NT Minister for Tourism and Culture Lauren Moss today said it was a national first.

Under a joint partnership between the NT Government and the Jawoyn Association, the fire program will involve early dry season patchwork burning to minimise the number and intensity of wildfires across the park’s 292,800 hectares.

The fire management program helps protect important flora and fauna, and reduces smoke and greenhouse gas emissions, which in turn generates carbon offsets.

“Territorians trust the Territory Labor Government to create jobs and this exciting new project is anticipated to generate $200,000 per year in income for the Jawoyn Association,” Ms Moss said.

“It will create employment and training opportunities for Indigenous Territorians and also help protect our beautiful Nitmiluk National Park. 

“The income generated will then be used to continue improving fire management and weed management of the area, in particular to minimise hot fires.

Jawoyn Association board chair Lisa Mumbin said the fire management program would allow for carbon farming specifically focused on Savannah woodland vegetation.

“Nitmiluk National Park has been jointly managed by the Jawoyn people and the Northern Territory Government since 1989 and is heralded as a model for joint management between Aboriginal people and governments across Australia,” Ms Mumbin said.  

“This agreement further cements the collaboration between Jawoyn and government and represents new ways we are working together. 

“I commend the efforts of everyone involved to bring this project to fruition and hope it will help to pave the way for other Territory Parks.” 

The program aligns with the Plan of Management and further supports the Park’s Integrated Conservation Strategy.