2012 Landcare Awards Darwin International Airport. SUBMISSION DOCUMENT Category: Urban Landcare Award

Transcription

1 2012 Landcare Awards Darwin International Airport SUBMISSION DOCUMENT Category: Urban Landcare Award

2 PROJECT SUMMARY The Darwin International Airport (DIA) is the custodian of a large and environmentally significant parcel of land in the heart of Darwin. PROJECT SUMMARY SUBMISSION DOCUMENT 2

3 PROJECT SUMMARY The Darwin International Airport (DIA) is the custodian of a large and environmentally significant parcel of land in the heart of Darwin, having acquired the lease from the Australian Government in As a result, we recognise the need to preserve and promote the ecological value of a site increasingly affected by a growing urban population. Development and expansion is necessary for the airport to be able to respond to the increasing demands of travellers, the aviation industry and the city of Darwin. DIA understands the importance of striking a balance between development and maintaining and enhancing environmental values. Despite a history of disturbance, the airport site encompasses many intact natural habitats that are relatively high in biodiversity. That is why we have implemented some key projects to enhance our natural resources and ensure they can be enjoyed for generations to come. The DIA s extensive landscaping program involves the exclusive use of native plant species. This is well illustrated in the Matboerrma Gardens, which showcases an array of native Top End vegetation and its traditional uses. The Larrakia people have been intrinsically involved in establishing this recreational and educational project. We have also established two conservation sites within our three square kilometre property, aimed at preserving and rehabilitating Rapid Creek -Darwin s only significant freshwater system - and its surrounding vegetation. The airport became aware of a range of pressures on the fragile creek system that threatened to degrade its ecological and recreational value, including weeds, fire, clearing, dumping and inappropriate access. As a result, we have created a 75 metre wide buffer zone from the middle of the creek and our boundary to conserve the Marrara wetland; and a 15-hectare conservation site south of Collopy Rd, which includes an important wildlife corridor adjacent to the Rapid Creek catchment area. This corridor has provided habitat and encouraged the movement of species between otherwise isolated populations, reducing the likelihood of extinctions. Over the decade, we have overseen a massive volunteer effort, with hundreds of Darwin residents planting more than seedlings, plants and trees across both the Rapid Creek buffer zone and the Conservation Reserve. The community has played a pivotal role in our conservation achievements, and we have ensured our messages about natural resource management have been well promoted. We have developed a range of valuable conservation partnerships, including (but not exclusive to) Greening Australia, Rapid Creek Landcare Group, the Larrakia people, Darwin City Council, Rapid Creek Catchment Advisory Committee and most recently with Darwin High School and Ludmilla Creek Landcare Group. Matboerrma Gardens, Darwin International Airport Photo: David Silva PROJECT SUMMARY SUBMISSION DOCUMENT 3

4 CRITERIA 1 Created greater awareness and understanding of important natural resource and environmental issues amongst an urban community. Give examples of media, events and other activities including approximate numbers of the people you have reached with these. CRITERIA 1 SUBMISSION DOCUMENT 4

