An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to the establishment, preservation and management of national parks, historic sites and certain other areas and the protection of certain Aboriginal objects; to repeal the Wild Flowers and Native Plants Protection Act 1927, the Fauna Protection Act 1948, the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1967 and certain other enactments; to amend the Local Government Act 1919 and certain other Acts in certain respects; and for purposes connected therewith.
long title: Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [65]; 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [1].
Part 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Act
This Act may be cited as the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
2 Commencement
(1) This section and section 1 shall commence on the date of assent to this Act.(2) Except as provided in subsection (1), this Act shall commence on such day as may be appointed by the Governor in respect thereof and as may be notified by proclamation published in the Gazette.
2A Objects of Act
(1) The objects of this Act are as follows—(a) the conservation of nature, including, but not limited to, the conservation of—(i) habitat, ecosystems and ecosystem processes, and(ii) biological diversity at the community, species and genetic levels, and(iii) landforms of significance, including geological features and processes, and(iv) landscapes and natural features of significance including wilderness and wild rivers,(b) the conservation of objects, places or features (including biological diversity) of cultural value within the landscape, including, but not limited to—(i) places, objects and features of significance to Aboriginal people, and(ii) places of social value to the people of New South Wales, and(iii) places of historic, architectural or scientific significance,(c) fostering public appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of nature and cultural heritage and their conservation,(d) providing for the management of land reserved under this Act in accordance with the management principles applicable for each type of reservation.(2) The objects of this Act are to be achieved by applying the principles of ecologically sustainable development.(3) In carrying out functions under this Act, the Minister, the Secretary and the Service are to give effect to the following—(a) the objects of this Act,(b) the public interest in the protection of the values for which land is reserved under this Act and the appropriate management of those lands.s 2A: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 4 [1].
3 Act binds Crown
This Act binds the Crown, not only in right of New South Wales but also, so far as the legislative power of Parliament permits, the Crown in all its other capacities.s 3: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 1 (1), 2 (1), 3 (1), 5 (1). Rep GG No 155 of 15.11.1985, p 6009. Ins 1991 No 66, Sch 1 (1).
4 Repeals, amendments, savings, transitional and other provisions
(1), (2) (Repealed)(3) Schedule 3 has effect.s 4: Am 1999 No 85, Sch 4.
5 Definitions
(1) In this Act, except in so far as the context or subject-matter otherwise indicates or requires—Aboriginal area means lands dedicated as an Aboriginal area under this Act.Aboriginal heritage impact permit means a permit issued under Division 2 of Part 6.Aboriginal object means any deposit, object or material evidence (not being a handicraft made for sale) relating to the Aboriginal habitation of the area that comprises New South Wales, being habitation before or concurrent with (or both) the occupation of that area by persons of non-Aboriginal extraction, and includes Aboriginal remains.Aboriginal owner board members, in relation to lands reserved or dedicated under Part 4A, means the Aboriginal owners who are members of the board of management for the lands.Aboriginal owners has the same meaning as in the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983.Note—The term Aboriginal owners of land is defined in the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 to mean the Aboriginal persons named as having a cultural association with the land in the Register of Aboriginal Owners kept under Division 3 of Part 9 of that Act.Aboriginal person has the same meaning as in the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 and Aboriginal people has a corresponding meaning.Aboriginal place means any place declared to be an Aboriginal place under section 84.Aboriginal remains means the body or the remains of the body of a deceased Aboriginal person, but does not include—(a) a body or the remains of a body buried in a cemetery in which non-Aboriginal persons are also buried, or(b) a body or the remains of a body dealt with or to be dealt with in accordance with a law of the State relating to medical treatment or the examination, for forensic or other purposes, of the bodies of deceased persons.Act of 1967 means the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1967.adaptive reuse of a building or structure on land means the modification of the building or structure and its curtilage to suit an existing or proposed use, and that use of the building or structure, but only if—(a) the modification and use is carried out in a sustainable manner, and(b) the modification and use are not inconsistent with the conservation of the natural and cultural values of the land, and(c) in the case of a building or structure of cultural significance, the modification is compatible with the retention of the cultural significance of the building or structure.advisory committee means an advisory committee constituted under this Act.amphibian means any frog or other member of the class amphibia that is native to Australia and includes the eggs and the young thereof and the skin or any other part thereof.animal means any animal, whether vertebrate or invertebrate, and at whatever stage of development, but does not include fish within the meaning of the Fisheries Management Act 1994 other than amphibians or aquatic or amphibious mammals or aquatic or amphibious reptiles.approval includes a consent, licence or permission and any form of authorisation.means the Secretary or a person appointed as an authorised officer for the time being under section 156B.bird means any bird that is native to, or is of a species that periodically or occasionally migrates to, Australia, and includes the eggs and the young thereof and the skin, feathers or any other part thereof.board of management means a board of management established under Division 6 of Part 4A.carbon sequestration right—see section 82A(2).commencement day means the day appointed and notified under section 2 (2).community service includes the supply, provision or maintenance of access roads, parking areas or mooring areas, an electricity, gas or water service and a sewerage or garbage disposal service.conservation agreement means an agreement entered into under Division 12 of Part 4.conservation area means land subject to a conservation agreement.Council means the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council constituted under this Act.Crown lands means—(a) Crown land within the meaning of the Crown Land Management Act 2016, and(b) those parts of the seabed and of the waters beneath which it is submerged that are within the territorial jurisdiction of New South Wales and not within the Eastern Division described in the Second Schedule to the Crown Lands Consolidation Act 1913 (as in force immediately before its repeal).damage in relation to habitat (including critical habitat) includes damage by the removal or relocation of the habitat or a part of the habitat.deal, in carbon sequestration rights, includes acquire, hold, sell or trade in the rights.Department means the Department of Planning and Environment.ecological community has the same meaning as in the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.egg includes any part of an egg or eggshell.emu means any bird of the species Dromaius novaehollandiae.emu breeder means a person who exercises or carries on the business of breeding emus (including the rearing of emu chicks lawfully taken in the wild) or dealing in live emus, whole emu eggs or other emu products.emu products means products (such as eggs, meat, skin, feathers, claws and oil) derived from emus or from the processing of emu carcases.endangered ecological community means an endangered or critically endangered ecological community within the meaning of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.endangered population means an endangered population within the meaning of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.endangered species means an endangered or critically endangered species within the meaning of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.exercise a function includes perform a duty.ex-officio ranger means a person who, by the operation of section 16, is a ranger by virtue of the person’s office.explosive means an explosive within the meaning of the Explosives Act 2003.fauna means any mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian.flora reserve means a flora reserve within the meaning of the Forestry Act 2012.function includes a power, authority or duty.Fund means the National Parks and Wildlife Fund referred to in section 137.habitat includes habitat periodically or occasionally occupied by a species, population or ecological community.harm an animal (including an animal of a threatened species, population or ecological community) includes hunt, shoot, poison, net, snare, spear, pursue, capture, trap, injure or kill, but does not include harm by changing the habitat of an animal.harm an object or place includes any act or omission that—(a) destroys, defaces or damages the object or place, or(b) in relation to an object—moves the object from the land on which it had been situated, or(c) is specified by the regulations, orbut does not include any act or omission that—(d) causes or permits the object or place to be harmed in a manner referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c),(e) desecrates the object or place, or(f) is trivial or negligible, or(g) is excluded from this definition by the regulations.historic site means lands reserved as a historic site under this Act.honorary ranger means a person appointed as an honorary ranger under this Act.interim protection order means an order made under Part 6A.intertidal zone means the area between mean high water mark and mean low water mark.karst conservation reserve means lands dedicated as a karst conservation reserve under this Act.karst environment means an area of land, including subterranean land, that has developed in soluble rock through the processes of solution, abrasion or collapse, together with its associated bedrock, soil, water, gases and biodiversity.lands of the Crown means lands vested in a Minister of the Crown or in a public authority.local council means the council of a local government area.mammal means any mammal, whether native, introduced or imported, and includes an aquatic or amphibious mammal, the eggs and the young of a mammal, and the skin or any other part of a mammal, but does not include any introduced or imported domestic mammal or any rat or mouse not native to Australia.management principles, in relation to land reserved under this Act, means the management principles set out in Division 2 of Part 4 for the land.marine mammal means all animals of the orders of Cetacea, Sirenia and Pinnipedia.minerals includes coal, shale and petroleum.modified natural area means an area of land where the native vegetation cover has been substantially modified or removed by human activity (other than activity relating to bush fire management or wild fire) and that is identified in a plan of management as not being appropriate for or capable of restoration.motor vehicle means a motor car, motor carriage, motor cycle or other apparatus propelled on land, snow or ice wholly or partly by volatile spirit, steam, gas, oil or electricity.national park means lands reserved as a national park under this Act.National Parks and Wildlife Reserve Trust means the National Parks and Wildlife Reserve Trust as reconstituted by section 9 of the National Park Estate (Land Transfers) Act 1998.national parks legislation means each of the following Acts and the regulations under those Acts—(a) this Act,(b) (Repealed)(c) Wilderness Act 1987,native plant means any tree, shrub, fern, creeper, vine, palm or plant that is native to Australia, and includes the flower and any other part thereof.nature reserve means lands dedicated as a nature reserve under this Act.officer of the Service means a person referred to in section 6.owner, in relation to lands, includes every person who jointly or severally, whether at law or in equity—(a) is entitled to the lands for any estate of freehold in possession,(b) is a person to whom the Crown has lawfully contracted to sell the lands under the Crown Land Management Act 2016 or any other Act relating to the alienation of lands of the Crown, or(c) is entitled to receive, or is in receipt of, or if the lands were let to a tenant would be entitled to receive, the rents and profits thereof, whether as beneficial owner, trustee, mortgagee in possession or otherwise.pick a plant (including a native plant, a protected native plant and a plant that is of, or is part of, a threatened species, population or ecological community) includes gather, pluck, cut, pull up, destroy, poison, take, dig up, crush, trample, remove or injure the plant or any part of the plant.plan of management means a plan of management under Part 5.plant includes fungi and lichen.population has the same meaning as in the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.premises includes building, store, shop, tent, hut or other structure, or place, whether built upon or not, or any part thereof.prescribed means prescribed by this Act or the regulations.principles of ecologically sustainable development means the principles of ecologically sustainable development described in section 6 (2) of the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991.prohibited weapon means—(a) a gun, rifle, weapon or other article—(i) from which a bullet, shot or other hurtful thing or material may be discharged, whether by an explosive or by any other means whatever, orand any telescopic sight, silencer or other accessory attached to the gun, rifle, weapon or article,(ii) that is designed to be used to discharge, whether by an explosive or by any other means whatever, a dart or other thing or material containing, coated or impregnated with a drug or other substance, for the purpose of tranquillising or immobilising an animal by means of the administration to the animal of the drug or other substance,(b) any other weapon prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph, and(c) an article or device that, but for the absence of, or a defect in, some part thereof, or some obstruction therein, would be a gun, rifle, weapon or article referred to in paragraph (a) or a weapon prescribed for the purposes of paragraph (b).prospect means search for any mineral by any means and carry out such works and remove such samples as may be necessary to test the mineral bearing qualities of land.protected fauna means a protected animal within the meaning of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.protected native plant means a native plant of a species named or referred to in Schedule 13.means a public or local authority constituted by or under an Act, a Public Service agency or a statutory body representing the Crown.public register means the public register kept under section 188F.regional advisory committee means an advisory committee constituted under section 24 (2).regional park means land reserved as a regional park under this Act.regional park trust means a regional park trust established under section 47S.registered native title claimant has the same meaning as it has in the Native Title Act 1993 of the Commonwealth.regulations means regulations under this Act.reptile means a snake, lizard, crocodile, tortoise, turtle or other member of the class reptilia (whether native, introduced or imported), and includes the eggs and the young thereof and the skin or any other part thereof.Secretary means the Secretary of the Department.sell includes—(a) auction, barter, exchange or supply,(b) offer, expose, supply or receive for sale,(c) send, forward or deliver for sale or on sale,(d) dispose of under a hire-purchase agreement,(e) cause, permit or suffer the doing of an act referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d),(f) offer or attempt to do an act so referred to,(g) cause, permit or suffer to be sold,(h) attempt to sell or offer to sell, or(i) have in possession for sale.Service means the National Parks and Wildlife Service as referred to in section 6.skin, in relation to fauna, means the whole or part of the integument of any fauna, whether dressed or tanned or otherwise processed, but does not include any manufactured article.skin dealer means a person who exercises or carries on—(a) the business of dealing in the skins of protected fauna, whether by buying or selling or by buying and selling, and whether or not the person deals in other things, oror both, and whether on the person’s own behalf or on behalf of any other person, and whether or not the person exercises or carries on any other business.(b) the business of tanning the skins of protected fauna, whether or not the person tans other skins,species has the same meaning as in the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.species presumed extinct has the same meaning as in the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.specified, in relation to a licence or other instrument under this Act, means specified in the licence or other instrument.state conservation area means land reserved as a state conservation area under this Act.state conservation area trust means a state conservation area trust established under section 47GA in respect of Cape Byron State Conservation Area.State forest means a State forest within the meaning of the Forestry Act 2012.sustainable, in relation to visitor or tourist use and enjoyment of land, means sustainable within the meaning of the principles of ecologically sustainable development.threatened species has the same meaning as in the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.threatened species, populations and ecological communities and threatened species, population or ecological community have the same meanings as in the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.threatening process has the same meaning as in the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.timber reserve means a timber reserve within the meaning of the Forestry Act 2012.trust board means a trust board established under—(a) section 47GB in respect of a state conservation area trust, or(b) section 47T in respect of a regional park trust.Valuer-General means the valuer-general appointed under the Valuation of Land Act 1916.vehicle includes—(a) a boat or other object that, while floating on water or submerged, whether wholly or partly, under water, is wholly or partly used for the conveyance of persons or things,(b) an apparatus that, while propelled, or directed or controlled, in the air by human or mechanical power or by the wind, is wholly or partly used for the conveyance of persons or things,(c) a motor vehicle,(d) an apparatus propelled, or directed or controlled, upon land, snow or ice by human or animal power or by the wind, and(e) a trailer or caravan, whether or not it is in the course of being towed.vulnerable species has the same meaning as in the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.wild, in relation to any species of fauna, means not domesticated.wild river means a river declared to be a wild river under this Act.wilderness area means land (including subterranean land) that is reserved under this Act and is declared to be a wilderness area under the Wilderness Act 1987.wilderness protection agreement has the same meaning as it has in the Wilderness Act 1987.wildlife means fauna and native plants.wildlife refuge means lands declared to be a wildlife refuge under this Act.world heritage property means property of outstanding universal value that is inscribed on the World Heritage List under Article 11 of the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage done at Paris on 23 November 1972, as in force in Australia.world heritage values means natural, heritage and cultural values contained in a world heritage property that are of outstanding universal value as described by the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage done at Paris on 23 November 1972, as in force in Australia.Note—The Interpretation Act 1987 contains definitions and other provisions that affect the interpretation and application of this Act.(2) In this Act, a reference to the Minister administering the Crown Land Management Act 2016 is—(a) in relation to lands that are not within an area that was an irrigation area within the meaning of the Crown Lands Act 1989 immediately before its repeal—a reference to the Minister administering the Crown Land Management Act 2016, or(b) in relation to lands that are within such an irrigation area—a reference to the Minister administering the Water Management Act 2000.(2A) In this Act, a reference to a person convicted of an offence includes a reference to a person in respect of whom an order under section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 is made after the commencement of this subsection.(3), (4) (Repealed)(5) In this Act, a reference to sustainable visitor or tourist use and enjoyment includes a reference to appropriate public recreation.(6) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as operating to affect the law from time to time in force with respect to the navigation of the waters referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition of Crown lands in subsection (1).(7) Before a regulation is made under paragraph (c) or (g) of the definition of harm in subsection (1), the Minister is required to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that—(a) a notice is to be published in a daily newspaper circulating throughout New South Wales—(i) stating the objects of the proposed regulation, and(ii) advising where a copy of the regulation may be obtained or inspected, and(iii) inviting comments and submissions within a specified time, but not less than 28 days from publication of the notice, and(b) consultation is to take place with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee, and(c) all the comments and submissions received are to be appropriately considered.s 5: Am 1978 No 138, sec 3 (a); 1980 No 80, Sch 1 (1); 1980 No 196, Sch 1; 1983 No 183, Schs 1 (2), 2 (2), 5 (2), 6 (1); 1984 No 153, Sch 16; 1986 No 133, Sch 1 (1); 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (1); 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (1); 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (1); 1989 No 84, Sch 1 (1); 1989 No 89, Sch 1; 1990 No 71, Sch 1 (1); 1990 No 108, Sch 1; 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (1); 1991 No 66, Sch 1 (2); 1993 No 46, Sch 1; 1993 No 78, Sch 1 (1); 1994 No 38, Sch 8; 1995 No 36, Sch 6.8 [1]; 1995 No 60, Sch 1 [1]; 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [1]–[7]; 1996 No 30, Sch 2.19 [1]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [1]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [1] [2]; 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [1]; 1997 No 55, Sch 1.15 [1]; 1998 No 54, Sch 2.25; 1999 No 85, Sch 1.20 [1]; 1999 No 94, Sch 4.41; 2000 No 92, Sch 8.18 [1]; 2001 No 118, Sch 2.9 [1] [2]; 2001 No 130, Schs 1 [1]–[21] [70]–[72], 2 [1], 4 [2]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [1]; 2002 No 112, Sch 1.16 [1] [2]; 2003 No 38, Sch 2.17; 2003 No 40, Sch 1.32 [1]; 2004 No 16, Sch 2.8 [1]; 2004 No 88, Sch 3.1 [1] [2]; 2005 No 58, Sch 3.4 [1]; 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [1]; 2006 No 2, Sch 4.39 [1]; 2006 No 120, Sch 1.21 [1]; 2008 No 112, Sch 6.20 [1]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [1]–[9]; 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [1] [2]; 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [1] [2]; 2013 No 51, Sch 7.31 [1]; 2014 No 72, Sch 4.8 [1]; 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [2] [3]; 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [2]–[6]; 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [1]–[4]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[2]–[4]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[1] [2].
5A Notes in text
Notes in the text of this Act do not form part of this Act.s 5A: Ins 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [2].
Part 2 Administration
Division 1 National Parks and Wildlife Service
6 The Service
The National Parks and Wildlife Service consists of the following—(a) the Secretary,(b) that part of the Department that is principally involved in the administration of the national parks legislation,(c) the persons in respect of whom any arrangements under section 11 are for the time being in force.s 6: Am 1980 No 80, Sch 1 (2); 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (3); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [8]. Subst 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [10]. Am 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [4]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[5].
7 Functions of Secretary relating to reservation of land
(1) The Secretary is to consider, and may investigate, proposals for the addition of areas to any land reserved under Part 4 or for the reservation of any new areas under Part 4.(2) When considering or investigating any such proposal, the Secretary is to have regard to the following—(a) the desirability of protecting the full range of natural heritage and the maintenance of natural processes,(b) whether the proposal is consistent with the establishment of a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system,(c) the desirability of protecting cultural heritage,(d) providing opportunities for appropriate public appreciation and understanding, and sustainable visitor or tourist use and enjoyment, of land reserved under this Act,(e) the opportunities for promoting the integration of the management of natural and cultural values,(f) the desirability of protecting wilderness values,(g) the objects of this Act,(h) the desirability of protecting world heritage properties and world heritage values.s 7: Am 1989 No 105, Sch 1. Rep 1995 No 36, Sch 6.8 [2]. Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [22]. Am 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [2].
