/A 80% 86.8 % 80% first and second gorges at , near Katherine.

This Output’s Performance Measures were refined in 06-07, so there is no relevant historical data to 8. Invested approximately $80 000 in erosion control and stabilisation compare prior to the above. of thermal pool banks at the thermal pools in Elsey National Park, Explanatory Notes near Katherine. Works also included a section of covered walkway 1. Figures are derived from calibrated traffic counters, entry permits or estimates for a select range and new interpretation for visitors on the Little Red Flying Fox. of parks with reliable visits data. 2. Territory Parks Alive figures for Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs regions. 9. Completed visitor facilities at Channel Point Coast Reserve, near Darwin, which included a camping area and boat ramp. Key Achievements in 2007-08: Parks and Reserves Visitor 10. Increased attendance of the Territory Park’s Alive program of free Management Programs walks and talks for park visitors, exceeding 13 000 contacts for the 1. Completed an $85 000 upgrade of the Palm Valley campground first time. at Finke Gorge National Park, near Alice Springs, with improved 11. Continued community education and engagement through the layout of sites, installation of new gas barbeques and reticulation, Junior Ranger program, involving school children, parents and and new shade structures. schools in environmental and park management awareness 2. Constructed a new visitor interpretation amphitheatre at Ormiston building programs. Gorge in the West MacDonnell National Park near Alice Springs. This facility will be used for a range of activities involving interaction between rangers, visitors and school groups.

NORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT AND THE ARTS ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 0 7 - 2 0 0 8