5 Events and Activities DIA s conservation efforts have created greater awareness and understanding of significant natural resource and environmental issues within the Darwin community in the following ways: Community tree planting days (see photos and NT News articles Criteria 4) Since our first community tree planting day in January 2001, we have recruited thousands of volunteers to take part in revegetation projects in the Rapid Creek buffer zone and Conservation Reserve. From US Marines, Conservation Volunteers, committed Landcare people to the general public; these volunteers have a assisted us to create and maintain an important ecological system within the grounds of the airport that will be treasured by generations to come. To recruit these volunteers and to promote the good environmental credentials to the world we have utilised varying techniques of stakeholder management. Promotional flyers were distributed throughout the Community and were seen displayed from the Conservation Volunteers office window to Airports business s notice boards. By promoting our suppliers, corporate network and community partners on the back of planting day T-shirts, we secured a large number of sponsors from the private sector, ranging from international firm SKM through to our local courier company. These companies also provided such things as gloves and sunscreen, planting equipment and even the door prizes for the BBQ at the end of the day. We featured the events in our internal newsletter Touchdown and Annual Reports. The community planting days received publicity in the NT News, ABC Radio and ABC TV, potentially reaching thousands of Territorians. Those involved in the tree planting days took home valuable lessons, including how to plant a tree; the importance of planting different species along different gradients of the riparian zone; reducing water usage and the ecological significance of Rapid Creek and its surrounding vegetation. The projects gave volunteers a sense of ownership over the conservation sites, with many returning to see the fruits of their work. Over time, we have seen people take more pride in the Rapid Creek area and less vandalism. The tree planting projects have created a bond between the airport and the community, and it shows that our business is focused on more than just planes. Jill Holdsworth Environment Manager Darwin International Airport Clean-up Australia Day 6 March 2011 (see photos, Criteria 4) Clean-up Australia Day at Darwin International Airport was a great success in 2011, with 36 volunteers collecting around 500 kilograms of rubbish from around Rapid Creek and Osgood Rd. Armed with gloves, recycling bags and good humour, the team consisted of local residents ranging from children through to engineers and lawyers. We promoted the event by ing our large network of contacts and also posted flyers in the windows of conservation groups, such as Conservation Volunteers and Rapid Creek Landcare. The event helped to raise awareness of the need to conserve our environment, and that just one piece of rubbish can make a difference. DIA has been committed to hosting this event every year. Gardening Australia 28 June 2008 (see photos, Criteria 4) Darwin International Airport s landscaping activities were broadcast to hundreds of thousands of Australians on ABC s Gardening Australia. The segment covered the established landscaping throughout the airport precinct, which exclusively features native trees and plants. The show highlighted the fact that local natives work well in a variety of relaxed, formal and even tough industrial car park garden settings, with the airport precinct showcasing different habitats from across the Top End. The Osgood Drive entrance to the airport was given particular prominence in the story. The Gardening Australia website features the story s transcript and a fact sheet ( gardening/stories/s htm) CRITERIA 1 SUBMISSION DOCUMENT 5

6 Events and Activities Matboerrma Garden (see photos, Criteria 4) DIA established the Matboerrma Garden to showcase different groups of plants commonly found in the Top End. Located between the carpark and the airport hotels and management precinct, the garden offers a short stroll along a shaded path, featuring 31 interpretive signs that provide information about native flora in the wet-dry tropics. The garden was created with the assistance of Greening Australia and also provides airport staff with a space to revive and relax; welcome visitors to Larrakia country, Darwin and the Top End; and formally acknowledge Larrakia connections to country. Larrakia people kindly provided their knowledge, perspective, a name for the garden and the women rangers conducted the official Welcome to Country and additional plantings. Solar power lights were also installed to complete the eco-friendly design. In the 2010/11 financial year, 2.3 million passengers passed through Darwin International Airport. The garden is frequently used by hotel guests, who walk through it to access their accommodation. We have produced a pamphlet to promote the garden and this is available from Tourism Top End and the Tourist Information Office in Smith St Mall, Darwin. Gurambai Walking Trail Rapid Creek (see photos, Criteria 4) The Gurambai Walking trail is a two and half kilometre track developed for the public to enjoy the wonders of Rapid Creek and the Mararra Wetland. Gurambai is the Larrakia name for Rapid Creek and means elbow, referring to the shape of the creek at its mouth. A viewing platform was built in 2005 for people to appreciate the beauty of Yankee Pools, a larger part of the creek. Interpretative signage was installed along the path in 2006 and updated in These signs and the supplementary brochure, which we also produced in 2011, educate people about the flora and fauna, as well as the Indigenous cultural traditions and the European history of the area. These communication tools are used to spread the message so more people can enjoy and learn about Rapid Creek. Although it is difficult to estimate the number of people who use this facility, it clearly offers locals and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy these natural wonders on a daily basis. Interpretative Signage being viewed in the Matboerrma Garden Photo: David Silva CRITERIA 1 SUBMISSION DOCUMENT 6