8 Miscellaneous functions of Secretary
(1)–(2A) (Repealed)(3) The Secretary shall in the case of every national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve and Aboriginal area—(a) promote such educational activities as the Secretary considers necessary in respect thereof,(b) arrange for the carrying out of such works as the Secretary considers necessary for or in connection with the management and maintenance thereof, and(c) undertake such scientific research as the Secretary considers necessary for or in connection with the preservation, protection, management and use thereof.(4) The Secretary may promote such educational activities, and undertake such scientific research, in respect of Aboriginal objects and Aboriginal places as the Secretary thinks fit, either separately or in conjunction with other persons or bodies.(4A) The Secretary is to promote opportunities for partnerships and agreements between Aboriginal people and land owners and managers in relation to places, objects and features of significance to Aboriginal people (whether on land reserved or acquired under this Act or not).(5) As soon as practicable after an Aboriginal object is discovered on any land reserved under this Act, the Secretary, after such consultation with the Australian Museum Trust as appears necessary or expedient, is required to assess the scientific importance of the Aboriginal object.(6) The Secretary may consider and investigate proposals in relation to existing or proposed Aboriginal places, wilderness areas, wild rivers, wildlife refuges and interim protection orders.(6A) The Secretary may—(a) consider and investigate proposals in relation to existing or proposed conservation areas,(b) enter into negotiations on behalf of the Minister in relation to existing or proposed conservation areas, and(c) in the case of every conservation area, but subject to the terms of the conservation agreement concerned—(i) promote such educational activities as the Secretary considers necessary in respect of the area,(ii) arrange for the carrying out of such works as the Secretary considers necessary for or in connection with the management and maintenance of the area,(iii) undertake such scientific research as the Secretary considers necessary for or in connection with the preservation, protection, management and use of the area, and(iv) take such other action as the Secretary considers necessary for or in connection with the carrying out of directions by the Minister relating to existing or proposed conservation agreements.(7) The Secretary—(a) may promote such educational activities as the Secretary considers necessary to awaken and maintain an appreciation of the value of and the need to conserve animal and plant life, including to conserve threatened species, populations and ecological communities, and their habitats,(b) may enter into arrangements for the carrying out of such works as the Secretary considers necessary for or in connection with the protection and care of fauna and the protection of native plants,(c) may undertake such scientific research as the Secretary considers necessary for or in connection with the preservation, protection and care of fauna and the protection of native plants and other flora, either separately or in conjunction with other persons or bodies, and(d) shall co-operate with the Crown land managers of any dedicated or reserved Crown land under the Crown Land Management Act 2016 in connection with—(i) the preservation of, the protection and care of, and the promotion of the study of, fauna, andand generally shall co-operate with any other persons or bodies in the establishment, care and development of areas of lands set apart for the conservation and preservation of wildlife.(ii) the protection of, and the promotion of the study of, native plants and other flora,(8) The Secretary may promote such educational activities as the Secretary considers necessary for the instruction and training of ex-officio rangers, honorary rangers and prospective honorary rangers.(9) Without affecting the generality of any other provision of this Act conferring powers on the Secretary, the Secretary may make and enter into contracts with any person for the carrying out of works or the performance of services or the supply of goods or materials in connection with the exercise or performance by the Secretary or the Service of the Secretary’s or its responsibilities, powers, authorities, duties or functions conferred or imposed by or under this or any other Act.(10) The Secretary shall, in the exercise and discharge of the powers, authorities, duties and functions conferred or imposed on the Secretary by or under this or any other Act, be subject to the control and direction of the Minister.(11), (12) (Repealed)s 8: Am 1980 No 80, Sch 1 (3); 1983 No 183, Schs 2 (4), 3 (3), 6 (2); 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (2); 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (2); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (2); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [9] [10]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [2]–[6]; 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [3] [4]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [23] [73]–[75]; 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [2] [3]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [11]; 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [5].
9 Audit and compliance
(1) The Minister is to establish an Audit and Compliance Committee to oversee the compliance of the Secretary with his or her obligations under this or any other Act.(2) The Minister may also request the Audit and Compliance Committee to oversee the investigation of any matter relating to the Secretary’s obligations under this or any other Act.(2A) The Audit and Compliance Committee has such other functions as may be conferred or imposed on it by this or any other Act.(3) The Audit and Compliance Committee may request the Secretary to provide any document or information in the Secretary’s possession to assist the Committee in the exercise of its functions. The Secretary must, unless the Minister directs otherwise, provide such documents or information to the Committee.(4) The members of the Committee are to comprise the Secretary (or the Secretary’s delegate) and the following members appointed by the Minister—(a) 1 member of the Council,(b) (Repealed)(c) 1 member with expertise in the protection of natural or cultural heritage who is not a person employed in the Public Service,(d) 1 member with scientific qualifications and expertise in nature conservation, not being an officer of the Service,(e) 1 member with legal or financial experience and expertise, not being a person employed in the Public Service,(f) 2 officers of the Service.(5) The members of the Committee referred to in subsection (4) (a), (c), (d) and (e) are entitled to be paid such remuneration (including travelling and subsistence allowances) as the Minister may from time to time determine in respect of the member.(6) An appointed member of the Committee holds office for such period, and on such terms, as are specified in the member’s instrument of appointment, but is eligible (if otherwise qualified) for re-appointment.(7) The Audit and Compliance Committee is to report to the Minister at least every 2 years from the commencement of this section.s 9: Rep 1995 No 36, Sch 6.8 [3]. Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [24]. Am 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [2]; 2002 No 112, Sch 1.16 [3] [4]; 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [5].
10 (Repealed)
s 10: Subst 1980 No 80, Sch 1 (4). Am 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (5); 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (3); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [11]. Rep 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [12].
11 Use of services of personnel of public authorities
(1) (Repealed)(2) The Minister or the Secretary may, with the approval of the statutory corporation or council concerned, on such terms as may be arranged, make use of the services of any of the officers, employees or servants of a statutory corporation or of a council, county council or joint organisation under the Local Government Act 1993.(3) (Repealed)(4) The Minister or the Secretary may, with the approval of the trustees of any state conservation area, on such terms as may be arranged, make use of the services of any of the officers, employees or servants of those trustees.(5) The services of any person may only be used under this section for the purposes of the national parks legislation.s 11: Am 1980 No 80, Sch 1 (5); 1983 No 183, Schs 2 (6), 3 (4); 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (4); 1993 No 32, Sch 2; 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [12]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [13]; 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [6]; 2017 No 65, Sch 2.19 [1].
12 Powers and functions of Service
The Service is to carry out such works and activities as the Minister may direct, either generally or in a particular case, in relation to the following—(a) the conservation and protection of land reserved under this Act or acquired for reservation under this Act and of land for which the National Parks and Wildlife Reserve Trust is the Crown land manager,(b) the conservation and protection of wildlife (including threatened species, populations and ecological communities, and their habitats),(c) the conservation and protection of wilderness areas and wild rivers,(d) the identification, conservation and protection of, and prevention of damage to, Aboriginal objects and Aboriginal places,(e) conservation agreements and conservation areas,(f) the provision of facilities and opportunities for sustainable visitor or tourist use and enjoyment on land reserved under this Act,(g) the identification and protection of buildings, places and objects of non-Aboriginal cultural values on land reserved under this Act,(h) the conduct of research into and the monitoring of any of the matters referred to in paragraphs (a)–(e),(i) the undertaking of public education in relation to any of the matters referred to in paragraphs (a)–(e).s 12: Am 1980 No 80, Sch 1 (6); 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (5); 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (3); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (3); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [13]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [7]. Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [25]. Am 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [2]; 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [6].
Division 2
13–15 (Repealed)
pt 2, div 2 (ss 13–15): Rep 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (6).
Division 3 Ex-officio and honorary rangers
16 Ex-officio rangers
(1) Unless removed from office under this Division, each police officer, each authorised officer within the meaning of the Forestry Act 2012 and each fisheries officer within the meaning of the Fisheries Management Act 1994 shall, by virtue of his or her office, be a ranger.(2) (Repealed)s 16: Am 1994 No 38, Sch 8; 1999 No 85, Sch 1.20 [2]; 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [3] [4].
17 Honorary rangers
(1) The Secretary may, by instrument in writing, appoint honorary rangers.(2) Where the term for which an honorary ranger is to hold office is specified in the instrument of the honorary ranger’s appointment, the honorary ranger shall, unless he or she is sooner removed from office under this Division, cease to hold office upon the expiration of that term.(3) An honorary ranger shall, unless the honorary ranger is sooner removed from office under this Division, cease to hold office if the honorary ranger resigns the office by instrument in writing addressed to the Secretary.
18 Removal or suspension of ex-officio and honorary rangers
(1) The Secretary may, by instrument in writing, remove or suspend from office any ex-officio ranger or honorary ranger.(2) An ex-officio ranger or honorary ranger who is suspended from office under this section shall not exercise any of the powers, authorities, duties and functions of an ex-officio ranger or honorary ranger, as the case may be, during the period of his or her suspension.(3) The Secretary may, by instrument in writing, reinstate any ex-officio ranger or honorary ranger suspended from office under this section.
19 Powers and functions of ex-officio rangers
(1) In addition to any other powers, authorities, duties and functions conferred or imposed upon an ex-officio ranger by or under this or any other Act, an ex-officio ranger shall have and may exercise and perform such of the powers, authorities, duties and functions as are conferred or imposed by or under this Act, the Wilderness Act 1987 or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 on officers of the Service and as are specified or described in the regulations for the purposes of this subsection, but subject to such limitations and restrictions (if any) as are specified or described therein.(2) Without affecting the generality of section 156 (2), a regulation made in relation to any matter referred to in subsection (1) may apply generally or to any ex-officio ranger or class of ex-officio rangers specified or described therein.s 19: Am 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (2) (3); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [14].
20 Powers and functions of honorary rangers
In addition to any other powers, authorities, duties and functions conferred or imposed upon an honorary ranger by or under this or any other Act, an honorary ranger shall have and may exercise and perform such of the powers, authorities, duties and functions as are conferred or imposed by or under this Act, the Wilderness Act 1987 or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 on officers of the Service and as are specified or described in the instrument of his or her appointment, but subject to such limitations and restrictions (if any) as are specified or described therein.s 20: Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [15].
Division 4 Delegation
21 Delegation
(1) The Minister may delegate the exercise of any function of the Minister under this Act (other than this power of delegation) to—(a) the Secretary, or(b) a person employed in the Department, or(c) a board of management, or(c1) a state conservation area trust or a regional park trust, or(c2) the CEO of the Environment Protection Authority, or(c3) a member of staff of the Environment Protection Authority, or(d) any person, or any class of persons, authorised for the purposes of this subsection by the regulations.(2) The Secretary may delegate the exercise of any function of the Secretary under this Act (other than this power of delegation) to—(a) a person employed in the Department, or(b) a board of management, or(b1) the CEO of the Environment Protection Authority, or(b2) a member of staff of the Environment Protection Authority, or(c) any person, or any class of persons, authorised for the purposes of this subsection by the regulations.(3) The power to delegate under subsection (1) or (2) extends to the following functions of the Minister or the Secretary, as the case may be—(a) functions conferred or imposed by Acts that substantially provide for the reservation of land under this Act, or the vesting of land in the Minister for the purposes of Part 11 (for example, the Brigalow and Nandewar Community Conservation Area Act 2005, the National Park Estate (Reservations) Act 2002 and the National Park Estate (Southern Region Reservations) Act 2000),(b) functions conferred or imposed by Acts, that are exercisable—(i) by the Minister as owner or occupier of land, being land acquired, or the subject of other dealings, by the Minister (whether on behalf of Her Majesty or on the Minister’s own behalf) under Part 11, or(ii) by the Secretary as an occupier of land, being land of which the Secretary has care, control and management under this Act,(c) functions conferred or imposed—(i) on the Minister by section 5.57 (3) of the Crown Land Management Act 2016, or(ii) on the Secretary by section 14 (1A) of the Dividing Fences Act 1991, or(iii) on the Secretary (as an impounding authority) by the Impounding Act 1993 (other than by section 26 (1)), or(iv) on the Secretary by section 36A (3) (d) (ii), 36B (4) (d) (ii) or 36D (3) (d) (ii) of the Local Government Act 1993, or(v) on the Secretary by section 15 (4) or (5) of the Plantations and Reafforestation Act 1999, or(vi) on the Secretary under the Public Health Act 2010 in relation to burials on land reserved or acquired under this Act, or(vii) on the Secretary by 100K (1) (b) of the Rural Fires Act 1997, or(viii) on the Secretary by the State Records Act 1998, section 25(2), or(ix) on the Secretary (as an enforcement agency) by or under the Food Act 2003.s 21: Am 1980 No 80, Sch 1 (7); 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (7); 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (4); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [16]; 1996 No 30, Sch 2.19 [2]; 2006 No 120, Sch 1.21 [2]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [1]; 2008 No 114, Sch 1.15; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [14]; 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [3]; 2010 No 127, Sch 4.16; 2011 No 62, Sch 1.11 [1]; 2012 No 42, Sch 1.21 [1] [2]; 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [7] [8]; 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [7]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[6]–[8]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[3]; 2023 No 30, Sch 2.3.
Part 3 Council and committees
Division 1 National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council
22 The Council
(1) There shall be a National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council.(2) Schedule 7 has effect.
23 Functions and duties of Council
(1) The Council has the following functions—(a) to provide advice to the Minister and the Secretary on—(i) strategies for attaining the objects of this Act, and(ii) the development, implementation and review of the policies and plans of the Service directed towards achieving those objects, and(iii) strategies for promoting, consistent with this Act, the conservation of natural and cultural heritage outside the reserve system, and(iv) the care, control and management of areas reserved under this Act, including, if requested by the Minister, the content of specific plans of management, and(v) (Repealed)(vi) conservation agreements and conservation areas, and(vii) wilderness areas and wild rivers, and(viii) any matter referred to the Council for advice under this Act or by the Minister or the Secretary or that the Council considers necessary for the administration of this Act.(b) to consult with the Secretary on the Service’s operations and on the administration of this Act,(c) such other functions as are conferred on it by or under this or any other Act.(2) Subject to section 8 (10), the Secretary shall furnish to the Council full information in relation to any matters arising out of the administration of this Act which the Council may require.(3) (Repealed)s 23: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (7); 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (4); 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (5); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (4); 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [8]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [3] [4]; 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [5]; 2001 No 130, Schs 1 [76] [77], 2 [2]; 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [4]; 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [7]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.2[1].
Division 2 Advisory committees
pt 3, div 2: Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 2 [3].
24 Constitution of advisory committees
(1) The Secretary is to divide the State into administrative regions and may at any time alter or abolish those administrative regions.(2) A regional advisory committee is to be constituted for each administrative region.(3) Additional advisory committees may be constituted by the Minister for particular purposes determined by the Minister.(4) Schedule 8 contains provisions with respect to each regional advisory committee constituted under subsection (2).(5) The Minister may determine the constitution and procedure of an additional advisory committee constituted under subsection (3).s 24: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 1 (3); 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [9]. Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 2 [3]. Am 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [5]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [15].
25 Functions of advisory committees
(1) A regional advisory committee has the following functions—(a) to provide advice to the Secretary and the Council on policies and plans for the administrative region for which it was constituted,(b) to provide advice to the Secretary and the Council on activities carried out or proposed to be carried out within the administrative region for which it was constituted,(c) to provide advice to the Minister on draft plans of management relating to the administrative region for which the committee was constituted,(d) to provide advice to the Secretary on the implementation of plans of management relating to the administrative region for which it was constituted.(2) An advisory committee referred to in section 24 (3) has such advisory functions as are conferred or imposed on it by the Minister.(3) A regional advisory committee has no function in relation to the Community Conservation Area under the Brigalow and Nandewar Community Conservation Area Act 2005.Note—The members of a Community Conservation Advisory Committee established under that Act are to include a member of the relevant regional advisory committee.s 25: Subst 1983 No 183, Sch 1 (4). Am 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [10] [11]. Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 2 [3]. Am 2005 No 56, Sch 12.4 [1]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.2[2].
26 Dissolution of advisory committees
(1) If an administrative region for which a regional advisory committee is constituted is abolished, the advisory committee is dissolved.(2) A person who was a member of the advisory committee immediately before its dissolution is eligible for appointment to another advisory committee constituted for an administrative region that encompasses all or any part of the former administrative region for which the dissolved committee was constituted.s 26: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 1 (5); 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [12]. Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 2 [3].
Division 3 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee
pt 3, div 3, hdg: Subst 1992 No 34, Sch 1; 2001 No 130, Sch 2 [4].
pt 3, div 3: Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 2 [4].
27 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee
(1) There is to be an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee.(2) Schedule 9 has effect.s 27: Am 1992 No 34, Sch 1. Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 2 [4].
28 Functions of Committee
The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee is to advise the Minister and the Secretary on any matter relating to the identification, assessment and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage, including providing strategic advice on the plan of management and the heritage impact permit process, whether or not the matter has been referred to the Committee by the Minister or the Secretary.s 28: Am 1992 No 34, Sch 1. Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 2 [4].
Division 4 Karst Management Advisory Committee
pt 3, div 4: Rep 1983 No 183, Sch 1 (6). Ins 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [6].
29 Constitution of Karst Management Advisory Committee
(1) There is constituted by this Act the Karst Management Advisory Committee.(2) The Committee is to consist of—(a) the Chairperson of the Committee who is to be the Secretary or a person employed in the Department nominated for the time being by the Secretary, and(b) 9 other persons appointed by the Minister.(3) Of the members appointed by the Minister under subsection (2) (b)—(a) one is to be a person who is a member of a regional advisory committee for a region that, in the opinion of the Minister, contains significant areas of karst, and(b) one is to be a person who has qualifications in karst or earth sciences or in a related discipline, and(c) one is to be a person with qualifications in geomorphology, hydrology, water management or a related discipline, and(d) one is to be a person with qualifications and experience in eco-tourism or recreational planning, and(e) one is to be a person nominated by the Australian Speleological Federation Inc, and(f) one is to be a person nominated by the NSW Heritage Office, and(g) one is to be a person nominated by the National Parks Association of NSW Inc, and(h) one is to be a person nominated by the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council, and(i) one is to be a person nominated by the Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales.(4) The Chairperson of the Committee is entitled to attend and chair meetings of the Committee but is not entitled to vote at any such meeting.(5) Schedule 4 has effect with respect to the members and procedure of the Committee.s 29: Rep 1983 No 183, Sch 1 (6). Ins 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [6]. Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [16]; 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [7]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[6].
