The Territory Wildlife Park strategic plan 2024 to 2029 provides a clear vision for the future of the Territory Wildlife Park over the next 5 years. It outlines the park’s approach to enhance visitor enjoyment and community engagement, expand conservation, education and research efforts, as well as develop and strengthen business opportunities to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the Territory Wildlife Park.
This strategic plan is underpinned by stakeholder input and feedback to the consultation paper, ensuring it accurately reflects what the Territory Wildlife Park stands for and our priorities for the next 5 years.
Supporting liveability
Initiatives and operational approach the Territory Wildlife Park is taking to provide an environment that promotes health and wellbeing for the people who live and work in the Top End of the Territory and all visitors to the park.
- Develop and implement a program of activities focusing on health and wellbeing across all seasons.
- Engage with local community groups and organisations to offer joint workshops and activities helping to promote landcare practices, native plants and wildlife care.
- Branch out to create a quarterly event offered at twilight and evenings.
- Continue to grow the park’s offerings for children.
- Expand comfort and spaces to rest and refresh across the park.
- Ensure suitable access and facilities for people of diverse needs to enjoy the park.
- Scope preferences for expanding the park’s overnight stay options beyond school groups.
Contributing to conservation, education and research
The park’s contribution to save species from extinction through research, education and create a space for animal welfare and sharing the knowledge and passion with our visitors to safeguard and protect species.
- Create an exhibit space focusing on presenting research and conservation programs.
- Activate a ‘behind the scenes’ tour to raise greater conservation and research awareness.
- Expand the feral animal exhibit to educate visitors of the harm to the environment and native species.
- Redevelop the school campsite to become an all year facility.
- Reinstate the position of a dedicated education officer to the staff profile.
- Activate a community-supported nursery to propagate native and rare plant species of the Top End.
Attracting tourism
As a tourism destination in the Top End adding value to the greater Darwin’s overall tourism experience, local economy, and job market by using a value-based approach to promote biodiversity conservation through education and interpretation.
- Seek investment funding to strengthen the park as a ‘must visit’ tourism attraction.
- Increase the collection with unique Top End species.
- Develop additional indoor exhibits and activities to attract visitors during the wet season.
- Develop new stand-alone attractions to encourage re-visitation.
- Explore public transport or shuttle option from the CBD to the park.
- Scope the feasibility of a visitor and event centre on park.
- Develop a range of Aboriginal cultural products.
Operating sustainably
Leading the way to become a clean green park by transitioning to operate on a more environmental sustainable footing and improving the park’s sustainability aligned with the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to Net Zero by 2050.
- Implement additional environmentally sustainable initiatives.
- Review the park’s sustainable operation across all areas.
- Scope and review the fee structure and opening hours.
- Regularly update and refresh the café’s menu.
- Increase local products in the gift shop and café.
Developing strategic partnerships
Actively pursuing and fostering strategic partnerships will ensure visibility, relevance and viability of the park with a clear public benefit both within the Territory but also on the national and international stage.
- Implement a philanthropic/donor portfolio.
- Expand the Friends of the Park membership and engagement with the park.
- Collaborate with industry to achieve economic strategic outcomes.
- Seek partnership opportunities with conservation, education and not for profit providers.
- Pursue and work in genuine partnership with Aboriginal groups.
- Be open to new partners and types of partnerships aligned with the park’s vision and values.
For more information download, print and read the Territory Wildlife Park strategic plan 2024 to 2029 PDF (3.3 MB).
Review and reporting
A strategic review of the Territory Wildlife Park strategic plan will be undertaken annually at the beginning of the fiscal year. The objective of an annual review is to identify new value-creating opportunities to enhance the park and its operation. As part of each review, completed initiatives will be removed and new strategic initiatives included.
It is important to retain an adaptable and flexible approach to address changing conditions and ensure it is still aligned with the organisation’s vision and goals.
The Territory Wildlife Park’s annual reporting forms part of the NT Parks and Wildlife division and Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security annual report .
To keep up-to-date with all the news and updates about the park and strategic plan, you can sign up to the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security newsletter, Finding the Balance.