7 Events and Activities THE Bush Book (see photo, Criteria 4) Our land management approach features in Greening Australia s The Bush Book Australia : A Manual for managing native vegetation across Northern Australia. Launched in April 2010, the Bush Book has helped to raise awareness of the benefits of planting native species including enhancing the natural beauty of our land; providing food and habitat for wildlife and decreasing the amount of water needed for landscape maintenance. It is difficult to establish the readership of the book so far, but given its availability from Greening Australia and the variety of book shops in which it is stocked, we would expect a significant audience in northern Australia. WEEDS OF NORTHERN AUSTRALIA (see photo, Criteria 4) In 2011 DIA were bronze sponsors of the book Weeds of Northern Australia: a field guide, by Nicholas Smith. This book identifies the high priority weeds threatening Northern Australia. It is expected that this book would have a similar audience to that of the Bush Book. LUDMILLA CREEK LANDCARE DIA funded environmental interpretative signage for the Ludmilla Creek Landcare s Cajuti Walk in Eight interpretive signs are situated along the path and serves to educate and encourage all members of the community to access and value Ludmilla Creek s ecosystem. land for Wildlife In August 2011, DIA became Land for Wildlife members. This will enable airport staff and other like-minded landholders to share skills and knowledge about conservation. Publications (see photo, Criteria 4) Touchdown 2007 current Reaching an audience of around 1000, DIA newsletter Touchdown provides regular updates to staff and suppliers about our environmental initiatives. Members of the public can subscribe online. Other DIA newsletters featuring updates on environmental issues include the Tenant Times, read by around 1640 NT Airport staff; and Plane and Simple, which targets aircraft and airport operators. Darwin High School Garden We are also working to spread the conservation message further abroad, having recently worked with the Eco- Group at Darwin High School to establish a native garden and install interpretative signage. Completed in late 2010, the garden is now flourishing, and we believe we have connected with, educated and inspired a group of students to further pursue their conservation efforts. More than 1000 students attend the school and the area is frequently visited by locals and visitors alike enjoying the scenic walking paths near the water frontage. Darwin High School Eco-group students Photo: David Silva CRITERIA 1 SUBMISSION DOCUMENT 7

8 CRITERIA 2 Generated partnerships support and community involvement in projects. CRITERIA 2 SUBMISSION DOCUMENT 8

9 Partnerships and Community involvement Greening Australia (GA) GA has been pivotal in the airport s resource management initiatives, especially the Matboerrma Gardens and the Conservation Reserve. Our long-term partnership has been a great success, and has helped us to achieve the balance between environmental management and commercial development. Jill Holdsworth, DIA Environment Manager (centre) with the Greening Australia Team Photo: David Silva Rapid Creek Landcare Group DIA has a long and fruitful relationship with the Rapid Creek Landcare Group and applaud the work they do with volunteers. This partnership is helping us to achieve success in improving the ecological value and recreational use of the area. youth in conservation efforts, we give them workforce experience and greater awareness of natural resource issues. This outcome is also applicable to Conservation Volunteers Australia, whose volunteers were pivotal in the tree planting project along the Rapid Creek buffer zone. Rapid Creek Catchment Advisory Committee (RCCAC) DIA is an active member of the RCCAC committee, which is focused on improving the cooperative management of the catchment and advises the NT Government on natural resource policy. We are proud leaders in caring for the catchment, and continue to provide water quality data to the committee for the NT Government. DIA contributes to the RCCAC Annual Report with the other stakeholders of Rapid Creek. These reports are published on the RCCAC web site. Darwin City Council (DCC) We have developed synergies with local authorities such as the DCC to improve land management. Following our landscaping activities across DIA land, the council followed suit along Charles Eaton Drive. The result is consistency in approach to land management across both parcels of land. larrakia people We have established an important connection with the Larrakia people through many varied projects at the airport. We work with the traditional owners of the greater Darwin area consistently and continue to enjoy a close relationship with them. Specific examples where they have provided support includes revegetation and rehabilitation works at Yankee Pools (Rapid Creek), advice on native plant names and uses, additional planting and performing Welcome to Country at the Matboerrma Garden. Larrakia Women Rangers assisting at the Darwin High School Project Photo: David Silva Green Corps An Australian Government youth program, Green Corps built the path next to Rapid Creek, the picnic ground and the boardwalk. They also played an integral part in tree planting along the Rapid Creek buffer zone. By involving Eco-Group at Darwin High School This project has generated an important partnership with students at Darwin High School. The students were invited to study the native landscaping at the Darwin airport and design their own garden. The students now CRITERIA 2 SUBMISSION DOCUMENT 9