30 Function of Karst Management Advisory Committee
(1) The function of the Karst Management Advisory Committee is to advise the Council on the following matters—(a) the conservation and management of karst environments on lands reserved, or acquired for reservation, under this Act (including matters relating to planning and policy),(b) (Repealed)(c) such other matters as are referred to the Committee by the Council, being matters relating to the administration of this Act with respect to karst environments,(d) the development, implementation and review of policies directed towards achieving the objects of this Act in relation to karst environments,(e) priorities for research relating to the management and conservation of karst environments across the State,(f) opportunities for sustainable visitor or tourist use and enjoyment of karst conservation reserves compatible with the reserves’ natural and cultural values,(g) opportunities for sustainable use (including adaptive reuse) of any buildings or structures on, or modified natural areas of, karst conservation reserves having regard to the conservation of the reserves’ natural and cultural values,(h) opportunities to secure funding in relation to the management and conservation of karst environments,(i) the protection of karst environments across the State,(j) assisting, supporting and promoting Government initiatives in relation to karst conservation.(2) The function of the Karst Management Advisory Committee is also to advise a regional advisory committee on a plan of management for land reserved under this Act that contains significant karst environment, being a plan the responsible authority has referred to the Committee for consideration and advice.s 30: Rep 1983 No 183, Sch 1 (6). Ins 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [6]. Am 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [2]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.2[3] [4].
Part 4 Reservation of land
pt 4, hdg: Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [26].
Division 1 Reservation of land
pt 4, div 1: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [26].
30A Governor may reserve certain land
(1) The Governor may, by notice published in the Gazette, reserve land as any of the following or as part of any of the following—(a) a national park,(b) a historic site,(c) a state conservation area,(d) a regional park,(e) a karst conservation reserve,(f) a nature reserve,(g) an Aboriginal area.(2) The Governor may in a notice reserving land under this Division, or another notice published in the Gazette, assign a name to the reserved land or alter its name.s 30A: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [26].
30B Land that may be reserved under this Division
Land may only be reserved under this Division if it is—(a) Crown lands, or(b) lands of the Crown, or(c) land acquired under section 145, 146 or 148, or(d) land in respect of which the National Parks and Wildlife Reserve Trust is appointed the Crown land manager under section 9 of the National Park Estate (Land Transfers) Act 1998 or under section 8 of the National Park Estate (Southern Region Reservations) Act 2000, or(e) crown lands reserved under the Crown Land Acts (within the meaning of the Crown Land Management Act 2016).s 30B: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [8] [9].
30C Limitations on reservation of land as national park, historic site regional park, karst conservation reserve, nature reserve or Aboriginal area
Despite section 30B, land must not be reserved as a national park, historic site, regional park, karst conservation reserve, nature reserve or Aboriginal area—(a) in the case of lands of the Crown, without the concurrence in writing of the Minister or public authority in whom or which they are vested, and(b) in the case of Crown lands referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition of Crown lands, without the concurrence in writing of the Minister administering the Fisheries Management Act 1994, and(c) in the case of Crown-timber lands within the meaning of the Forestry Act 2012, without the concurrence in writing of the Minister administering that Act.s 30C: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [1].
30D Limitation on reservation of land as state conservation area
Despite section 30B, land must not be reserved as a state conservation area—(a) in the case of lands of the Crown, without the concurrence in writing of the Minister or public authority in whom they are vested, and(b) in the case of Crown lands referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition of Crown lands, without the concurrence in writing of the Minister administering the Fisheries Management Act 1994, and(c) in the case of Crown-timber lands within the meaning of the Forestry Act 2012, without the concurrence in writing of the Minister administering that Act, and(d) without the concurrence in writing of the Minister administering the Mining Act 1992 or the Minister administering the Offshore Minerals Act 1999, as the case requires.s 30D: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [1].
Division 2 Management principles
pt 4, div 2: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [26].
30E National parks
(1) The purpose of reserving land as a national park is to identify, protect and conserve areas containing outstanding or representative ecosystems, natural or cultural features or landscapes or phenomena that provide opportunities for public appreciation and inspiration and sustainable visitor or tourist use and enjoyment so as to enable those areas to be managed in accordance with subsection (2).(2) A national park is to be managed in accordance with the following principles—(a) the conservation of biodiversity, the maintenance of ecosystem function, the protection of geological and geomorphological features and natural phenomena and the maintenance of natural landscapes,(b) the conservation of places, objects, features and landscapes of cultural value,(c) the protection of the ecological integrity of one or more ecosystems for present and future generations,(d) the promotion of public appreciation and understanding of the national park’s natural and cultural values,(e) provision for sustainable visitor or tourist use and enjoyment that is compatible with the conservation of the national park’s natural and cultural values,(f) provision for the sustainable use (including adaptive reuse) of any buildings or structures or modified natural areas having regard to the conservation of the national park’s natural and cultural values,(fa) provision for the carrying out of development in any part of a special area (within the meaning of the Hunter Water Act 1991) in the national park that is permitted under section 185A having regard to the conservation of the national park’s natural and cultural values,(g) provision for appropriate research and monitoring.s 30E: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2006 No 90, Sch 8 [1]; 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [4].
30F Historic sites
(1) The purpose of reserving land as a historic site is to identify, protect and conserve areas associated with a person, event or historical theme, or containing a building, place, feature or landscape of cultural significance so as to enable those areas to be managed in accordance with subsection (2).(2) A historic site is to be managed in accordance with the following principles—(a) the conservation of places, objects, features and landscapes of cultural value,(b) the conservation of natural values,(c) provision for sustainable visitor or tourist use and enjoyment that is compatible with the conservation of the historic site’s natural and cultural values,(d) provision for the sustainable use (including adaptive reuse) of any buildings or structures or modified natural areas having regard to the conservation of the historic site’s natural and cultural values,(da) provision for the carrying out of development in any part of a special area (within the meaning of the Hunter Water Act 1991) in the historic site that is permitted under section 185A having regard to the conservation of the historic site’s natural and cultural values,(e) the promotion of public appreciation and understanding of the historic site’s natural and cultural values,(f) provision for appropriate research and monitoring.s 30F: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2006 No 90, Sch 8 [2]; 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [4].
30G State conservation areas
(1) The purpose of reserving land as a state conservation area is to identify, protect and conserve areas—(a) that contain significant or representative ecosystems, landforms or natural phenomena or places of cultural significance, and(b) that are capable of providing opportunities for sustainable visitor or tourist use and enjoyment, the sustainable use of buildings and structures or research, andso as to enable those areas to be managed in accordance with subsection (2).(c) that are capable of providing opportunities for uses permitted under other provisions of this Act in such areas, including uses permitted under section 47J,(2) A state conservation area is to be managed in accordance with the following principles—(a) the conservation of biodiversity, the maintenance of ecosystem function, the protection of natural phenomena and the maintenance of natural landscapes,(b) the conservation of places, objects and features of cultural value,(c) provision for the undertaking of uses permitted under other provisions of this Act in such areas (including uses permitted under section 47J) having regard to the conservation of the natural and cultural values of the state conservation area,(ca) provision for the carrying out of development in any part of a special area (within the meaning of the Hunter Water Act 1991) in the state conservation area that is permitted under section 185A having regard to the conservation of the natural and cultural values of the state conservation area,(d) provision for sustainable visitor or tourist use and enjoyment that is compatible with the conservation of the state conservation area’s natural and cultural values and with uses permitted under other provisions of this Act in such areas,(e) provision for the sustainable use (including adaptive reuse) of any buildings or structures or modified natural areas having regard to the conservation of the state conservation area’s natural and cultural values and with uses permitted under other provisions of this Act in such areas,(f) provision for appropriate research and monitoring.s 30G: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2006 No 90, Sch 8 [3]; 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [4].
30H Regional parks
(1) The purpose of reserving land as a regional park is to identify, protect and conserve areas in a natural or modified landscape that are suitable for public recreation and enjoyment so as to enable those areas to be managed in accordance with subsection (2).(2) A regional park is to be managed in accordance with the following principles—(a) the provision of opportunities, in an outdoor setting, for recreation and enjoyment in natural or modified landscapes,(b) the identification, interpretation, management and conservation of the park so as to maintain and enhance significant landscape values,(c) the conservation of natural and cultural values,(d) the promotion of public appreciation and understanding of the regional park’s natural and cultural values,(e) provision for sustainable visitor or tourist use and enjoyment that is compatible with the conservation of the regional park’s natural and cultural values,(f) provision for the sustainable use (including adaptive reuse) of any buildings or structures or modified natural areas having regard to the conservation of the regional park’s natural and cultural values,(g) provision for the carrying out of development in any part of a special area (within the meaning of the Hunter Water Act 1991) in the regional park that is permitted under section 185A having regard to the conservation of the regional park’s natural and cultural values.s 30H: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2006 No 90, Sch 8 [4]; 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [4].
30I Karst conservation reserves
(1) The purpose of reserving land as a karst conservation reserve is to identify, protect and conserve areas, including subterranean land, containing outstanding or representative examples of karst landforms and natural phenomena so as to enable those areas to be managed in accordance with subsection (2).(2) A karst conservation reserve is to be managed in accordance with the following principles—(a) the conservation of the karst environment, including the protection of catchment values, such as hydrological processes and water quality,(b) the conservation of cultural values,(c) the protection of natural water movement and air movement regimes and processes within the karst environment,(d) the conservation of biodiversity, the maintenance of ecosystem function, the protection of the geological and geomorphological features and natural phenomena and the maintenance of natural landscapes, cave formations and fossil deposits,(e) provision for research and monitoring,(f) the promotion of public appreciation and understanding of the karst conservation reserve’s natural and cultural values,(g) provision for sustainable visitor or tourist use and enjoyment that is compatible with the karst conservation reserve’s natural and cultural values,(h) provision for sustainable use (including adaptive reuse) of any buildings or structures or modified natural areas having regard to the conservation of the karst conservation reserve’s natural and cultural values,(i) provision for the carrying out of development in any part of a special area (within the meaning of the Hunter Water Act 1991) in the karst conservation reserve that is permitted under section 185A having regard to the conservation of the karst conservation reserve’s natural and cultural values.s 30I: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2006 No 90, Sch 8 [5]; 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [4].
30J Nature reserves
(1) The purpose of reserving land as a nature reserve is to identify, protect and conserve areas containing outstanding, unique or representative ecosystems, species, communities or natural phenomena so as to enable those areas to be managed in accordance with subsection (2).(2) A nature reserve is to be managed in accordance with the following principles—(a) the conservation of biodiversity, the maintenance of ecosystem function, the protection of geological and geomorphological features and natural phenomena,(b) the conservation of places, objects, features and landscapes of cultural value,(c) the promotion of public appreciation, enjoyment and understanding of the nature reserve’s natural and cultural values,(d) provision for appropriate research and monitoring,(e) provision for the carrying out of development in any part of a special area (within the meaning of the Hunter Water Act 1991) in the nature reserve that is permitted under section 185A having regard to the conservation of the nature reserve’s natural and cultural values.s 30J: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2006 No 90, Sch 8 [6].
30K Aboriginal areas
(1) The purpose of reserving land as an Aboriginal area is to identify, protect and conserve areas associated with a person, event or historical theme, or containing a building, place, object, feature or landscape—(a) of natural or cultural significance to Aboriginal people, orso as to enable those areas to be managed in accordance with subsection (2).(b) of importance in improving public understanding of Aboriginal culture and its development and transitions,(2) An Aboriginal area is to be managed in accordance with the following principles—(a) the conservation of natural values, buildings, places, objects, features and landscapes of cultural value to Aboriginal people in accordance with the cultural values of the Aboriginal people to whose heritage the buildings, places, objects, features or landscapes belong,(b) the conservation of natural or other cultural values,(c) allowing the use of the Aboriginal area by Aboriginal people for cultural purposes,(d) the promotion of public understanding and appreciation of the Aboriginal area’s natural and cultural values and significance where appropriate,(e) provision for appropriate research and monitoring, in accordance with the cultural values of the Aboriginal people,(f) provision for the carrying out of development in any part of a special area (within the meaning of the Hunter Water Act 1991) in the Aboriginal area that is permitted under section 185A having regard to the conservation of the Aboriginal area’s natural and cultural values,(g) provision for sustainable visitor or tourist use and enjoyment that is compatible with the Aboriginal area’s natural and cultural values and the cultural values of the Aboriginal people,(h) provision for sustainable use (including adaptive reuse) of any buildings or structures or modified natural areas having regard to the Aboriginal area’s natural and cultural values and the cultural values of the Aboriginal people.s 30K: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2006 No 90, Sch 8 [7]; 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [5].
Division 3 National parks and historic sites
pt 4, div 3, hdg (previously Part 4, Div 1, heading): Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [27].
31 Care, control and management of parks and sites
(1) The Secretary has the care, control and management of all national parks and historic sites except as provided by subsection (2).(2) On the establishment of a board of management for a national park or historic site reserved under Part 4A, the care, control and management of the park or site is vested in the board of management.s 31: Subst 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (8); 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [5].
32 (Repealed)
s 32: Rep 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (8).
33 Reservation of parks and sites
(1)–(3) (Repealed)(4) On the publication in the Gazette of a notice under Division 1 reserving land as a national park or historic site—(a) the lands described in the notice become Crown lands to the extent to which they were not Crown lands immediately before that publication,(b) where a trustee of all or any part of the lands so described was holding office under any other Act immediately before that publication, the trustee shall cease to hold that office in respect of those lands or that part, as the case may be, and(c) the care, control and management of the lands so described shall vest in the Secretary.(5) On the publication of a notice under Division 1 effecting the reservation, as a particular national park or historic site, of any lands described in the notice (which lands are in this subsection referred to as the described lands)—(a) any by-laws or rules and regulations that, immediately before that publication, applied to all of the described lands and not to any other lands—(i) shall continue to apply to the described lands, and(ii) shall be deemed to be regulations made under this Act and may be amended or repealed accordingly, and(b) any by-laws or rules and regulations that, immediately before that publication, applied to—(i) part only of the described lands, orshall cease to apply to the described lands.(ii) all of the described lands and also to any other lands,(6) On the publication of a notice under Division 1 effecting the reservation as part of a particular national park or historic site, of any lands described in the notice (which lands are in this subsection referred to as the described lands)—(a) any by-laws or rules and regulations that, immediately before that publication, applied to that national park or historic site shall apply to the described lands, and(b) any by-laws or rules and regulations that, immediately before that publication, applied to all or any part of the described lands shall cease to apply to the described lands.(7) (Repealed)(8) To the extent to which a dedication, reservation (other than a reservation under this Division), Crown grant or vesting affects lands described in a notice under Division 1, the publication revokes the dedication, reservation, grant or vesting, and the instruments of title (if any) shall be surrendered for cancellation or notation, as the case may require.(9) A notice under Division 1 may relate to—(a) one or more national parks or one or more historic sites, or(b) one or more national parks and one or more historic sites.(10) (Repealed)s 33: Am 1980 No 196, Sch 1; 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (9); 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (5); 1987 No 48, Sch 32; 1993 No 46, Sch 1; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [78] [79] [80] (am 2002 No 112, Sch 2.12 [2]) [81]–[86].
34 (Repealed)
s 34: Am 1994 No 38, Sch 8. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [87].
35 Tabling of notice of reservation, and disallowance
(1) In this section, prescribed time, in relation to a House of Parliament, means 14 sitting days of that House, whether or not they occur during the same session.(2) A copy of a notice published under Division 1 reserving land as a national park or historic site shall be laid before each House of Parliament within the prescribed time after publication thereof.(3) Where a House of Parliament passes a resolution of which notice has been given within 15 sitting days of that House after a copy of a notice has been laid before it under subsection (2) (whether or not those sitting days occur during the same session) and the resolution disallows the reservation effected by the notice of any lands as, or as part of, a particular national park or historic site—(a) the reservation thereupon ceases to have effect, and(b) those lands cease to be, or to be part of, a national park or historic site.(4) Where any lands cease to be, or to be part of, a national park or historic site by virtue of the disallowance of a reservation under this Division—(a) the Secretary shall cease to have the care, control and management of those lands,(b) any by-laws applicable thereto immediately before the disallowance shall cease to apply to those lands, and(c) those lands may be dealt with as if they had been acquired under Part 11.(5) (Repealed)s 35: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 3 (10), 6 (3); 1987 No 48, Sch 32; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [88] [89].
36 (Repealed)
s 36: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (11). Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [90].
37 Revocation or compulsory acquisition of park or site
(1) Notwithstanding anything in any Act—(a) the reservation of lands as, or as part of, a national park or historic site shall not be revoked, orexcept by an Act of Parliament.(b) lands within a national park or historic site shall not be compulsorily acquired,(1A) Nothing in subsection (1) prevents the compulsory acquisition under this Act of lands within a national park or historic site if the reservation of the lands as, or as part of, the national park or historic site is not affected by the compulsory acquisition.(2) Nothing in subsection (1) prevents the withdrawal of land from or the termination of any lease, licence or occupancy in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof.s 37: Am 1994 No 45, Sch 1.
38 Limitation on use of name “national park”
The word “national” shall not be used either alone or in conjunction with other words as the name of a park within New South Wales unless the park is a national park under this Act.
39 Existing interests
(1) In this section, existing interest means any authority, authorisation, permit, lease, licence or occupancy.(2) Except as provided in this Act, the reservation of lands as, or as part of, a national park or historic site does not affect—(a) the terms and conditions of any existing interest in respect of those lands from the Crown or the trustees, current and in force at the time of the reservation, or(b) the use permitted of those lands under the interest.(3) Subject to subsection (4), no such interest shall be renewed nor shall the term of any such interest be extended except with the approval of the Minister and subject to such conditions as the Minister determines.(4) The provisions of subsection (3) do not apply to any authority, lease or licence under the Mining Act 1992, the Offshore Minerals Act 1999, the Fisheries Management Act 1994 or the Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991, or any permit or licence under the Petroleum (Offshore) Act 1982.(5) Upon the termination, surrender, forfeiture or determination of any existing interest (otherwise than for the purpose of renewing it or extending its term) referred to in subsection (2), the lands the subject of the interest are, to the extent to which they would not, but for this subsection, be lands reserved as part of the national park or historic site within which they are situated, hereby so reserved.s 39: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 6 (4); 1992 No 29, Sch 5; 1994 No 38, Sch 8; 1998 No 5, Sch 2.2 [1]; 1999 No 42, Sch 3.12 [1]; 2007 No 27, Sch 1.29.
40 Restrictions on disposal of or dealing with lands within parks or sites
(1) Notwithstanding anything in the Crown Land Management Act 2016 or any other Act, no lands within a national park or historic site shall be sold, leased or otherwise dealt with except as provided in this Act or in the Snowy Hydro Corporatisation Act 1997.(2) No permit to graze over any part of a travelling stock reserve or camping reserve under the care, control and management of Local Land Services, which reserve is situated within the external boundaries of a national park or historic site, shall be granted except with the concurrence in writing of the Minister.(3) A permit referred to in subsection (2) may be granted subject to such conditions as the Minister determines.s 40: Am 1997 No 55, Sch 1.15 [2]; 1997 No 99, Sch 3.1 [1]; 1998 No 143, Sch 6.16 [1]; 2008 No 112, Sch 6.20 [2]; 2013 No 51, Sch 7.31 [2]; 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [10].