10 Partnerships and Community involvement have a garden they are proud of and are inspired to continue their conservation efforts. They also have a greater awareness of DIA s work and possible career pathways with us. Lesley Alford (Denhamia) planting along Gurambai Walking Trail, 2011 NT and Australian Governments DIA also works closely with both levels of government to improve land management and water quality. We have provided 12 years of water quality monitoring data to government during their investigations of E. coli, a matter of ongoing public interest. ludmilla Creek Landcare A developing relationship, we see it important to create ties with Ludmilla Creek Landcare. A portion of the DIA lease drains towards Ludmilla Creek and we feel a responsibility to help manage this system. DenHamia, Triodia AND VEG NORTH Respected land management experts Lesley Alford (Denhamia), Don Duggan (Triodia Consultancy) and Michael Schmid (Veg North) are assisting the airport in improving our conservation efforts. Recent works include plantings at Rapid Creek, Matboerrma Gardens, Darwin High School and Ludmilla. They have also been responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the recently planted areas at Rapid Creek. Darwin community The Darwin community has been one of our most valuable partners of all, as without their support the Community Planting Days would not have been as successful. Ian Kew, DIA CEO Photo: David Silva Our ties with the community form a very important cornerstone for the airport and we make it a priority to encourage positive involvement with the local communities. Ian Kew Chief Executive Officer Darwin International Airport CRITERIA 2 SUBMISSION DOCUMENT 10

11 CRITERIA 3 Improved long-term environmental outcomes for urban areas suffering from the impacts of increasing population. CRITERIA 3 SUBMISSION DOCUMENT 11

12 Environmental Outcomes DIA has improved environmental management on its site through the establishment of a 75 metre wide environment reserve along Rapid Creek and other conservation areas on airport land. This can be demonstrated by the following outcomes: Five years after DIA first began its conservation work at Rapid Creek and the upper catchment, the NT Government carried out a review of available stormwater monitoring data within the catchment in order to ascertain its ecological health. The review found that Rapid Creek is in relatively good health given its urban setting (Aquatic Health Unit, 2006). In 2009, a Flora and Fauna survey conducted by EcOz Environmental Services indicated that DIA s Conservation Reserve and the Rapid Creek buffer zone contained a variety of native vegetation communities that were once widespread across Darwin. These communities on DIA land were found to be in good ecological condition (EcOz Environmental Services, 2009). As a result of the numerous planting days between 2001 and 2011, Rapid Creek and its catchment areas have provided protection to the creek system, improved water quality, increased habitat and thereby increased wildlife. Revegetation has increased canopy cover, resulting in a significant reduction in weed density (Greening Australia Northern Territory, 2011). Greening Australia also found that DIA s holistic approach has continued to reduce fire fuel load threats, maintain community aesthetic values and biological diversity. Photo monitoring undertaken by Greening Australia in the Conservation Reserve over the last 12 months has also shown a significant decrease in weed density, as well as an increase in native species. The photographic evidence is documented in the above mentioned Greening Australia Report. To ensure we continue to improve environmental outcomes on DIA land, we have developed the Airport Environment Strategy (AES) 2009 our third since privatisation. This strategy maps out a plan to build on our environmental achievements and continue to put management systems in place to meet our environmental commitments over the next five years and beyond. Publicly available on the DIA website, the AES provides mechanisms to both better manage our environmental risks and further integrate and embed sustainable environmental management into every aspect of our business. Rapid Creek Silva Gallery CRITERIA 3 SUBMISSION DOCUMENT 12

13 CRITERIA 4 Supporting Documentation Provide examples such as before and after photographs, media clippings, testimonials from people etc. as relevant. CRITERIA 4 SUBMISSION DOCUMENT 13

14 CONTENTS Location map Photos Media Release Transcript News articles Publications pamphlet Testimonial Timeline Darwin International Airport...15 Walking Trails...15 Conservation Reserve...16 Rapid Creek buffer zone...17 Matboerrma Gardens...18 clean-up Australia Day...19 Gardening Australia...19 Greening Australia Top Territory FM Broadcast...21 ABC Radio & TV...22 NTNews...23 Touchdown...24 The Bush Book...24 Weeds of Northern Australia...24 Promoting Matboerrma Garden...26 promoting Gurambai Trail...26 Rapid Creek Landcare...27 Greening Australia...28 Key Environmental Milestones...29 CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 14

15 Location map Darwin International Airport Showing Matboerrma Garden, Gurambi Walking Trail and Conservation Reserve Darwin BEAGLE GULF HOPE INLET EAST POINT DIA Kilometres DARWIN CITY CONSERVATION RESERVE EAST ARM MATBOERRMA GARDENS RAPID CREEK MARRARA WETLAND BUFFER Location map Walking Trails 1. Gurambi Walking Trail, Rapid Creek 2. Matboerrma Garden Walking Trail Stone country Woodland Riverine Monsoon Forest CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 15

16 Photos Conservation Reserve ( ) 13 February 2010 Community Planting Day Conservation Reserve December 2008 Community Planting Day 8 March 2008 Community Planting Day CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 16

17 Photos Rapid Creek buffer zone ( ) Part of the Gurambai Walking Trail 2009 Yankee Pool Viewing Platform Community Planting Day 2002 Rubbish being removed from Rapid Creek 2001 Planting Day with the US Marines CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 17

18 Photos Matboerrma Gardens ( ) Cycad path Part of Matboerrma Gardens walking path 2005 Larrakia Rangers installing an interpretive sign Cycad path 2005 CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 18

19 Photos Clean-up Australia Day 6 March 2011 Photos Gardening Australia 28 June 2008 CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 19

20 Media Release Greening Australia: Creating Climate Change Partnerships Breakfast Presentation Wednesday 7 March 2007 CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 20

21 Transcript 8 Top Territory FM Broadcast 12 March 2007 CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 21

22 Transcript ABC Radio & TV 1. Breakfast show 7 March Country Hour 7 March Gardening Australia 28 June CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 22