41 Mining
(1) It is unlawful to prospect or mine for minerals in a national park or historic site, except as expressly authorised by an Act of Parliament.(2) The Mining Act 1992, the Offshore Minerals Act 1999, the Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991 and the Petroleum (Offshore) Act 1982 do not apply to or in respect of lands within a national park or historic site.(3) This section does not apply to or in respect of existing interests, or the renewal or extension of the term of any such interest, as referred to in section 39.(4) The Minister may, subject to such terms and conditions as the Minister may determine from time to time, approve of prospecting for minerals being carried out on behalf of the Government in a national park or historic site by a person nominated by the Minister for Minerals and Energy.(5) Such an approval has no force unless, before the approval is granted, notice of intention to grant the approval is laid before both Houses of Parliament and—(a) no notice of motion that the approval not be granted is given in either House of Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the notice of intention was laid before it, or(b) if notice of such a motion is given, the motion is withdrawn, is defeated or lapses.(6) A certificate by the Minister to the effect that the requirements of this section have been complied with in respect of an approval specified in the certificate is conclusive evidence of compliance with those requirements.(7) Except as provided by this section, nothing in this section affects the right, title or interest of any person in respect of minerals in any lands within a national park or historic site.s 41: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 3 (12), 6 (5). Subst 1990 No 71, Sch 1 (2). Am 1992 No 29, Sch 5; 1998 No 5, Sch 2.2 [2]; 1999 No 42, Sch 3.12 [2]; 2007 No 27, Sch 1.29.
42 Application of Forestry Act 2012
(1) The Forestry Act 2012 does not apply to or in respect of lands within a national park or historic site.(2) Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1), all licences and permits under the Forestry Act 2012 affecting lands within a national park or historic site shall, unless sooner cancelled under that Act, continue in force until the expiration of the respective terms for which they were granted, and that Act shall continue to apply to and in respect of those licences and permits until they respectively expire or are cancelled.s 42: Am 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [1].
43 Application of Soil Conservation Act 1938
The Soil Conservation Act 1938 applies to and in respect of lands within a national park or historic site, but any experimental or research work conducted pursuant to section 6 of that Act upon those lands shall be undertaken only with the concurrence of the Secretary and subject to such conditions and restrictions as the Secretary may impose.
44 Application of Fisheries Management Act 1994
(1) Subject to subsection (2), nothing in this Act affects the operation of the Fisheries Management Act 1994 in relation to lands within a national park or historic site.(2) A lease under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 shall not, without the concurrence in writing of the Minister, be granted in respect of lands within a national park or historic site or in respect of any waters beneath which those lands are submerged.s 44: Am 1994 No 38, Sch 8.
45 Provisions respecting animals in parks and sites
(1) A person shall not—(a) harm any animal that is within a national park or historic site, or(b) discharge a prohibited weapon in a national park or historic site.(2) A person who commits an offence arising under subsection (1) is liable to the penalty prescribed by section 175 for an offence against this Act or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both.(3) A person shall not be convicted of an offence arising under subsection (1) if the person proves that the act constituting the offence was done—(a) under and in accordance with or by virtue of the authority conferred by an authorisation under section 171, or(b) in pursuance of a duty imposed on the person by or under any Act.(4) A person, being a lessee or occupier of any lands within a national park or historic site, or a person authorised by such a lessee or occupier in that behalf, shall not be convicted of an offence arising under subsection (1) in respect of the harming of any animal (other than fauna or an animal of a threatened species) that is within those lands, other than fauna.(5) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to exempting, subject to the prescribed conditions and restrictions (if any), any person or class or description of persons from the provisions of subsection (1).(6) This section does not prevent—(a) an Aboriginal owner on whose behalf the lands of a national park or historic site are held by one or more Aboriginal Land Councils in accordance with Part 4A, orfrom harming an animal within the park or site for domestic purposes or for ceremonial or cultural purposes (other than an animal of a threatened species or an animal protected by the plan of management for the park or site).(b) any other Aboriginal person who has the consent of the Aboriginal owner board members,s 45: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 6 (6); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [17] [18]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [6]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [3]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [2]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [17]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[9].
46 Transfer of rights, liabilities and property
(1) Where upon the taking effect of a notice under Division 1 any persons cease to hold office as trustees of lands reserved as, or as part of, a national park or historic site and the care, control and management of the park or site are vested in the Secretary, the following provisions have effect—(a) all property and all right and interest therein (in this section referred to as the trust property) and all management and control of anything which immediately before that notice took effect was vested in or belonged to the trustees and was held or used by them for or in connection with the park or site shall vest in and belong to the Secretary,(b) all money and liquidated and unliquidated claims that, immediately before that notice took effect, were payable to or recoverable by the trustees or their predecessors in relation to the park or site or the trust property or any part thereof shall be money and liquidated and unliquidated claims payable to or recoverable by the Secretary,(c) all proceedings pending immediately before that notice took effect at the suit of the trustees in relation to the park or site or the trust property or any part thereof shall be deemed to be proceedings pending at the suit of the Secretary and all proceedings so pending at the suit of any person against the trustees shall be deemed to be proceedings pending at the suit of that person against the Secretary,(d) all contracts, agreements, arrangements and undertakings entered into with, and all securities lawfully given to or by, the trustees or their predecessors in relation to the park or site or the trust property or any part thereof, and in force immediately before that notice took effect, shall be deemed to be contracts, agreements, arrangements and undertakings entered into with, and securities given to or by, the Secretary,(e) the Secretary may, in addition to pursuing any other remedies or exercising any other powers that may be available to the Secretary, pursue the same remedies for the recovery of money and claims referred to in this subsection and for the prosecution of proceedings so referred to as the trustees or their predecessors might have done had they continued to be trustees of the park or site after that notice took effect,(f) the Secretary may enforce and realise any security or charge existing immediately before that notice took effect in favour of the trustees in connection with the care, control and management of the park or site, and may exercise any powers thereby conferred on the trustees as if the security or charge were a security or charge in favour of the Secretary,(g) all debts, money and claims, liquidated and unliquidated, that, immediately before that notice took effect, were due or payable by, or recoverable against, the trustees or their predecessors in connection with the care, control and management of the park or site or the trust property or any part thereof shall be debts due and money payable by, and claims recoverable against, the Secretary, and(h) all liquidated and unliquidated claims in connection with the care, control and management of the park or site for which the trustees would, but for the notice, have been liable shall be liquidated and unliquidated claims for which the Secretary shall be liable.(2) Where part only of the lands vested in trustees is, by a notice under Division 1, reserved as, or as part of, a national park or historic site and the care, control and management of the park or site are vested in the Secretary, the Secretary and the trustees shall, as soon as practicable after publication of that notice, arrange and agree upon a division of the assets, debts and liabilities of the trustees, so that the assets, debts and liabilities appropriate to the park or site and to the lands retained by the trustees may be determined, and if any difference arises between the Secretary and the trustees, the difference shall be determined in such manner as the Minister may direct.(3) (Repealed)s 46: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (13); 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [91]–[94].
47 (Repealed)
s 47: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 3 (14), 6 (7). Rep 1999 No 85, Sch 1.20 [3].
Division 4 State conservation areas
pt 4, div 4, hdg (previously Part 4, Div 1A, heading): Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (8). Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [28].
pt 4, div 4 (previously Part 4, Div 1A): Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (8). Renumbered 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [28].
47A Definition
In this Division—prescribed time, in relation to a House of Parliament, means 14 sitting days of that House, whether or not they occur during the same session.s 47A: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (8). Am 1993 No 46, Sch 1; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [95].
47B Reservation of state conservation areas
(1) (Repealed)(2) On the publication of a notice under Division 1 reserving land as a state conservation area—(a) the land described in the notice becomes Crown land to the extent to which it was not Crown land immediately before that publication, and(b) if trustees of all or any of the land so described were holding office under any other Act in respect of the land immediately before that publication, those trustees cease to hold office in respect of that land, and(c) the care, control and management of the land so described vests—(i) in the Secretary, or(ii) if a state conservation area trust is established in respect of the land—in the state conservation area trust.(3) To the extent to which a dedication, reservation (other than a reservation under Division 1 of land as a state conservation area) or vesting affects land described in a notice published under Division 1 reserving land as a state conservation area, the publication revokes the dedication, reservation or vesting, and the instruments of title (if any) are to be surrendered for cancellation or notation.(4) A notice under Division 1 may be made in relation to one or more state conservation areas.(5) Schedule 9A (Transfer of assets, rights and liabilities) has effect.s 47B: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (8). Am 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (6); 1987 No 48, Sch 32. Subst 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [13]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [72] [76] [96]–[99]; 2003 No 40, Sch 1.32 [1].
47BA (Repealed)
s 47BA: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [7]. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [100].
47C Care, control and management of state conservation areas reserved under Part 4A
(1) Despite section 47B, on the publication of a notice under Part 4A reserving land as a state conservation area, the Secretary has the care, control and management of the state conservation area until such time as a board of management is established for the state conservation area.(2) On the establishment of a board of management for the state conservation area, the board of management has the care, control and management of the state conservation area.s 47C: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (8). Am 1992 No 29, Sch 5; 1994 No 38, Sch 8; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [14]; 1999 No 42, Sch 3.12 [3]. Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [100].
47D Tabling of notification of reservation, and disallowance
(1) A copy of a notice published under Division 1 reserving land as a state conservation area shall be laid before each House of Parliament within the prescribed time after publication thereof.(2) Where a House of Parliament passes a resolution of which notice has been given within 15 sitting days of that House after a copy of a notice has been laid before it under subsection (1) (whether or not those sitting days occur during the same session) and the resolution disallows the reservation effected by the notice of any lands as, or as part of, a particular state conservation area—(a) the reservation thereupon ceases to have effect, and(b) those lands cease to be, or to be part of, a state conservation area.(3) If any land ceases to be, or to be part of, a state conservation area by virtue of a disallowance of a reservation under this Division—(a) the Secretary, or any state conservation area trust appointed as trustee of the land, ceases to have the care, control and management of the land, and(b) the land may be dealt with as if it had been acquired by the Minister under Part 11.(4) (Repealed)s 47D: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (8). Am 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (7); 1987 No 48, Sch 32; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [15]–[17]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [72] [73] [101].
47E, 47F (Repealed)
s 47E: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (8). Rep 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [18].
s 47F: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (8). Am 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [19] [20]. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [102].
47G Limitation on use of expression “state conservation area”
The expression “state conservation area” shall not be used either alone or in conjunction with other words as the name of any lands used for the purpose of public recreation and enjoyment unless the lands are within a state conservation area reserved under this Division.s 47G: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (8). Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73].
47GA State conservation area trusts for certain state conservation areas
(1) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, establish and name a state conservation area trust and appoint it as trustee of any one or more of the following state conservation areas (or as trustee of any one or more parts of one or more of the following state conservation areas)—(a) Arakoon state conservation area,(b) Bents Basin state conservation area,(c) Cape Byron state conservation area.(2) A state conservation area trust established under this section is constituted by this Act as a corporation having as its corporate name the name assigned to the trust in the notice of its establishment. The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, change the corporate name of a state conservation area trust.(3) A state conservation area trust—(a) has the care, control and management of any state conservation area (or part of a state conservation area) of which it is appointed trustee, and(b) has the powers and functions conferred or imposed on it by or under this or any other Act.(4) If the Secretary had the care, control and management of the state conservation area immediately before the establishment of the state conservation area trust, any thing done or entered into by the Secretary in connection with the state conservation area is taken to have been done or entered into by the state conservation area trust.(5) If a state conservation area trust is appointed as trustee of more than one state conservation area (or more than one part of a state conservation area), a reference in this Act to the state conservation area (or part of the area) in relation to the state conservation area trust includes a reference to any one or more of the state conservation areas (or any one or more of the parts of the state conservation area) of which the state conservation area trust has been appointed as trustee.s 47GA: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [72] [76]; 2003 No 40, Sch 1.32 [1]; 2006 No 120, Sch 1.21 [3] [4].
47GB State conservation area trust boards
(1) There is to be a trust board established in respect of each state conservation area trust.(2) A trust board is to consist of—(a) at least 3, but no more than 7, members appointed by the Minister, and(b) the holder of any office, or the holders of any offices, that the Minister considers appropriate.(3) The affairs of a state conservation area trust are to be managed by the trust board.(4) A trust board is subject to the control and direction of the Secretary.(5) Schedule 10 has effect with respect to the members and procedure of a trust board.s 47GB: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [21]. Am 1997 No 147, Sch 1.16 [1]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [72]; 2003 No 40, Sch 1.32 [1].
47GC (Repealed)
s 47GC: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [72] [73]; 2003 No 40, Sch 1.32 [1]. Rep 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [6].
47GD Reports by state conservation area trusts
(1) A state conservation area trust must—(a) provide reports to the Secretary at such times, concerning such matters, and specifying such information, as may be required by the Secretary, and(b) keep such records as may be required by the Secretary.(2) A state conservation area trust must, at the request of the Secretary—(a) give the Secretary such information as the Secretary requires in relation to the operations of the trust, and(b) send to the Secretary such records kept by the state conservation area trust as the Secretary requires (including accounting records).ss 47GD–47GG: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [72]; 2003 No 40, Sch 1.32 [1].
47GE Inspection of state conservation area trust
(1) The Secretary may appoint a person to inquire into, or carry out an audit of, any of the affairs of a state conservation area trust.(2) The appointed person may, for the purposes of the inquiry or audit—(a) inspect and take copies of or extracts from any records (including accounting records) of the trust, and(b) require any person concerned in the management of the state conservation area trust to give information and answer questions relating to the affairs of the state conservation area trust.(3) The power of the appointed person to inspect the records of a state conservation area trust includes the power to inspect the records of a lessee or licensee which the trust has power to inspect under the lease or licence.(4) A person must not—(a) without lawful excuse, refuse or fail to allow the appointed person access to records to which the appointed person is entitled, or(b) without lawful excuse, refuse or fail to give information or answer questions, as required by the appointed person, or(c) wilfully obstruct or delay the appointed person in the exercise of a power under this section.Maximum penalty—5 penalty units.ss 47GD–47GG: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [72]; 2003 No 40, Sch 1.32 [1].
47GF Removal of trust board members and appointment of administrator
(1) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette—(a) remove any or all of the members of a state conservation area trust board from office, or(b) remove all the members of a state conservation area trust board from office and appoint a person as the administrator of the state conservation area trust concerned.(2) If an administrator is appointed—(a) the affairs of the state conservation area trust are to be managed by the administrator, and(b) the administrator has and may exercise all the functions of the state conservation area trust.(3) Subject to this Act, an administrator holds office for such period as may be specified in the administrator’s instrument of appointment.(4) The Minister may remove an administrator from office at any time.(5) An administrator is entitled to be paid such remuneration as the Minister may direct. The office of administrator is not, for the purposes of any Act, an office or place of profit under the Crown.ss 47GD–47GG: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [72]; 2003 No 40, Sch 1.32 [1].
47GG Dissolution of state conservation area trusts
(1) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, dissolve a state conservation area trust. A notice takes effect on the date of publication or such later date as is specified in the notice.(2) Schedule 9A (Transfer of assets, rights and liabilities) has effect.ss 47GD–47GG: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [72]; 2003 No 40, Sch 1.32 [1].
47H Existing interests
(1) In this section, existing interest means any authority, authorisation, permit, lease, licence or occupancy.(2) Except as provided by this Act, the reservation of lands as, or as part of, a state conservation area does not affect—(a) the terms and conditions of any existing interest in respect of those lands from the Crown or the trustees, current and in force at the time of the reservation, or(b) the use permitted of those lands under the interest.(3) Subject to subsection (4), no such interest shall be renewed nor shall the term of any such interest be extended except with the approval of the Minister and subject to such conditions as the Minister determines.(4) The provisions of subsection (3) do not apply to any authority, lease or licence under the Mining Act 1992, the Offshore Minerals Act 1999, the Fisheries Management Act 1994 or the Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991, or to any permit or licence under the Petroleum (Offshore) Act 1982.(5) Upon the termination, surrender, forfeiture or determination of any existing interest (otherwise than for the purpose of renewing it or extending its term) referred to in subsection (2), the lands the subject of the interest are, to the extent to which they would not, but for this subsection, be lands reserved as part of the state conservation area within which they are situated, hereby so reserved.s 47H: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (8). Am 1992 No 29, Sch 5; 1994 No 38, Sch 8; 1998 No 5, Sch 2.2 [3]; 1999 No 42, Sch 3.12 [4]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73]; 2007 No 27, Sch 1.29.
47I Restrictions on dealing with land in state conservation areas
(1) Despite anything in this or any other Act, land within a state conservation area is not to be dealt with except as provided under this Act.(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), land within a state conservation area is not to be dedicated, reserved or otherwise dealt with under Parts 2 and 3 of the Crown Land Management Act 2016.s 47I: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (8). Subst 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [22]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73]; 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [11].
47J Provisions relating to mining
(1) In this section, mining interest means—(a) any mining lease under the Mining Act 1992, or(b) any mining licence under the Offshore Minerals Act 1999, or(c) any lease under the Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991.(2) Subject to this section, the Mining Act 1992, the Offshore Minerals Act 1999, the Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991 and the Petroleum (Offshore) Act 1982 apply, at any time, to lands within a state conservation area to the extent to which those Acts are in force at that time.(3) A mining interest shall not be granted in respect of lands within a state conservation area without the concurrence in writing of the Minister.(4) A renewal of, or extension of the term of, a mining interest in respect of lands within a state conservation area (other than an existing interest referred to in section 47H) shall not be granted under the Mining Act 1992, the Offshore Minerals Act 1999 or the Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991 without the concurrence in writing of the Minister.(5) Except as provided in this section, nothing in this Division affects the right, title or interest of any person (other than a person who is or was trustee of the lands comprised in a state conservation area) in respect of minerals in any such lands.(6) A mineral claim must not be granted under the Mining Act 1992 over any lands within a state conservation area.(7) Where a provision of the Mining Act 1992 or the Offshore Minerals Act 1999 prevents, or has the effect of preventing, a person from exercising in lands within a state conservation area any of the rights conferred by either of those Acts or by an instrument under either of those Acts, except with the consent or an authorisation of the Minister for the time being administering the Mining Act 1992 or the Offshore Minerals Act 1999, as the case requires, that Minister shall not, in the case of any such lands, give consent or an authorisation under that provision without the approval of—(a) where the lands are not within an area that was an irrigation area as defined in the Crown Lands Act 1989 immediately before its repeal—the Minister, or(b) where the lands are within such an irrigation area—the Minister administering the Water Management Act 2000.(c) (Repealed)s 47J: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (8). Am 1992 No 29, Sch 5; 1994 No 41, Sch 3; 1996 No 137, Sch 2.8; 1998 No 5, Sch 2.2 [4]; 1999 No 42, Sch 3.12 [5]–[10]; 2000 No 92, Sch 8.18 [2] [3]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73]; 2007 No 27, Sch 1.29; 2008 No 19, Sch 2.7; 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [12].
47K Application of certain other provisions
The provisions of sections 42, 43 and 44 apply to and in respect of a state conservation area in the same way as they apply to and in respect of a national park or historic site.s 47K: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (8). Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73].