23 News articles NTNews March March March and 8 March CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 23

24 1808 Award Publications Touchdown OUCHDOWN The Northern Territory Airports Newsletter Darwin International Airport wins Melaleuca Award Darwin International Airport (in conjunction with Greening Australia) have been awarded first place in the Commercial/Industry category of the 2008 Power and Water Melaleuca Awards. Power and Water's Melaleuca Awards were developed in 2003 to recognise outstanding achievement in environmental excellence in the Northern Territory. planning documents that used scientific and environmental information and extensive community consultation to establish environmental outcomes for the Rapid Creek catchment. The Conservation Reserve covers fifteen hectares and includes an important wildlife corridor joining an area of existing bushland with the Rapid Creek corridor. The project submitted for consideration by For more on this story and the airport was the Darwin International photos, see page 7. Airport (DIA) and Greening Australia Conservation Reserve. " A long-standing relationship between DIA and Greening Australia has led to a partnership to implement a Conservation Reserve on airport land. The project implements strategies from a range of From the CEO TOUCHDOWN July/August Highlights in this issue... The Northern Territory Airports Newsletter Darwin International Airport wins Melaleuca Award Darwin International Airport (in conjunction planning documents that used scientific and with Greening Australia) have been awarded environmental information and extensive DIA Terminal Expansion first place in the Commercial/Industry community consultation to establish category of the 2008 Power and Water environmental outcomes for the Rapid Melaleuca Awards. Creek catchment. The Conservation ADG 10 Year Anniversary Reserve covers fifteen hectares Power and Water's Melaleuca Awards were and includes an important developed in 2003 to recognise outstanding wildlife corridor joining an Fire trucks get a new look achievement in environmental excellence in area of existing bushland with the Northern Territory. the Rapid Creek corridor. Alice Springs Airport Update The project submitted for consideration by For more on this story and the airport was the Darwin International photos, see page 7. Airnorth Acquires Second Jet Airport (DIA) and Greening Australia Conservation Reserve. DIA wins 2008 Melaleuca A long-standing relationship between DIA and Greening Australia has led to a DIA Landscaping features on partnership to implement a Conservation ABC TV's "Gardening Australia" Reserve on airport land. The project implements strategies from a range of Community From the CEO Airport Development Group, the holding Warehouse have paved the company for Northern Territory Airports, way for further developments. Darwin International Airport, Alice Springs Airport and Tennant Creek Airport, celebrated At present our team is working through the its 10th birthday in June. The airports were planning process for our two most significant privatised on 10th June 1998 and since that investments and developments. The first is a time we have experienced some major major expansion to the Darwin International changes in our businesses. Airport terminal facility, the second is the development of a "Home and Lifestyle" retail Demonstrating our significant growth, In development adjacent to Bunnings in our 1998 the three airports handled Bagot Road commercial precinct. We believe approximately 1.8 million passengers, last both of these developments will bring Published at Darwin year we handled 2.4 million passengers. Our significant benefit to our airport and the International Airport team has grown from around 46 staff to Darwin community. 1 Fenton Court, Marrara NT 0812 almost 70 and we have invested more than PO Box Casuarina NT 0811 $100 million into the airport business, the Despite the industry challenges of September T: majority of it on aviation related projects. 11, the collapse of Ansett, SARS, Bali W: bombings and our current concerns about We have also developed our non-aviation the rapidly escalating price of liquid fuels, we Send story submissions and photos property portfolio with office facilities for the have been able to grow the business and to:touchdown@ntairports.com.au Department of Environment and Heritage, provide better facilities for our airline AQIS and CASA. Our ABC Childcare facility, customers and the public. We look forward Enquiries: Sharon Collier (08) 8920 Darwin Airport Resort and its sister facility to continuing that growth and achieving our the Darwin Airport Inn, Furry Godmother (pet vision to Operate the most successful airport accommodation) and the Bunnings business in Australasia. Ian Kew Darwin International Airport (DIA) T: F: information.drw@ntairports.com.au Alice Springs Airport (ASA) T F information.asp@ntairports.com.au Tennant Creek Airport (TCA) T F information.tca@ntairports.com.au tennantcreekairport.com.au CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 24