47L Revocation or compulsory acquisition of state conservation areas
(1) Despite anything in this or any other Act—(a) the reservation of land as, or as part of, a state conservation area is not to be revoked, or(b) land within a state conservation area is not to be appropriated or resumed, except by an Act of Parliament.(2) Nothing in subsection (1) prevents—(a) the compulsory acquisition under this Act of land within a state conservation area if the reservation of the land as, or as part of, the state conservation area is not affected by the compulsory acquisition, or(b) the withdrawal of land from, or the termination of, any lease, licence or occupancy in accordance with its terms and conditions, or(c) the revocation of the reservation of land as a state conservation area in accordance with section 47MA.s 47L: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (8). Subst 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [23]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [29] [73].
47M Review of classification as state conservation area
(1) The Minister is to review, every 5 years after the commencement of this section, the status of land within state conservation areas.(2) The review is to give reasons as to why each area of land within a state conservation area should or should not be reserved as a national park or nature reserve under section 47MA.(3) The results of the review are to be made available for public inspection free of charge, during ordinary office hours, at the head office of the Service and are to be published on the Internet by means of the website of the Service.(4) The review is to be undertaken in consultation with the Minister administering the Mining Act 1992.s 47M: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (8). Rep 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [24]. Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [30]. Am 2002 No 112, Sch 1.16 [5].
47MA Reservation of land in state conservation area as national park or nature reserve
(1) The Governor may, by notice published in the Gazette, revoke the reservation of any land as a state conservation area or part of a state conservation area and reserve the land as a national park or nature reserve or as part of a national park or nature reserve.(2) The Governor may take action under subsection (1) only with the concurrence in writing of the Minister administering the Mining Act 1992.(3) Land that is the subject of an authority, lease, licence or permit under the Mining Act 1992, the Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991, the Offshore Minerals Act 1999 or the Petroleum (Offshore) Act 1982 must not be reserved under this section as a national park or nature reserve, or as a part of a national park or nature reserve, during the term of that authority, lease, licence or permit (including any renewal).(4) A plan of management that applied to land immediately before its reservation as a national park or nature reserve (or as part of a national park or nature reserve) under subsection (1) continues to apply, to the extent to which it applied previously, to the land before that reservation, as a plan of management for the purposes of this Act.(5) A plan of management to which subsection (4) applies may be amended, altered, cancelled or substituted in accordance with Part 5.s 47MA: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [30]. Am 2007 No 27, Sch 1.29; 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [7].
47N Special provisions relating to certain state recreation areas
(1) This section applies to the following state recreation areas—Copeton,Lake Keepit,Burrendong,Lake Glenbawn,Wyangala,Grabine,Killalea,Burrinjuck (but only in respect of such part of the Burrinjuck state recreation area as is specified by the Secretary by notice published in the Gazette on or before the commencement of this section).(2) On the commencement of this section—(a) the reservation under this Act of land as a state recreation area to which this section applies is, by this section, revoked, and(b)–(d) (Repealed)(2A) Any land that was taken to be dedicated for the purposes of public recreation under Part 5 of the Crown Lands Act 1989 immediately before the day on which that Act was repealed by the Crown Land Management Act 2016 continues, on and from that day, to be Crown land dedicated for the same purposes under the Crown Land Management Act 2016.Note—Clause 11 of Schedule 7 to the Crown Land Management Act 2016 operated on the day the Crown Lands Act 1989 was repealed—(a) to abolish the reserve trust for the land, and(b) to replace it with a statutory land manager under that Act, and(c) to appoint the members of the trust board of the reserve trust as members of the board of the statutory land manager, and(d) to appoint the statutory land manager as the Crown land manager of the land.(3) This section has effect despite section 47L.(4) Schedule 9A (Transfer of assets, rights and liabilities) has effect.s 47N: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (8). Subst 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [25]. Am 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [13] [14].
Division 5 Regional parks
pt 4, div 5, hdg (previously Part 4, Div 1B, heading): Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [26]. Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [31].
pt 4, div 5 (previously Part 4, Div 1B): Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [26]. Renumbered 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [31].
pt 4, div 5 (as originally enacted): Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [42].
47O Reservation of regional parks
(1), (2) (Repealed)(3) On the publication of a notice under Division 1 reserving land as a regional park—(a) the land described in the notice becomes Crown land to the extent to which it was not Crown land immediately before that publication, and(b) if trustees of all or any of the land so described were holding office under any other Act in respect of the land immediately before that publication, those trustees cease to hold office in respect of that land, and(c) the care, control and management of the land so described vests—(i) in the Secretary, or(ii) if a regional park trust is established in respect of the land—in the regional park trust, or(iii) if a local council has, with the concurrence of the council, been nominated by the Minister in the notice—in the council.(4) To the extent to which a dedication, reservation (other than a reservation under Division 1 reserving land as a regional park) or vesting affects land described in a notice published under Division 1 reserving land as a regional park, the publication revokes the dedication, reservation or vesting, and the instruments of title (if any) are to be surrendered for cancellation or notation.(5) A notice under Division 1 reserving land as a regional park may be made in relation to one or more regional parks.(6) Schedule 9A (Transfer of assets, rights and liabilities) has effect.(7) A local council may not be nominated by the Minister under subsection (3) (c) (iii) in respect of a regional park if the regional park is wholly or partly within the area of another local council, except with the consent of the other council.(8) A local council nominated under subsection (3) (c) (iii) by the Minister—(a) has, subject to this Act, the care, control and management of the regional park concerned, and(b) has the powers and functions conferred or imposed on it by or under this Act, and(c) is, in the exercise of such powers and functions, subject to the control and direction of the Minister.s 47O: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [103]–[105].
47OA Care, control and management of regional parks reserved under Part 4A
(1) Despite section 47O, on the publication of a notice under Part 4A reserving lands as a regional park, the Secretary has the care, control and management of the regional park until such time as a board of management is established for the regional park.(2) On the establishment of a board of management for the regional park, the board of management has the care, control and management of the regional park.s 47OA: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [8]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [106].
47P Name of regional park and limitation on use of term “regional park”
(1) (Repealed)(2) The term regional park is not to be used either alone or in conjunction with other words as the name of any land used for the purpose of public recreation and enjoyment unless the land is within a regional park reserved under this Division.s 47P: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [107].
47Q (Repealed)
s 47Q: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [26]. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [108].
47R Tabling of notice of reservation, and disallowance
(1) A copy of a notice published under Division 1 reserving land as a regional park must be laid before each House of Parliament within 14 sitting days (whether or not they occur in the same session) after publication of the notice.(2) If either House of Parliament passes a resolution of which notice has been given within 15 sitting days after such a copy has been laid before it (whether or not those sitting days occur in the same session) and the resolution disallows the reservation effected by the notice of any land as a particular regional park—(a) the reservation ceases to have effect, and(b) the land ceases to be, or ceases to be part of, a regional park.(3) If any land ceases to be, or to be part of, a regional park by virtue of the disallowance of a reservation under Division 1—(a) the Secretary, or any regional park trust appointed as trustee of the land, or any local council nominated by the Minister under section 47O, ceases to have the care, control and management of the land, and(b) the land may be dealt with as if it had been acquired under Part 11.s 47R: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [109] [110].
47S Regional park trusts
(1) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, establish and name a regional park trust and appoint it as trustee of any one or more specified regional parks or any one or more parts of a regional park.(2) A regional park trust established under this section is constituted by this Act as a corporation having as its corporate name the name assigned to the trust in the notice of its establishment. The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, change the corporate name of a regional park trust.(3) A regional park trust—(a) has the care, control and management of any regional park (or part of a regional park) of which it is appointed trustee, and(b) has the powers and functions conferred or imposed on it by or under this or any other Act.(4) If the Secretary had the care, control and management of the regional park immediately before the establishment of the regional park trust, any thing done or entered into by the Secretary in connection with the regional park is taken to have been done or entered into by the regional park trust.(5) If a regional park trust is appointed as trustee of more than one regional park (or more than one part of a regional park), a reference in this Act to the regional park (or part of the park) in relation to the regional park trust includes a reference to any one or more of the regional parks (or any one or more of the parts of the regional park) of which the trust has been appointed as trustee.s 47S: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [26].
47T Regional park trust boards
(1) There is to be a trust board established in respect of each regional park trust.(2) A regional park trust board is to consist of—(a) at least 3, but no more than 7, members appointed by the Minister, and(b) the holder of any office, or the holders of any offices, that the Minister considers appropriate.(3) The affairs of a regional park trust are to be managed by the trust board.(4) A trust board is subject to the control and direction of the Secretary.(5) Schedule 10 has effect with respect to the members and procedure of a trust board.s 47T: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [26]. Am 1997 No 147, Sch 1.16 [2].
47U (Repealed)
s 47U: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [26]. Rep 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [8].
47V Reports
(1) A regional park trust must—(a) provide reports to the Secretary at such times, concerning such matters, and specifying such information, as may be required by the Secretary, and(b) keep such records as may be required by the Secretary.(2) A regional park trust must, at the request of the Secretary—(a) give the Secretary such information as the Secretary requires in relation to the operations of the trust, and(b) send to the Secretary such records kept by the regional park trust as the Secretary requires (including accounting records).(3) If a local council has the care, control and management of a regional park, the council must—(a) provide reports to the Minister at such times, concerning such matters, and specifying such information, as may be required by the Minister, and(b) keep such records as may be required by the Minister, and(c) at the Minister’s request, give the Minister such information as the Minister requires in relation to the care, control and management of the park by the council, and(d) at the Minister’s request, send to the Minister such records kept by the council in relation to the care, control and management of the park as the Minister requires.ss 47V–47Y: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [26].
47W Inspection and audit
(1) The Secretary may appoint a person to inquire into, or carry out an audit of, any of the affairs of a regional park trust.(2) If a local council has the care, control and management of a regional park, the Minister may appoint a person to inquire into, or carry out an audit of, any of the affairs of the council in relation to the park.(3) The appointed person may, for the purposes of the inquiry or audit—(a) inspect and take copies of or extracts from any records (including accounting records) of the trust or the local council in respect of the regional park, and(b) require any person concerned in the management of the regional park trust or the local council to give information and answer questions relating to the affairs of the regional park trust or the local council in respect of the regional park.(4) The power of the appointed person to inspect the records of a regional park trust or local council includes the power to inspect the records of a lessee or licensee which the trust or council has power to inspect under the lease or licence.(5) A person must not—(a) without lawful excuse, refuse or fail to allow the appointed person access to records to which the appointed person is entitled, or(b) without lawful excuse, refuse or fail to give information or answer questions, as required by the appointed person, or(c) wilfully obstruct or delay the appointed person in the exercise of a power under this section.Maximum penalty—5 penalty units.ss 47V–47Y: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [26].
47X Removal of trust board members or local council and appointment of administrator
(1) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette—(a) remove any or all of the members of a regional park trust board from office, or(b) remove all the members of a regional park trust board from office and appoint a person as the administrator of the regional park trust concerned.(2) If an administrator is appointed—(a) the affairs of the regional park trust are to be managed by the administrator, and(b) the administrator has and may exercise all the functions of the regional park trust.(3) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, appoint an administrator—(a) to have the care, control and management of a regional park instead of a local council as nominated by the Minister under section 47O (3) (c) (iii), and(b) to exercise any of the functions of the local council in respect of the regional park.(4) Subject to this Act, an administrator holds office for such period as may be specified in the administrator’s instrument of appointment.(5) The Minister may remove an administrator from office at any time.(6) An administrator is entitled to be paid such remuneration as the Minister may direct. The office of an administrator is not, for the purposes of any Act, an office or place of profit under the Crown.ss 47V–47Y: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [26].
47Y Dissolution of regional park trusts and revocation of nomination of local councils
(1) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, dissolve a regional park trust. A notice takes effect on the date of publication or such later date as is specified in the notice.(2) On such a notice taking effect, Schedule 9A (Transfer of assets, rights and liabilities) has effect.(3) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, revoke the nomination of a local council under section 47O (3) (c) (iii) and transfer the care, control and management of the regional park concerned to the Secretary. Any such notice takes effect on the date of publication or such later date as is specified in the notice.(4) On the date that a notice under subsection (3) takes effect, the care, control and management of the regional park concerned is vested in the Secretary and the following provisions have effect—(a) any act, matter or thing done or omitted to be done before that date by, to or in respect of the local council in relation to the park is (to the extent that that act, matter or thing has any force or effect) taken to have been done or omitted by, to or in respect of the Secretary, and(b) a reference in any instrument of any kind to the local council (in so far as it relates to the care, control and management of the park) is to be read as a reference to the Secretary.ss 47V–47Y: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [26].
47Z Restrictions on dealing with land within regional parks
(1) Despite anything in this or any other Act, land within a regional park is not to be dealt with except as provided under this Act.(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), land within a regional park is not to be dedicated, reserved or otherwise dealt with under Parts 2 and 3 of the Crown Land Management Act 2016.s 47Z: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [26]. Am 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [15].
47ZA Application of certain provisions to regional parks
The provisions of sections 39, 41, 42, 43 and 44 apply to and in respect of a regional park in the same way as they apply to and in respect of a national park or historic site.s 47ZA: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [26].
47ZB Revocation of regional park
(1) Despite anything in this or any other Act—(a) the reservation of land as (or as part of) a regional park is not to be revoked, andexcept by an Act of Parliament.(b) land within a regional park is not to be appropriated or resumed,(2) Nothing in subsection (1) prevents—(a) the compulsory acquisition under this Act of land within a regional park if the reservation of the land as, or as part of, the regional park is not affected by the compulsory acquisition, or(b) the withdrawal of land from, or the termination of, any lease, licence or occupancy in accordance with its terms and conditions.s 47ZB: Ins 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [26].
Division 6 Nature reserves
pt 4, div 6, hdg (previously Part 4, Div 2, heading): Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [32].
48 Care, control and management of nature reserves
(1) The Secretary has the care, control and management of all nature reserves except as provided by subsection (2).(2) On the establishment of a board of management for a nature reserve reserved under Part 4A, the care, control and management of the reserve is vested in the board of management.s 48: Subst 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [9]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [111].
49 Reservation of nature reserves
(1)–(3) (Repealed)(4) On the publication of a notice under Division 1 reserving land as a nature reserve—(a) the lands described in the notice become Crown lands to the extent to which they were not Crown lands immediately before that publication,(b) where a trustee of all or any part of the lands so described was holding office under any other Act immediately before that publication, the trustee shall cease to hold that office in respect of those lands or that part, as the case may be, and(c) the care, control and management of the lands so described shall vest in the Secretary for the purposes of this Act.(5) To the extent to which a dedication, reservation (other than a reservation of land as a nature reserve under Division 1), Crown grant or vesting affects lands described in a notice published under Division 1 reserving land as a nature reserve, the publication revokes the dedication, reservation, grant or vesting, and the instruments of title (if any) shall be surrendered for cancellation or notation, as the case may require.(6) A notice under Division 1 may be made in relation to one or more nature reserves.s 49: Am 1980 No 196, Sch 1; 1993 No 46, Sch 1; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [111]–[117]; 2002 No 112, Sch 1.16 [6].
50, 51 (Repealed)
s 50: Am 1994 No 38, Sch 8. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [118].
s 51: Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [119].
52 Revocation or compulsory acquisition of nature reserve
(1) Notwithstanding anything in any Act—(a) the dedication of lands as, or as part of, a nature reserve shall not be revoked, orexcept by an Act of Parliament.(b) lands within a nature reserve shall not be compulsorily acquired,(1A) Nothing in subsection (1) prevents the compulsory acquisition under this Act of lands within a nature reserve if the dedication of the lands as, or as part of, the nature reserve is not affected by the compulsory acquisition.(2) Nothing in subsection (1) prevents the withdrawal of land from or the termination of any lease, licence or occupancy in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof.s 52: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (15); 1994 No 45, Sch 1.
53 Restrictions on disposal of or dealing with lands within nature reserves
(1) Notwithstanding anything in the Crown Land Management Act 2016 or any other Act, no lands within a nature reserve shall be sold, leased or otherwise dealt with except as provided in this Act or in the Snowy Hydro Corporatisation Act 1997.(2) No permit to graze over any part of a travelling stock reserve or camping reserve under the control of Local Land Services, which reserve is situated within the external boundaries of a nature reserve, shall be granted except with the concurrence in writing of the Secretary.(3) A permit referred to in subsection (2) may be granted subject to such conditions as the Secretary determines.s 53: Am 1997 No 55, Sch 1.15 [2]; 1997 No 99, Sch 3.1 [1]; 2008 No 112, Sch 6.20 [2]; 2013 No 51, Sch 7.31 [2]; 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [16].
54 Mining
The provisions of section 41 apply to and in respect of a nature reserve in the same way as they apply to and in respect of a national park or historic site.s 54: Subst 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (16); 1990 No 71, Sch 1 (3).
55 Application of Forestry Act 2012
(1) The Forestry Act 2012 does not apply to or in respect of lands within a nature reserve.(2) Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1), all licences and permits under the Forestry Act 2012 affecting lands within a nature reserve shall, unless sooner cancelled under that Act, continue in force until the expiration of the respective terms for which they were granted, and that Act shall continue to apply to and in respect of those licences and permits until they respectively expire or are cancelled.s 55: Am 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [1].
56 Provisions respecting animals in nature reserves
(1) A person shall not—(a) harm any animal that is within a nature reserve,(b) use any animal, firearm, explosive, net, trap, hunting device or instrument or means whatever for the purpose of harming any animal that is within a nature reserve,(c) carry, discharge or have in the person’s possession any prohibited weapon in a nature reserve,(d) carry or have in the person’s possession any explosive, net, trap or hunting device in a nature reserve, or(e) be accompanied by a dog in a nature reserve.(2) A person who commits an offence arising under subsection (1) is liable to the penalty prescribed by section 175 for an offence against this Act or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both.(3) A person shall not be convicted of an offence arising under subsection (1) if the person proves that the act constituting the offence was done, or that the state of affairs constituting the offence existed—(a) under and in accordance with or by virtue of the authority conferred by an authorisation under section 171, or(b) in pursuance of a duty imposed on the person by or under any Act.(4) A person shall not be convicted of an offence arising under subsection (1) in respect of the carrying or having in the person’s possession of a net if the person proves that the net was carried or in the person’s possession for the purpose only of taking, or attempting to take, fish from any waters.(5) A person, being a lessee or occupier of any lands within a nature reserve, or a person authorised by such a lessee or occupier in that behalf, shall not be convicted of an offence arising under subsection (1) in respect of the harming of an animal that is within those lands (other than fauna or an animal of a threatened species).(6) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to exempting, subject to the prescribed conditions and restrictions (if any), any person or class or description of persons from the provisions of subsection (1).(7) Without limiting subsection (6), this section does not prevent—(a) an Aboriginal owner on whose behalf the lands of a nature reserve are held by one or more Aboriginal Land Councils in accordance with Part 4A, orfrom harming an animal within the reserve for domestic purposes or for ceremonial or cultural purposes (other than an animal of a threatened species or an animal protected by the plan of management for the reserve).(b) any other Aboriginal person who has the consent of the Aboriginal owner board members,s 56: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 6 (6); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [19]–[21]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [10]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [4]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [2]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [17]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[9].
57 Restrictions as to timber, vegetation, plants etc in nature reserves
(1) Subject to section 55 (2), a person shall not fell, cut, destroy, injure, pick, remove or set fire to any tree, timber, plant, flower or vegetation in a nature reserve.(2) A person shall not have in the person’s possession any native plant within a nature reserve.(3) A person who commits an offence arising under subsection (1) or (2) is liable to the penalty prescribed by section 175 for an offence against this Act or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both.(4) A person shall not be convicted of an offence arising under subsection (1) or (2) if the person proves that the act constituting the offence was done, or the state of affairs constituting the offence existed—(a) under and in accordance with or by virtue of the authority conferred by an authorisation under section 171, or(b) in pursuance of a duty imposed on the person by or under any Act.(5) A person, being a lessee or occupier of any lands within a nature reserve, or a person authorised by such a lessee or occupier in that behalf, shall not be convicted of an offence arising under subsection (1) or (2) in respect of the felling, cutting, destroying, injuring, picking, removing of, or setting fire to any tree, timber, plant, flower or vegetation, or the possession of a native plant (not being a plant of a threatened species), that is or was growing within those lands.(6) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to exempting, subject to the prescribed conditions and restrictions (if any), any person or class or description of persons from the provisions of subsection (1) or (2) or both.(7) Without limiting subsection (6), this section does not prevent—(a) an Aboriginal owner on whose behalf the lands of a nature reserve are held by one or more Aboriginal Land Councils in accordance with Part 4A, orfrom picking within the reserve any tree, timber, plant (including a native plant), flower or vegetation for food for domestic purposes or for ceremonial or cultural purposes (including a protected native plant but not including a plant of a threatened species or a plant protected by the plan of management for the reserve).(b) any other Aboriginal person who has the consent of the Aboriginal owner board members,s 57: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 6 (6); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [22]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [11]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [17]; 2011 No 62, Sch 1.11 [2]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[10].
58 Application of certain provisions to nature reserves
The provisions of sections 33 (5) and (6), 35, 39, 43, 44 and 46 apply to and in respect of a nature reserve in the same way as they apply to and in respect of a national park or historic site and so apply as if a reference in those provisions to—(a) a notice under Division 1 reserving land as a national park or historic site were a reference to a notice under Division 1 reserving land as a nature reserve, and(b) a reservation of land under Division 1 as a national park or historic site were a reference to a reservation of land under that Division as a nature reserve.s 58: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (17); 1992 No 34, Sch 1. Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [120].pt 4, div 2A: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (18). Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [33].
58A–58J (Repealed)
s 58A: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (18). Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [23] [24]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [12] [13]. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [33].
s 58B: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (18). Am 1994 No 38, Sch 8. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [33].
s 58C: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (18). Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [33].
s 58D: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (18). Am 1994 No 45, Sch 1. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [33].
s 58E: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (18). Am 1997 No 55, Sch 1.15 [2]; 1997 No 99, Sch 3.1 [1]. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [33].
s 58F: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (18). Subst 1990 No 71, Sch 1 (4). Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [33].
s 58G: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (18). Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [33].
s 58H: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (18). Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [25]–[27]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [14]. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [33].
s 58I: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (18). Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [28]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [15]. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [33].
s 58J: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (18). Am 1992 No 34, Sch 1. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [33].
Division 7 Karst conservation reserves
pt 4, div 7, hdg (previously Part 4, Div 2B, heading): Ins 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (5). Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [34].
pt 4, div 7 (previously Part 4, Div 2B): Ins 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (5). Renumbered 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [34].
58K Reservation of karst conservation reserves
(1)–(3) (Repealed)(4) On the publication of a notice under Division 1 reserving land as a karst conservation reserve—(a) the lands described in the notice become Crown lands to the extent to which they were not Crown lands immediately before that publication, and(b) if a trustee of all or any part of the lands so described was holding office under any other Act immediately before that publication, the trustee ceases to hold that office in respect of those lands or that part, as the case may be, and(c) the care, control and management of the lands so described vests in the Secretary for the purposes of this Act except as provided by subsection (4A).(4A) On the establishment of a board of management for a karst conservation reserve reserved under Part 4A, the care, control and management of the reserve is vested in the board of management.(5) A notice under Division 1 reserving land as a karst conservation reserve may, but need not be, restricted to lands that are wholly or predominantly subterranean lands.(6) To the extent to which a reservation (other than a reservation of land under Division 1 as a karst conservation reserve) or vesting affects land described in a notice published under Division 1 reserving land as a karst conservation area, the publication (unless the notice otherwise provides) revokes the reservation or vesting and the instruments of title (if any) must be surrendered for cancellation or notation, as the case requires.s 58K: Ins 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (5). Am 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [16] [17]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [111] [121]–[124].
58L (Repealed)
s 58L: Ins 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (5). Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [125].
58M Revocation or compulsory acquisition of karst conservation reserve
(1) Notwithstanding anything in any Act—(a) the reservation of lands as, or as part of, a karst conservation reserve shall not be revoked, orexcept by an Act of Parliament.(b) lands within a karst conservation reserve shall not be compulsorily acquired,(1A) Nothing in subsection (1) prevents the compulsory acquisition under this Act of lands within a karst conservation reserve if the reservation of the lands as, or as part of, the karst conservation reserve is not affected by the compulsory acquisition.(2) Nothing in subsection (1) prevents the withdrawal of land from or the termination of any lease, licence or occupancy in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof.s 58M: Ins 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (5). Am 1994 No 45, Sch 1; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [126].
58N Restriction on disposal of or dealing with lands within karst conservation reserves
Notwithstanding anything in the Crown Land Management Act 2016 or any other Act, no lands within a karst conservation reserve shall be sold, leased or otherwise dealt with except as provided in this Act or in the Snowy Hydro Corporatisation Act 1997.s 58N: Ins 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (5). Am 1997 No 99, Sch 3.1 [1]; 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [17].
58O Mining
The provisions of section 41 apply to and in respect of a karst conservation reserve in the same way as they apply to and in respect of a national park or historic site.s 58O: Ins 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (5).
58P Application of Forestry Act 2012
(1) The Forestry Act 2012 does not apply to or in respect of lands within a karst conservation reserve.(2) Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1), all licences and permits under the Forestry Act 2012 affecting lands within a karst conservation reserve shall, unless sooner cancelled under that Act, continue in force until the expiration of the respective terms for which they were granted, and that Act shall continue to apply to and in respect of those licences and permits until they respectively expire or are cancelled.s 58P: Ins 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (5). Am 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [1].
58Q Provisions respecting animals in karst conservation reserves
(1) A person shall not—(a) harm any animal that is within a karst conservation reserve, or(b) use any animal, firearm, explosive, net, trap, hunting device or instrument or means whatever for the purpose of harming any animal that is within a karst conservation reserve, or(c) carry, discharge or be in possession of any prohibited weapon in a karst conservation reserve, or(d) carry or be in possession of any explosive, net, trap or hunting device in a karst conservation reserve, or(e) be accompanied by a dog in a karst conservation reserve.(2) A person who commits an offence arising under subsection (1) is liable to the penalty prescribed by section 175 for an offence against this Act or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or both.(3) A person shall not be convicted of an offence arising under subsection (1) if the person proves that the act constituting the offence was done, or that the state of affairs constituting the offence existed—(a) under and in accordance with or by virtue of the authority conferred by an authorisation under section 171, or(b) in pursuance of a duty imposed by or under any Act.(4) A person shall not be convicted of an offence arising under subsection (1) in respect of the carrying or being in possession of a net if the person proves that the net was carried or was in the person’s possession for the purpose only of taking, or attempting to take, fish from any waters.(5) A person, being a lessee or occupier of any lands within a karst conservation reserve, or a person authorised by such a lessee or occupier in that behalf, shall not be convicted of an offence arising under subsection (1) in respect of the harming of an animal that is within those lands (other than fauna or an animal of a threatened species).(6) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to exempting, subject to the prescribed conditions and restrictions (if any), any person or class or description of persons from the provisions of subsection (1).(7) Without limiting subsection (6), this section does not prevent—(a) an Aboriginal owner on whose behalf the lands of a karst conservation reserve are held by one or more Aboriginal Land Councils in accordance with Part 4A, orfrom harming within the reserve an animal for domestic purposes or for ceremonial or cultural purposes (other than an animal of a threatened species or an animal protected by the plan of management for the reserve).(b) any other Aboriginal person who has the consent of the Aboriginal owner board members,s 58Q: Ins 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (5). Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [29]–[31]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [18]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [127]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [2]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [17]; 2011 No 62, Sch 1.11 [3]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[9].
58R Restrictions as to timber, vegetation, plants etc in karst conservation reserves
(1) Subject to section 58P (2), a person shall not fell, cut, destroy, injure, pick, remove or set fire to any tree, timber, plant, flower or vegetation in a karst conservation reserve.(2) A person shall not be in possession of any native plant within a karst conservation reserve.(3) A person who commits an offence arising under subsection (1) or (2) is liable to the penalty prescribed by section 175 for an offence against this Act or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or both.(4) A person shall not be convicted of an offence arising under subsection (1) or (2) if the person proves that the act constituting the offence was done, or that the state of affairs constituting the offence existed—(a) under and in accordance with or by virtue of the authority conferred by an authorisation under section 171, or(b) in pursuance of a duty imposed by or under any Act.(5) A person, being a lessee or occupier of any lands within a karst conservation reserve, or a person authorised by such a lessee or occupier in that behalf, shall not be convicted of an offence arising under subsection (1) or (2) in respect of the felling, cutting, destroying, injuring, picking or removing of or setting fire to any tree, timber, plant, flower or vegetation, or the possession of a native plant (not being a plant of a threatened species), that is or was growing within those lands.(6) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to exempting, subject to the prescribed conditions and restrictions (if any), any person or class or description of persons from the provisions of subsection (1) or (2), or both.(7) Without limiting subsection (6), this section does not prevent—(a) an Aboriginal owner on whose behalf the lands of a karst conservation reserve are held by one or more Aboriginal Land Councils in accordance with Part 4A, orfrom picking within the reserve any tree, timber, plant (including a native plant), flower or vegetation for food for domestic purposes or for ceremonial or cultural purposes (including a protected native plant but not including a plant of a threatened species or a plant protected by the plan of management for the reserve).(b) any other Aboriginal person who has the consent of the Aboriginal owner board members,s 58R: Ins 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (5). Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [32]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [19]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [17]; 2011 No 62, Sch 1.11 [2]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[10].
58S Application of certain provisions to karst conservation reserves
(1) The provisions of—(a) section 33 (5) and (6),(b) section 35,(c) section 39,(d) sections 43 and 44, andapply to and in respect of a karst conservation reserve in the same way as they apply to and in respect of a national park or historic site, and so apply as if a reference in those provisions to—(e) section 46,(f) a notice under Division 1 reserving land as a national park or historic site were a reference to a notice under that Division reserving land as a karst conservation reserve, and(g) a reservation under Division 1 of land as a national park or historic site were a reference to a reservation of land under that Division as a karst conservation reserve.(2) (Repealed)s 58S: Ins 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (5). Am 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [6]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [128]; 2005 No 64, Sch 1.22 [1]; 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [7].
Division 8
58T–58ZE (Repealed)
pt 4, div 8, hdg (previously Part 4, Div 2C, heading): Ins 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [7]. Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [35]. Rep 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [8].
pt 4, div 8 (previously Part 4, Div 2C): Ins 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [7]. Renumbered 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [35]. Rep 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [8].
s 58T: Ins 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [7]. Rep 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [8].
s 58U: Ins 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [7]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [111] [129] [130]; 2005 No 64, Sch 1.22 [2]. Rep 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [8].
s 58V: Ins 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [7]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [131]. Rep 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [8].
s 58W: Ins 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [7]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [132]–[135]; 2006 No 2, Sch 4.39 [2]. Rep 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [8].
s 58X: Ins 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [7]. Rep 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [8].
s 58Y: Ins 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [7]. Subst 2006 No 2, Sch 4.39 [3]. Rep 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [8].
ss 58Z–58ZE: Ins 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [7]. Rep 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [8].
Division 9 Wild rivers
pt 4, div 9, hdg (previously Part 4, Div 3, heading): Subst 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (6); 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [36].
59, 60 (Repealed)
s 59: Subst 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (7). Am 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (6). Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [37].
s 60: Am 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (8). Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [38].
61 Declaration of wild rivers
(1) Subject to section 61A, the Secretary may, by notification published in the Gazette, declare any river or part of a river (when within lands reserved under this Act) to be a wild river.(2) The Secretary may, by further notification published in the Gazette, vary or revoke any such declaration.(3) The Secretary may make a declaration under subsection (1)—(a) only with the concurrence of the Minister administering the Water Management Act 2000, if the declaration will have an impact on functions carried out under that Act, and(b) in respect of a river or part of a river in a state conservation area, only with the concurrence of the Minister administering the Mining Act 1992, if the declaration will have an impact on functions carried out under that Act.(4) The purpose of declaring a river or part of a river as a wild river is to identify, protect and conserve any water course or water course network, or any connected network of water bodies, or any part of those, of natural origin, exhibiting substantially natural flow (whether perennial, intermittent or episodic) and containing remaining examples, in a condition substantially undisturbed since European occupation of New South Wales, of—(a) the biological, hydrological and geomorphological processes associated with river flow, andso as to enable that river or part to be managed in accordance with subsection (5).(b) the biological, hydrological and geomorphological processes in those parts of the catchment with which the river is intrinsically linked,(5) A wild river is to be managed in accordance with the following principles—(a) the restoration (wherever possible) and maintenance of the natural biological, hydrological and geomorphological processes associated with wild rivers and their catchments, including natural flow variability,(b) the identification, conservation and appropriate management of Aboriginal objects and Aboriginal places.s 61: Subst 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (9). Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [39] [40].
61A Effect of declaration of wild river
(1) Where a plan of management is in force with respect to any river or part of a river within lands reserved under this Act, a declaration shall not be made under section 61 with respect to that river or part of that river except in accordance with the plan.(2) A statutory authority shall not carry out development in relation to a wild river unless it has consulted with, and considered any advice given by, the Minister in relation to the development.(3) In this section, and development have the same meanings as they have in Division 12.s 61A: Ins 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (9). Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74] [136]; 2004 No 91, Sch 1.20 [1].
Division 10 Aboriginal areas
pt 4, div 10, hdg (previously Part 4, Div 4, heading): Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [41].
62 Reservation of Aboriginal areas
(1)–(3) (Repealed)(4) Lands within an Aboriginal area shall be deemed to be reserved for the purpose of preserving, protecting and preventing damage to Aboriginal objects or Aboriginal places therein.s 62: Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [111] [137].
63 Care, control and management of Aboriginal areas
(1) The Secretary has the care, control and management of all Aboriginal areas except as provided by subsection (2).(2) On the establishment of a board of management for an Aboriginal area dedicated under Part 4A, the care, control and management of the area is vested in the board of management.s 63: Subst 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [20].
64 Mining
The provisions of sections 41 and 42 apply to and in respect of an Aboriginal area in the same way as they apply to and in respect of a national park or historic site.s 64: Subst 1990 No 71, Sch 1 (5).
65, 66 (Repealed)
s 65: Am 1978 No 138, sec 3 (b). Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [42].
s 66: Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [42].
Division 11 Wildlife refuges
pt 4, div 11, hdg (previously Part 4, Div 6, heading): Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (19). Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [43].
67 (Repealed)
s 67: Am 1978 No 138, sec 3 (c); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [33]. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [44].
68 Wildlife refuges
(1) Subject to this section, the Governor may, by proclamation published in the Gazette, declare any lands described in the proclamation to be a wildlife refuge.(2) Lands within a wildlife refuge shall be deemed to be dedicated for the purposes of—(a) preserving, conserving, propagating and studying wildlife,(b) conserving and studying natural environments, and(c) creating simulated natural environments.(3) A proclamation under subsection (1)—(a) shall not be made—(i) where the lands are unoccupied Crown lands—without the consent of the Minister administering the Crown Land Management Act 2016,(ii) where the lands are occupied Crown lands—without the consent of that Minister, the holder and the occupier,(iii) where the lands are not Crown lands and are not within a State forest—without the consent of the owner and the occupier, or(iv) where the lands are within a State forest—without the consent of the Forestry Corporation, and(b) may be revoked at any time, and may be varied or amended with the consent of, and shall be revoked at the request of, any person whose consent would, if the lands were, for the time being, not a wildlife refuge, be required for their declaration as such a refuge.(4) A person who is a holder or occupier of Crown lands shall be deemed, for the purposes of this section, to have given his or her consent, referred to in subsection (3), if, within thirty days of being given notice that his or her consent is sought, the person does not inform the Minister or Secretary that the person gives or withholds his or her consent.(5) A proclamation under this section may be made so as—(a) to relate to one or more wildlife refuges specified therein, and(b) to apply differently according to such factors as may be specified therein.(6) A revocation, variation or amendment referred to in subsection (3) (b) shall be effected by proclamation of the Governor published in the Gazette.(7) Where the consent of the Forestry Corporation is required under this section, the consent shall not be given without the approval of the Minister administering the Forestry Act 2012.(8) The Secretary shall forward a copy of a proclamation under this section to the Valuer-General as soon as practicable after the proclamation is published in the Gazette.s 68: Am 1978 No 138, sec 3 (d); 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [1] [5]; 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [18].
69 (Repealed)
s 69: Am 1978 No 138, sec 3 (e); 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (20); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [34]–[36]. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [45].
Division 12 Conservation agreements
pt 4, div 12, hdg (previously Part 4, Div 7, heading): Ins 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (5). Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [46].
pt 4, div 12 (previously Part 4, Div 7): Ins 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (5). Renumbered 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [46].
69A Definitions
(1) In this Division—development, in relation to a conservation area, means—(a) the erection of a building in that area,(b) the carrying out of a work in, on, over or under that area,(c) the use of that area or of a building or work in that area,(d) the subdivision of that area, and(e) the clearing of vegetation in that area.owner, in relation to land, includes a person who leases land under the Crown Land Management Act 2016.means any of the following—(a) a Public Service agency,(b) (Repealed)(c) a council, a county council or a joint organisation within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1993,(d) any other body constituted by or under an Act,(e) an authorised network operator under the Electricity Network Assets (Authorised Transactions) Act 2015.(2) A reference in this Division to the carrying out of development includes a reference to the erection of a building, the carrying out of a work, the use of land or of a building or work, the subdivision of land or the clearing of vegetation.(3) A reference in this section—(a) to the erection of a building includes a reference to the rebuilding of, the making of structural alterations to, or the enlargement or extension of a building or the placing or relocating of a building on land,(b) to the carrying out of a work includes a reference to the rebuilding of, the making of alterations to, or the enlargement or extension of, a work, and(c) to the subdivision of land is a reference to the subdivision of land as defined by section 4B of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.(4) If a conservation agreement is entered into under section 69B (1C) by a public authority that is not the owner of the conservation area concerned—(a) the agreement is taken to have been entered into on behalf of the owner of the conservation area, and(b) a reference in this Act to the owner of the conservation area (however expressed) includes, while a public authority has the control and management of the conservation area, a reference to the public authority that has that control and management.s 69A: Ins 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (5). Am 1995 No 11, Sch 1.84 [1]; 1996 No 139, Sch 2.23 (am 1997 No 55, Sch 2.18 [1]); 1997 No 152, Sch 4.24 [1]; 2001 No 10, Sch 3 [1]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [47]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [3]; 2009 No 56, Sch 2.39 [1]; 2015 No 5, Sch 8.19; 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [9]; 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [19]; 2017 No 65, Sch 2.19 [2].