25 Publications Touchdown Land For Wildlife DIA is very proud to have joined Alice Springs Airport as Land for Wildlife Members. Over the next month, Land For Wildlife signage will be going up to promote the Airport s membership. Land for Wildlife is a free voluntary program by which landowners who wish to manage areas of their property for wildlife habitat are recognised for their efforts. Participants have access to support and assistance with regard to habitat management, protection and restoration through the Land for Wildlife Coordinator. The program also provides a link with like-minded people and the chance to network and share ideas through field days, workshops and other activities. Facilitators of Land for Wildlife in the Northern Territory, Greening Australia, will also be taking photographs of our sites which will feature on their website, community Touchdown The Northern Territory Airports Newsletter October 2011 To help with traffic congestion in the 2-minute drop off forecourt area, Darwin Airport has introduced 10 minutes free parking in the Short Term Car Park. The forecourt area has previously been used for both drop off and pick up, however, increased traffic has made the zone particularly busy during peak periods resulting in a much higher demand for kerbside parking. The 10 minutes free parking is the first step towards freeing up more bays and gradually converting the 2-minute zone to drop off only. To claim the 10 minutes free parking in the Short Term Car Park, drivers simply The weeklong Festival saw a total of need to draw a ticket on entry and must 1,896 audience members enjoy the exit the car park in under 10 minutes festive atmosphere with the cinema using the same ticket. If a driver enters themed beautifully with international flags the terminal, they must validate their and magical lighting. Opening Night was ticket at one of the paystations prior to particularly spectacular with the sold out the 10 minute expiry to remain valid for crowd treated to the Australian Premiere free parking. of The Eye of the Storm featuring Geoffrey Rush, Judy Davis and Charlotte Rampling. The Deckchair Cinema celebrated the second Darwin International Film Festival Darwin International Airport was proud to in September with a wonderful selection of once again sponsor the International Film films. Over 7 amazing nights, the cinema Festival which brings new, interesting and showcased 9 unique films covering all alternate cinematography to Darwin and is genres from comedy to heavy drama. fast becoming an important event on the Northern Territory Arts calendar. Audience favourites from the Festival included the Opening Night feature with 95% of audience members scoring it 4 or 5 stars. German film, My Best Enemy was next with 94% of the audience scoring it 4 or 5 stars followed by Norway s film Happy Happy with 88% Darwin s Deckchair Cinema celebrates the Film Festival It s a wrap for the 2011 Darwin International Film Festival Ten Minutes Free Parking Darwin Airport working with Ludmilla Landcare Group DIA has funded an environmental interpretative signage for the Ludmilla Landcare s Cajuti Walk. Eight interpretative signs are situated along the path and serves to educate and encourage all members of the community to access and value Ludmilla Creek s ecosystem. The airport and RAAF Base are upper catchment of the creek. To enjoy the path follow Nemarluk Drive in Ludmilla. Pandanus x 1 Living Grasslands x 1 Publications THE Bush Book 2010 Publications WEEDS OF NORTHERN AUSTRALIA 2011 CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 25

26 David Silva Henry Wrigley Dr Walking on the south eastern, upper part of the trail takes you through gentle ferny and prickly pandanus environments alongside the wetland edges. Further along you can explore the drier woodland with flowering grevilleas, eucalypts and acacias. Pamphlet Promoting Matboerrma Garden available from Tourism Top End and the Tourist Information Office in Smith St Mall. Pamphlet Promoting Gurambai walking trail available from Tourism Top End and the Tourist Information Office in Smith St Mall. Darwin International Airport invites you to explore the Gurambai walking trail Gurambai is the Larrakia name for Rapid Creek and means elbow, referring to the shape of the creek at its mouth. Take this pleasant walk and enjoy a typical natural Top End environment. Yankee Pools 1000 ways to make a difference The lower, north western part of the Gurambai trail takes you alongside Rapid Creek, Darwin s only significant freshwater system. Darwin Airport Resort Rapid Creek The Rapid Creek Landcare Group, Larrakia people, airport staff, Greening Australia, Green Corps and Conservation Volunteers Australia have planted many trees along the trail to create a buffer zone between the airport and Rapid Creek. Weir Small patches of remnant vegetation surrounded by urban developments are constantly You can walk in the cool of the monsoon forest down to historic Yankee Pools. Darwin Airport Inn Sir Norman Brearley Dr under threat from weed invasion, erosion, excessive or inappropriate recreational use, water pollution and dumping. Carpark Buffer zones assist in easing Darwin International Airport Terminal these threats by providing a protective boundary. Larkin Ave Carpark Woodland Loop CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 26