69B Conservation agreements
(1) The Minister may enter into a conservation agreement relating to land with the owner of the land.(1A), (1B) (Repealed)(1C) The Minister may enter into a conservation agreement relating to land that is Crown lands or lands of the Crown with—(a) a public authority (not being a Public Service agency) that owns or has the control and management of the land, or(b) if the land is under the control and management of a Public Service agency—the Minister to whom the agency is responsible, or(c) if the land is under the control and management of the Forestry Corporation—the Forestry Corporation, or(d) if the land is under the management of a land manager (other than the Forestry Corporation) within the meaning of the Forestry Act 2012—the relevant land manager.(1D) The Minister must not enter into a conservation agreement relating to Crown-timber lands within the meaning of the Forestry Act 2012 except with the consent of the Minister administering that Act.(2) The Minister must not enter a conservation agreement for land leased under the Crown Land Management Act 2016 except with the consent of the Minister administering that Act.(3) The Minister shall not enter into a conservation agreement relating to land unless—(a) all the owners of the land are parties to the agreement or have consented in writing to the agreement,(b) where the land (not being land referred to in subsection (2)) is subject to a residential tenancy agreement or other lease, the tenant or the lessee has consented in writing to the conservation agreement, and(c) where the land is subject to a mortgage, charge or positive covenant, the mortgagee, chargee or person entitled to the benefit of the covenant has consented in writing to the agreement.(4) The Minister must not enter into a conservation agreement for land owned by a Local Aboriginal Land Council except with the consent of the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council.s 69B: Ins 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (5). Am 2001 No 10, Sch 3 [2]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [48]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [4] [5]; 2009 No 58, Sch 2.4; 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [1] [6]; 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [10] [11]; 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [20].
69C Purpose and content of agreements
(1) A conservation agreement may be entered into—(a) in relation to areas containing scenery, natural environments or natural phenomena worthy of preservation,(b) in relation to areas of special scientific interest,(c) in relation to areas that are the sites of buildings, objects, monuments or events of national significance,(d) in relation to areas in which Aboriginal objects, or Aboriginal places, of special significance are situated,(e) for the purpose of the study, preservation, protection, care or propagation of fauna or native plants or other flora,(e1) for the purpose of the study, preservation, protection or care of karst environments,(e2) for the purpose of the conservation of critical habitat or the conservation of threatened species, populations or ecological communities, or their habitats, or(e3) for the purpose of the protection, conservation or management of waters in or in connection with an area or purpose referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (e1) or (e2), or(f) for any purpose connected with an area or purpose elsewhere referred to in this subsection.(2) A conservation agreement may contain terms, binding on the owner from time to time of the conservation area—(a) restricting the use of the area,(b) requiring the owner to refrain from or not to permit specified activities in the area,(c) requiring the owner to carry out specified activities or do specified things,(d) requiring the owner to permit access to the area by specified persons,(e) requiring the owner to contribute towards costs incurred which relate to the area or the agreement,(f) specifying the manner in which any money provided to the owner under the agreement shall be applied by the owner,(g) requiring the owner to repay money paid to the owner under the agreement if a specified breach of the agreement occurs, or(h) providing for any other matter relating to the conservation or enhancement of the area, including the implementation of any plan of management for the area.(3) A conservation agreement may contain terms, binding on the Minister—(a) requiring the Minister to provide financial assistance,(b) requiring the Minister to provide technical advice,(c) requiring the Minister to provide other assistance,(d) requiring the Minister to carry out specified activities or do specified things, or(e) providing for any other matter relating to the conservation or enhancement of the conservation area, including the implementation of any plan of management for the area.s 69C: Ins 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (5). Am 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (7); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [37]–[39]; 2001 No 10, Sch 3 [3] [4]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [138]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [6] [7]; 2010 No 99, Sch 2 [1] [2].
69D Duration and variation of agreements
(1) A conservation agreement shall have effect from a day, or on the happening of an event, specified in the agreement.(2) An agreement may be varied by a subsequent agreement between all parties to the agreement.(3) An agreement shall have effect until it is terminated by consent of all parties to the agreement or in any such other manner or in such circumstances as may be set out in the agreement.(4) An agreement may be varied or terminated by the Minister, by order published in the Gazette, without the consent of the owner of the conservation area, if the Minister is of the opinion that the area is no longer needed for, or is no longer capable of being used to achieve, any purpose for which the agreement was entered into.(5) A copy of the order shall be laid before each House of Parliament within the prescribed time after publication of the order.(5A) The Minister is not to vary or terminate an agreement under subsection (4) unless—(a) written notice of the Minister’s intention to vary or terminate the agreement has been given to the owner of the conservation area stating that the owner may make submissions to the Minister within the period specified in the notice (being a period of not less than 28 days), and(b) the Minister has considered any submissions made by the owner of the conservation area, being submissions made within that specified period.(6) If an agreement is varied by the Minister under subsection (4), the owner of the conservation area may, by written notice given to the Minister, terminate the agreement.(7) The owner of a conservation area is not entitled to any compensation as a result of any variation or termination of an agreement by the Minister under subsection (4).s 69D: Ins 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (5). Am 2001 No 10, Sch 3 [5] [6]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [49].
69E Agreements to run with land
(1) A conservation agreement which has been registered by the Registrar-General and which is in force is binding on, and enforceable by and against, the successors in title to the owner who entered into the agreement and those successors in title shall be deemed to have notice of the agreement.(2) In this section—successors in title includes a mortgagee, chargee, covenant chargee or other person, in possession of a conservation area pursuant to a mortgage, charge, positive covenant or other encumbrance entered into before the registration of the conservation agreement.s 69E: Ins 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (5).
69F Registration of agreements
(1) On being notified by the Minister that a conservation agreement has been entered into, or that any such agreement has been varied or terminated, the Registrar-General must—(a) in the case of a conservation agreement relating to land under the Real Property Act 1900—make an entry concerning the agreement, variation or termination in any folio of the Register kept under that Act that relates to that land, or(b) in the case of a conservation agreement relating to land not under the Real Property Act 1900—(i) register the agreement, variation or termination in the General Register of Deeds kept under Division 1 of Part 23 of the Conveyancing Act 1919, and(ii) if appropriate, make an entry concerning the agreement, variation or termination in any official record relating to Crown land that relates to that land.(2) A conservation agreement relating to land under the Real Property Act 1900 about which an entry is made in a folio and which is in force is an interest recorded in the folio for the purposes of section 42 of that Act.s 69F: Ins 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (5). Am 2004 No 91, Sch 1.20 [2].
69G Enforcement of agreements
(1) Proceedings relating to the enforcement of conservation agreements shall be taken in the Land and Environment Court.(2) Damages shall not be awarded against the owner of a conservation area for breach of a conservation agreement unless the breach arose from an intentional or reckless act or omission by the owner or a previous owner of the land (being an act or omission of which the owner had notice).(3) In assessing damages for breach of a conservation agreement by an owner, the Court may have regard to—(a) any detriment to the public interest arising from the breach,(b) any financial or other benefit that the owner sought to gain by committing the breach, and(c) any other matter that it considers relevant.(4) Except as provided by subsection (2), nothing in this section limits the remedies of a party under a conservation agreement.s 69G: Ins 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (5).
69H Register of agreements
(1) The Secretary shall keep a register containing copies of conservation agreements as in force from time to time.(2) The register shall be open for public inspection during ordinary business hours, and copies of or extracts from the register shall be available, on payment of the fee fixed by the Secretary.s 69H: Ins 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (5).
69I Proposals by statutory authorities affecting conservation areas
(1) A statutory authority shall not carry out development in a conservation area unless—(a) it has given written notice of the proposed development to the Minister and the owner of the area, and(b) it has received written notice from the Minister consenting to the development.(2) The Minister may consent to the development only if the Minister is of the opinion that the proposed development will not adversely affect the area or the Minister is satisfied that—(a) there is no practicable alternative to the carrying out of the proposed development, or(b) the area is required for an essential public purpose or for a purpose of special significance to the State.(3) For the purpose of enabling a statutory authority to carry out development in a conservation area, the Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, vary or terminate a conservation agreement without the consent of the owner of the conservation area.(4) A copy of the order shall be laid before each House of Parliament within the prescribed time after publication of the order.(4A) The Minister is not to vary or terminate an agreement under subsection (3) unless—(a) written notice of the Minister’s intention to vary or terminate the agreement has been given to the owner of the conservation area stating that the owner may make submissions to the Minister within the period specified in the notice (being a period of not less than 28 days), and(b) the Minister has considered any submissions made by the owner of the conservation area, being submissions made within that specified period.(5) If an agreement is varied under this section, the owner of the conservation area may, by written notice given to the Minister, terminate the agreement.(6) The owner of a conservation area is not entitled to any compensation as a result of any variation or termination of an agreement by the Minister under this section.(7) In this section, does not include the Soil Conservation Service.(8) This section does not apply to any part of a conservation area that is a wilderness area within the meaning of the Wilderness Act 1987.s 69I: Ins 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (5). Am 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (10); 2001 No 10, Sch 3 [7]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [50]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [8].
69J Resolution of certain disputes
(1) If—(a) a statutory authority proposes to carry out development in a conservation area, anda party to the dispute may submit that dispute to the Premier for settlement.(b) in relation to the proposal, a dispute arises between the Minister and the Minister responsible for the authority or the Minister administering the Act by or under which the authority is constituted,(2) On the submission of a dispute to the Premier, the Premier may—(a) appoint a Commissioner of Inquiry to hold an inquiry and make a report to the Premier, or(b) hold an inquiry into the dispute.(3) After the completion of the inquiry, and after considering any report, the Premier may make such order with respect to the dispute, having regard to the public interest and to the circumstances of the case, as the Premier thinks fit.(4) An order made by the Premier may direct the payment of any costs or expenses of or incidental to the holding of the inquiry.(5) A Minister or statutory authority shall comply with an order given under this section and shall, despite the provisions of any Act, be empowered to comply with any such order.s 69J: Ins 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (5).
69K Exhibition of proposed agreements
(1) When a draft conservation agreement between the Minister and a statutory authority or another Minister, or which applies to Crown lands or lands of the Crown, has been prepared, the Minister must, before entering into the agreement—(a) give public notice, in a form and manner determined by the Secretary, of the places at which, the dates on which, and the times during which, the draft agreement may be inspected by the public, and(b) publicly exhibit the draft agreement at the places, on the dates and during the times set out in the notice, and(c) specify, in the notice, the period during which submissions concerning the draft agreement may be made to the Minister.(2) The Minister must cause a copy of the draft conservation agreement to be forwarded to the Council.(3) Any person may, during the period referred to in subsection (1) (c), make written submissions to the Minister about the draft agreement.(4) The Minister must, before entering into the agreement, consider any submissions made under subsection (3) or by the Council.(5) This section does not apply to land leased by a person (other than a statutory authority or a Minister) under the Crown Land Management Act 2016.(6) This section applies to a draft amendment to a conservation agreement in the same way as it applies to a draft conservation agreement.s 69K: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [51]. Am 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [21].
69KA Application of Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
(1) For the purposes of section 28 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979—(a) a conservation agreement is taken to be a regulatory instrument, and(b) the Minister is responsible for the administration of such a regulatory instrument.Note—Section 28 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 allows an environmental planning instrument to suspend the operation of a regulatory instrument for the purpose of enabling development to be carried out. Such a suspension cannot be given effect to without the concurrence in writing of the Minister responsible for the administration of the regulatory instrument.(2) In relation to any particular conservation agreement, a provision of an environmental planning instrument made under section 28 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and in force—(a) immediately before the commencement of this section, ordoes not affect the operation of the conservation agreement unless the provision is subsequently amended to expressly affect the operation of the conservation agreement.(b) immediately before the conservation agreement takes effect,s 69KA: Ins 2005 No 58, Sch 3.4 [2].
Division 13 Offences relating to wildlife refuges and conservation areas
pt 4, div 13, hdg (previously Part 4, Div 8, heading): Ins 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (6). Renumbered 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [52].
70 Fauna in wildlife refuges and other areas
(1) A person shall not—(a) harm any fauna, orbeing fauna within a wildlife refuge, conservation area, wilderness area or area subject to a wilderness protection agreement.(b) use any animal, firearm, explosive, net, trap, hunting device or instrument or means whatever for the purpose of harming any fauna,(2) A person shall not—(a) carry, discharge or have in the person’s possession any prohibited weapon,(b) carry or have in the person’s possession any explosive, net, trap or hunting device, orin a wildlife refuge, conservation area, wilderness area or area subject to a wilderness protection agreement.(c) be accompanied by a dog,(3) A person shall not be convicted of an offence arising under subsection (1) or (2) if the person proves that the act constituting the offence was done, or that the state of affairs constituting the offence existed—(a) under and in accordance with or by virtue of the authority conferred by an authorisation under section 171 or a licence under Part 6 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, or(b) in pursuance of a duty imposed on the person by or under any Act.(4) A person shall not be convicted of an offence arising under subsection (2) in respect of the carrying or having in the person’s possession of a net in a wildlife refuge, conservation area, wilderness area or area subject to a wilderness protection agreement if the person proves that the net was carried or in the person’s possession for the purpose only of taking, or attempting to take, fish from any waters.(5) (Repealed)(6) A person, being an owner, lessee or occupier of any lands within a wildlife refuge, conservation area, wilderness area or area subject to a wilderness protection agreement, or a person authorised by such an owner, lessee or occupier in that behalf, shall not be convicted of—(a) an offence arising under subsection (1) in respect of the harming of any fauna within those lands, being fauna that is not native to Australia and that is either—(i) not protected fauna, or(ii) locally unprotected fauna under section 96, or(b) an offence arising under subsection (2) in relation to those lands.(6AA) Subsections (5) and (6) do not apply to the harming for sporting or recreational purposes of game birds that are locally unprotected fauna.(6A) Subject to subsection (6B), a person shall not be convicted of an offence arising under this section if—(a) the offence occurred with respect to a conservation area or area subject to a wilderness protection agreement, and(b) the act or the state of affairs constituting the offence did not contravene the conservation agreement or wilderness protection agreement relating to the area.(6B) Subsection (6A) does not extend to the damaging of critical habitat or the harming of threatened species, populations or ecological communities.(7) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to exempting, subject to the prescribed conditions and restrictions (if any), any person or class or description of persons from the provisions of subsection (1) or (2) or both.s 70: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (21); 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (7); 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (11); 1995 No 60, Sch 1 [2]; 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [40]–[46]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [127] [139]–[141]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [5]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [2]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[11].
71 Native plants in wildlife refuges, conservation areas and certain wilderness areas
(1) A person shall not pick or have in the person’s possession any native plant within a wildlife refuge, conservation area, wilderness area or area subject to a wilderness protection agreement.(2) A person shall not be convicted of an offence arising under subsection (1) if the person proves that the act constituting the offence was done, or the state of affairs constituting the offence existed—(a) under and in accordance with or by virtue of the authority conferred by a licence issued under Division 3 of Part 9, a licence under Part 6 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or a licence issued under the Forestry Act 2012, or(b) in pursuance of a duty imposed on the person by or under any Act.(3) A person, being an owner, lessee or occupier of any lands within a wildlife refuge, conservation area, wilderness area or area subject to a wilderness protection agreement, or a person authorised by such an owner, lessee or occupier in that behalf, shall not be convicted of an offence arising under subsection (1) in respect of the picking or the possession of a native plant (not being a plant of a threatened species) that is or was growing within those lands.(3A) Subject to subsection (3B), a person shall not be convicted of an offence arising under this section if—(a) the offence occurred with respect to a conservation area or area subject to a wilderness protection agreement, and(b) the act or the state of affairs constituting the offence did not contravene the conservation agreement or wilderness protection agreement relating to the area.(3B) Subsection (3A) does not extend to the damaging of critical habitat or the harming of threatened species, populations or ecological communities.(4) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to exempting, subject to the prescribed conditions and restrictions (if any), any person or class or description of persons from the provisions of subsection (1).s 71: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (22); 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (8); 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (12); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [47]–[50]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [140]; 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [1].
Part 4A Aboriginal land
pt 4A: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
Division 1 Preliminary
pt 4A, div 1: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71B Definitions
In this Part—Aboriginal Land Council, Local Aboriginal Land Council and New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council have the same meanings as in the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983.Aboriginal negotiating panel means a panel appointed in accordance with section 71G or 71H of Division 2.Aboriginal owner board members—see section 5 (1).Aboriginal owners—see section 5 (1).ALR Act lands means lands to which section 36A of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 applies that are granted to one or more Aboriginal Land Councils under that Act.Note—Part 2 of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 makes provision as to land rights and the grant of claims to Crown lands. Section 36A, within that Part, makes provision for the grant of certain land claims, despite the fact that the lands involved are needed, or likely to be needed, for the essential public purpose of nature conservation, if the claimant Aboriginal Land Councils are prepared to lease the lands to the Minister administering this Act and are agreeable to the reservation or dedication of the lands under this Act and in accordance with the requirements of this Part.board of management—see section 5 (1).native title or native title rights and interests has the same meaning as it has in the Native Title Act 1993 of the Commonwealth.Registrar means the Registrar appointed under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983.Schedule 14 lands means lands reserved under this Act that are listed in Schedule 14.s 71B: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 118, Sch 2.9 [3] [4]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74].
71C Purpose of Part
(1) The purpose of this Part is to make provision as to the lease to the Minister, and the reservation, under this Act of Schedule 14 lands and ALR Act lands.(2) So far as Schedule 14 lands are concerned, this Part provides for the recognition of the cultural significance of those lands to Aboriginal persons and the revocation of their reservation under this Act to enable them—(a) to be vested, on behalf of the Aboriginal owners, in one or more Local Aboriginal Land Councils or the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council, and(b) to be leased by the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils to the Minister, and(c) to be then reserved under this Act in accordance with this Part.(3) So far as ALR Act lands are concerned, this Part provides for the lease of the lands by the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in which they are vested to the Minister and the reservation of the lands under this Act in accordance with this Part.(4) The taking of any action referred to in this section in relation to Schedule 14 lands or ALR Act lands is subject to any native title rights and interests existing in relation to the lands immediately before the taking of the action and does not extinguish or impair such rights and interests.s 71C: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74] [142]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [18].
71D Recognition of cultural significance of certain lands to Aboriginal persons
(1) Parliament recognises that certain lands reserved under this Act are of cultural significance to Aboriginal persons. Land is of cultural significance to Aboriginal persons if the land is significant in terms of the traditions, observances, customs, beliefs or history of Aboriginal persons.(2) The lands listed in Schedule 14 are identified as being of cultural significance to Aboriginal persons.s 71D: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [18].