27 Testimonial Rapid Creek Landcare 19 August 2011 CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 27

28 Testimonial Greening Australia 19 August 2011 CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 28

29 Timeline Key Environmental Milestones Darwin International Airport Airport privatised Larrakia Nation is engaged by DIA to carry out revegetation and rehabilitation works in the Yankee Pool area of Rapid Creek (2000/2001) trees were planted at Rapid Creek in a cooperative effort between Rapid Creek Landcare, Greening Australia, Darwin City Council and US Marines (in January) Ongoing revegetation and strengthening of riparian vegetation corridor of Rapid Creek through two tree plantings of more than 500 plants. A co-operative effort by DIA staff, Larrakia Nation and volunteers (2002/2003). Rubbish removal project in Rapid Creek. A Native garden was developed by DIA Groundstaff in the location of the current Matboerrma Garden (2002/2003) 2004 Matboerrma Garden concept created built on the existing native garden. GreenCorps program Public access, picnic ground, boardwalk and 1100 trees planted along wetland buffer zone Substantial public access works: Rapid Creek visitor car park, sealed path, viewing platform, new vehicle access controls, and picnic facilities along Rapid Creek. Creation of Wetland Buffer preserving areas adjacent upper wetland 75m from the DIA lease boundary and 75m from the centre line of Rapid Creek commencing at the weir. Matboerrma Garden opening following the installation of the paths, signs and plants associated with NT Top End ecosystems 2006 Planting of 3000 trees involving 200 community volunteers at Rapid Creek. Development of interpretive signage along the creek explaining history of the site and significance of the creek habitats native tree seedlings planted by approximately 100 volunteers at Rapid Creek Buffer zone (in January). Commencement of 3 year program with Greening Australia for the development of the 15 Hectare Conservation Reserve (in September). Flora and Fauna study conducted on Development site adjacent to Bunning as part of the Major Development Plan (2007/2008). Provenance of native seed collected from airport bushland by Greening Australia ( ). CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 29

30 Timeline Key Environmental Milestones (continued) Darwin International Airport plants planted by Greening Australia at Conservation Reserve (in February) plants planted by 100 volunteers at the Community Planting Day at the Conservation Reserve (8 March). Landscaping at DIA was featured on the ABC TV Show Gardening Australia (28 June) plants planted by approximately 100 volunteers at the Conservation Reserve Planting Day (6 December). DIA and GA wins Power Water Melaleuca Award Commercial/Industry section for Conservation Reserve work. Expansion of the public carpark provided the opportunity to extend the Matboerrma Gardens (2008/2009) Airport Flora and Fauna Survey conducted. DIA release third Airport Master Plan 2009 and Airport Environment Strategy DIA fund the Darwin High School Eco students native planting and interpretative signage project. Greening Australia planted 1500 plants into the Conservation Reserve (2010/11) plants planted by approximately 100 volunteers at the Conservations Reserve Community Planting Day (13 February). 573 seedlings planted by Conservation Volunteers and Denhamia at Rapid Creek Buffer Zone (13-14 December) ,144 extra seedlings planted by Denhamia (contractor) (5-6 February). 394 seedlings planted by Denhamia (contractor) in the Rapid Creek buffer zone (19-21 May). DIA accepted for Land for Wildlife Members (in August). 800 Eucalypt seedling planted by Denhamia (contractor) in the Rapid Creek buffer zone (in December) Upcoming events: Planting day of woodland species in Rapid Creek Buffer Zone. Planting Day with Greening Australia and Junior Rangers in the Matboerrma Gardens (April 2012). CRITERIA 4 SUPPORTing DOCUMENTATION 30