Division 2 Negotiations for lease
pt 4A, div 2: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71E Application of Division
This Division applies to and in respect of Schedule 14 lands and ALR Act lands.s 71E: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71F Purpose of negotiations
(1) Negotiations under this Division are to be conducted for 2 purposes.(2) Firstly, so far as Schedule 14 lands are concerned, negotiations are to be conducted to determine whether one or more Local Aboriginal Land Councils or the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council wishes to have the present reservation of lands revoked so that the lands may be vested, subject to native title, in the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in return for—(a) a lease of the lands from the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils to the Minister, and(b) the reservation of the lands in accordance with this Part.(3) So far as lands that are the subject of a claim referred to in section 36A of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 are concerned, negotiations are to be conducted with the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils that have claimed the lands under that Act to determine whether the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils are agreeable, if the claim is granted, to the lease of the lands to the Minister and the reservation of the lands in accordance with this Part.(4) Secondly, if negotiations under subsection (2) or (3) result in an affirmative response, the negotiations are to continue with a view to settling the provisions of the proposed lease between the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils concerned and the Minister.s 71F: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [142].
71G Selection of representatives for negotiations before Aboriginal owners identified
(1) This section applies if, at the time negotiations under this Division commence, Aboriginal owners of the lands that are the subject of the negotiations have not been identified.(2) The Minister administering the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 may, for the purposes of the conduct of negotiations under this Division in circumstances referred to in subsection (1), appoint a negotiating panel from Aboriginal persons to represent Aboriginal persons who, in the Minister’s opinion, have a cultural association with the lands concerned.(3) The Minister may, for the purposes of making appointments to the panel, consult with any other person or body (including any group formed by Aboriginal persons) that may, in the Minister’s opinion, assist the Minister to ensure that the panel is appropriately constituted.s 71G: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [18].
71H Selection of representatives for negotiations after Aboriginal owners identified
(1) This section applies if, at the time negotiations under this Division commence, the Minister administering the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 is, after consulting the Registrar, satisfied a sufficient number of Aboriginal owners of the lands concerned has been identified to enable that Minister to select a negotiating panel from their number that will adequately represent the wishes of Aboriginal persons who have a cultural association with the lands.(2) The Minister administering the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 may, for the purposes of the conduct of negotiations under this Division in circumstances referred to in subsection (1), and after consulting the Aboriginal owners of the lands concerned or any group representing them concerning nominees to the negotiating panel, appoint a negotiating panel from the Aboriginal owners to represent Aboriginal persons who have a cultural association with the lands concerned.(3) The Minister may, for the purposes of making appointments to the panel, consult with any other person or body (including any group formed by Aboriginal persons) that, in the Minister’s opinion, may assist the Minister to ensure that the panel is appropriately constituted.s 71H: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 1997 No 147, Sch 2.18 [1]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [18].
71I Role of Aboriginal negotiating panel
The role of an Aboriginal negotiating panel is—(a) to participate in negotiations with the Minister and one or more Aboriginal Land Councils for the purposes of this Division, and(b) to provide the Minister with advice as to the cultural significance to Aboriginal persons of any ALR Act lands that are the subject of negotiations under this Part, and(c) to recommend a name for any lands to be reserved pursuant to this Part as a result of the negotiations.s 71I: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [18].
71J Minister may negotiate with Aboriginal negotiating panel and Aboriginal Land Councils
(1) The Minister may enter into negotiations for the purposes of this Division with an Aboriginal negotiating panel appointed in accordance with this Division and—(a) one or more Local Aboriginal Land Councils whose members have a cultural association with Schedule 14 lands, or(b) the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council on behalf of one or more Local Aboriginal Land Councils referred to in paragraph (a), or(c) the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council on its own behalf, or(d) one or more Aboriginal Land Councils that have made a claim for lands to which section 36A of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 applies.(2) The Minister may enter into negotiations with one Local Aboriginal Land Council whose members have a cultural association with Schedule 14 lands with which members of one or more other Local Aboriginal Land Councils also have a cultural association only if—(a) the members of each of those Councils, andconsent to the Minister negotiating with that Local Aboriginal Land Council.(b) the Aboriginal negotiating panel,s 71J: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71K Referral of disagreements between Aboriginal negotiating panel and Aboriginal Land Councils to mediation
(1) Any disagreement between an Aboriginal negotiating panel and an Aboriginal Land Council or Councils concerning negotiations under this Division that cannot be resolved otherwise is to be referred to a mediator selected by, and acceptable to, the Aboriginal negotiating panel and the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils for resolution.(2) The Minister may decline to proceed with the negotiations until the disagreement has been resolved.(3) The Aboriginal negotiating panel and the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils concerned are to be jointly responsible for payment of the costs of the mediation.(4) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the mediation of disagreements under this section including the exoneration of mediators from liability.s 71K: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71L Preference to vesting in Local Aboriginal Land Council—Schedule 14 lands
If both a Local Aboriginal Land Council or Councils and the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council on its own behalf indicate that they wish Schedule 14 lands to be vested in them, the Minister is to give preference with respect to the vesting—(a) if the Minister is satisfied, after consulting the Registrar, that sufficient Aboriginal owners of the lands have been identified to adequately represent the wishes of Aboriginal persons who have a cultural association with the lands—to the wishes of the Aboriginal owners, or(b) if Aboriginal owners of the lands have not been so identified—to the wishes of the Local Aboriginal Land Council or Councils.s 71L: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [18].
Division 3 Vesting and reservation of Schedule 14 lands
pt 4A, div 3, hdg: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [143].
pt 4A, div 3: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71M Application of Division
This Division applies to and in respect of Schedule 14 lands only unless this Act otherwise expressly provides.Note—See Division 4 as to the application of sections 71R, 71S and 71U to ALR Act lands and Division 8 as to the application of sections 71R and 71S to lands added to national parks or other areas reserved or dedicated under this Part.s 71M: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2015 No 15, Sch 2.38 [1].
71N Tabling of proposal if change of land classification involved
(1) This section applies if, as a result of negotiations concerning Schedule 14 lands, it is proposed that the classification of the lands concerned under this Act, as listed in Schedule 14, be changed to another classification (such as, for example, from a nature reserve to a national park) when the lands are vested in an Aboriginal Land Council or Councils under this Part.(2) The Minister is to cause a notification of such a proposal to be laid before each House of Parliament as soon as practicable after the parties to the negotiations decide that the classification of the lands should be changed.(3) If a House of Parliament passes a resolution of which notice has been given within 15 sitting days of that House after a notification has been laid before it (whether or not those sitting days occur during the same session) and the resolution disallows the notification, no further action is to be taken in the matter.(4) Nothing in this section prevents the Minister, at some later time, causing to be laid before each House of Parliament in accordance with this Division a notification that has previously been tabled, either with or without amendments.s 71N: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71O Vesting and reservation of Schedule 14 lands
(1) This section applies if—(a) no change in the classification of the Schedule 14 lands to which negotiations relate is proposed, or(b) no resolution disallowing a notification concerning a change in the classification of the Schedule 14 lands is or can be passed.(2) On completion of negotiations concerning the Schedule 14 lands and preparation of a draft lease in respect of those lands that is acceptable to, and has been executed in escrow by, the Minister and the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils concerned, the Governor may, by proclamation published in the Gazette—(a) revoke the existing reservation under this Act of the lands that are the subject of the proposed lease, and(b) vest those lands in the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils that are to lease the lands to the Minister (and, if more than one, as tenants in common), subject to the following—(i) any native title rights and interests that exist in relation to the lands concerned,(ii) any existing interest within the meaning of section 39,(iii) any licence issued under Part 9,(iv) any lease, licence, franchise or easement granted under Part 12,(v) any authority or consent issued under this Act or the regulations, and(c) reserve or dedicate those lands, with the appropriate classification, under this Act, subject to any matter referred to in paragraph (b) (i)–(v).s 71O: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [144]; 2013 No 66, Sch 2.2 [1].
71P Effect of publication of proclamation
(1) On publication of the proclamation, the existing reservation under this Act of the lands described in the proclamation is revoked. This subsection has effect despite anything else in this Act.(2) On publication of the proclamation, the lands described in the proclamation vest, by virtue of the proclamation and the operation of this section, in the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils (and, if more than one, as tenants in common) named as lessor or lessors in the lease for an estate in fee simple without the necessity for any further assurance, but subject to the following—(a) any native title rights and interests that exist in relation to the lands concerned,(b) any existing interest within the meaning of section 39,(c) any licence issued under Part 9,(d) any lease, licence, franchise or easement granted under Part 12,(e) any authority or consent issued under this Act or the regulations.(3) On publication of the proclamation, the lease takes effect and is taken to have been executed on, and its term commences to run from, the date of publication of the proclamation.(4) On publication of the proclamation, the lands described in the proclamation are, despite the fact that the lands are vested in the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils, reserved, with the appropriate classification, under this Act in accordance with this Part, subject to any matter referred to in subsection (2) (a)–(e).s 71P: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74] [142]; 2013 No 66, Sch 2.2 [2].
71Q Certain other consequences of publication of proclamation
On publication of the proclamation—(a) the Secretary continues, until the establishment of a board of management for the lands, to have the care, control and management of the lands and may exercise on and with respect to those lands any power, authority, duty or function conferred or imposed on the Secretary by or under this or any other Act, and(b) officers of the Service may (subject to any plan of management in force with respect to the lands and to any directions given and supervision and oversight exercised by the board of management for the lands) exercise on and with respect to those lands any power, authority, duty or function conferred or imposed on any one or more of them by or under this or any other Act, and(c) any regulations that, immediately before that publication, applied to the lands continue to apply to the lands and may be amended and repealed accordingly, and(d) any plan of management that, immediately before that publication, applied to the lands continues, subject to this Act, to apply to the lands and may be amended, altered or cancelled accordingly, and(e) any existing interest (within the meaning of section 39), any licence issued under Part 9, any lease, licence, franchise or easement granted under Part 12 and any authority or consent issued under this Act or the regulations that affect the lands, or any part of the lands, and that are current at the date of the proclamation continue to have effect and may be terminated or otherwise dealt with in accordance with this Act or the instrument under which they were granted, and(f) any fee, rent or other sum that is payable under or with respect to any matter referred to in paragraph (e) is, despite any other requirement to the contrary, to be paid as required by section 138, and(g) any declaration made under Division 3 of Part 4 or under the Wilderness Act 1987 with respect to the lands, or any part of the lands, continues in force and may be varied or revoked accordingly.s 71Q: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [12].
71R Certain provisions not to apply to lands reserved under this Division
(1) The provisions of Division 2 of Part 3, Division 1 of Part 4 and sections 33, 35, 46, 47B–47D, 49, 58, 58K (4)–(6), 58S and 62 do not apply to or in respect of lands reserved under this Division.(2) Sections 47GA–47GG, 47O and 47R–47Y do not apply to or in respect of a state conservation area or a regional park reserved under this Part.(3) Subsection (1) does not limit section 71Q.s 71R: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 1996 No 142, Sch 4 [1]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74]. Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [145].
71S Application of certain provisions to lands reserved under this Division
The following provisions apply to and in respect of lands reserved under this Division in the same way as they apply to and in respect of lands reserved under Part 4—Sections 37–44, 47G, 47H, 47I, 47J, 47K, 47L, 47P (2), 47Z, 47ZA, 47ZB, 52–55, 58M, 58N, 58O, 58P and 64.s 71S: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 1996 No 142, Sch 4 [2]. Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [145]. Am 2005 No 64, Sch 1.22 [3].
71T (Repealed)
s 71T: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [145].
71U Name of Schedule 14 lands
(1) The proclamation laid before Parliament under this Division must assign a name to the Schedule 14 lands (or the part or parts of Schedule 14 lands) proposed to be reserved under this Division.(2) The name so assigned must be the name recommended by the Aboriginal negotiating panel involved in the negotiations for the vesting and leasing of the lands, and may be the same name as, or a different name from, that listed in Schedule 14.(3) The Governor may, on the recommendation of the Aboriginal owner board members for lands reserved under this Division, by proclamation published on the NSW legislation website—(a) alter the name of the lands, and(b) amend Schedule 14 by omitting the former name, and by inserting instead the new name, of the lands.(4) If a part or parts only of Schedule 14 lands are reserved under this Division, the Governor may, by proclamation published on the NSW legislation website, assign a new name for the part or parts of the Schedule 14 lands that are not reserved under this Division.(5) Section 12 (1) of the Geographical Names Act 1966 does not apply to a name assigned under this Division (or that name as altered or amended). The name so assigned, or the name as so altered or amended, is, for the purposes of the Geographical Names Act 1966, the geographical name of the place to which it relates.(6) If, before the reservation under this Division of Schedule 14 lands, the name of the lands is altered pursuant to the publication of a proclamation under Part 4 of this Act, that proclamation or another proclamation published on the NSW legislation website may amend Schedule 14 by omitting the former name, and by inserting instead the new name, of the lands.s 71U: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74] [142]; 2009 No 56, Sch 4.45.
71V No consideration payable by Aboriginal Land Council on vesting of lands
(1) No consideration is payable to the Crown by an Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in relation to the vesting in the Council or Councils of lands pursuant to the publication of a proclamation under this Division.(2) No stamp duty under the Stamp Duties Act 1920 is payable by an Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in relation to any such vesting.s 71V: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71W Reservation of part only of Schedule 14 lands
(1) Nothing in this Part prevents the negotiation of a lease and the reservation under this Part of a part or parts only of Schedule 14 lands.(2) In that event—(a) on the establishment of a board of management for the part or parts of the Schedule 14 lands that are the subject of the lease, the care, control and management of that part or those parts only of the Schedule 14 lands vest in the board of management, and(b) the provisions of this Act relating to the harming of animals and the picking of timber, vegetation, plants and similar things by Aboriginal persons apply to and in respect of the part or parts only of the Schedule 14 lands that are the subject of the lease, and(c) the provisions of this Part relating to Schedule 14 lands that are leased and reserved under this Part apply to and in respect of the part or parts only of the Schedule 14 lands that are the subject of the lease.Note—See sections 31, 47BA, 47OA, 48, 58 (4A), 58K (4A) and 63 as to the vesting of reserved lands on the establishment of a board of management under this Part and sections 45 (6), 56 (7), 57 (7), 58H (7), 58I (7), 58Q (7) and 58R (7) as to the harming of animals and the picking of timber, vegetation, plants and similar things by Aboriginal persons.s 71W: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74] [142]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [18].
Division 4 Reservation or dedication of ALR Act lands
pt 4A, div 4: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71X Application of Division
(1) This Division applies to and in respect of lands to which section 36A of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 applies and to ALR Act lands only.(2) This Division applies to lands only if—(a) the Minister is satisfied that the lands proposed to be reserved under this Act are of sufficient natural conservation value to justify such reservation, and(b) negotiations under Division 2 concerning the preparation of a draft lease in respect of the lands have been concluded and a lease, prepared as the result of the negotiations, has been executed in escrow by the Minister and the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils concerned.Note—Section 36A of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 applies to certain Crown lands having nature conservation value that are the subject of a claim under that Act.s 71X: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74] [142].
71Y Reservation of ALR Act lands
The Governor may, on the grant under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 of ALR Act lands that are referred to in section 71X (2), by notice published in the Gazette, reserve the lands under this Act and in accordance with this Part as a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area.s 71Y: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [146].
71Z Effect of publication of notice
(1) On publication of the notice, the lease of the lands takes effect and is taken to have been executed on, and its term commences to run from, the date of publication of the notice.(2) On publication of the notice, the lands described in the notice are, despite the fact that the lands are vested in the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils, reserved under this Act according to the tenor of the notice.(3) The leasing and vesting of ALR Act lands under this section is subject to the following—(a) any native title rights and interests that exist in relation to the lands concerned,(b) any existing interest within the meaning of section 39.s 71Z: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74] [80].
71AA Certain other consequences of publication of proclamation
On publication of a proclamation under this Division—(a) the Secretary has, until the establishment of a board of management for the lands, the care, control and management of the lands and may exercise on and with respect to those lands any power, authority, duty or function conferred or imposed on the Secretary by or under this or any other Act, and(b) officers of the Service may (subject to any plan of management in force with respect to the lands and to any directions given and supervision and oversight exercised by the board of management for the lands) exercise on and with respect to those lands any power, authority, duty or function conferred or imposed on any one or more of them by or under this or any other Act.s 71AA: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [12].
71AB Applications of certain provisions to ALR Act lands
(1) Sections 71R and 71S apply to and in respect of ALR Act lands in the same way that they apply to and in respect of Schedule 14 lands.(2) Section 71U (1)–(4) applies to and in respect of ALR Act lands in the same way that it applies to and in respect of Schedule 14 lands except that—(a) references in those subsections to a proclamation under Division 3 are to be read as references to a proclamation under this Division, and(b) references in those subsections to Schedule 14 lands are to be read as references to ALR Act lands.s 71AB: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2015 No 15, Sch 2.38 [2].
Division 5 Provisions as to leases
pt 4A, div 5: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71AC Application of Division
This Division applies to and in respect of Schedule 14 lands and ALR Act lands.s 71AC: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71AD Matters to be covered in lease between Aboriginal Land Council and Minister
(1) A lease of lands under this Part must make provision for the following—(a) the leasing of the whole of the lands vested in the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils to the Minister, subject to native title,(b) a term of at least 30 years,(c) the renewal of the lease for a further term of at least 30 years, with no limitation on the number of times the lease may be so renewed, provided that each party consents to the renewal,(d) the manner in which the lease is to be renewed,(e) the replacement of the lease, in accordance with this Part, with a new lease,(f) an acknowledgement that the care, control and management of the lands is to be vested in a board of management established under this Part,(g) an acknowledgement that the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in which the lands are vested hold the lands on behalf of the Aboriginal owners of the lands,(h) an acknowledgement that officers of the Service are (subject to any plan of management in force with respect to the lands and to any directions given and supervision and oversight exercised by the board of management for the lands) entitled to exercise on and with respect to the lands any power, authority, duty or function conferred or imposed on any one or more of them by or under this or any other Act,(i) an acknowledgement that the Aboriginal owners of the lands, and any other Aboriginal persons who have the consent of the Aboriginal owner board members, are entitled (subject to this and any other Act applying to the lands and any plan of management in force with respect to the lands) to enter and use the lands for hunting or fishing for, or the gathering of, traditional foods for domestic purposes and for ceremonial and cultural purposes to the extent that that entry or use is in accordance with the tradition of the Aboriginal owners,(j) an acknowledgement that the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in which the lands are vested and their employees, contractors and agents must comply with the provisions of this and any other Act applying to the lands, the regulations and any plan of management in force with respect to the lands, including provisions concerning the protection of animals, trees, timber, plants, flowers and vegetation,(k) an acknowledgement that the lease is subject to any existing interest within the meaning of section 39, any licence issued under Part 9, any lease, licence, franchise or easement granted under Part 12 and any authority or consent issued under this Act or the regulations affecting the lands, or any part of the lands, that is current on the date on which the lands are vested in the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils,(l) the grant, extension or extinguishment of any interest, licence, lease, franchise, easement, authority or consent of a kind referred to in paragraph (k) subject to the requirements of this Act and, in the case of an extension or extinguishment, to any instrument under which the interest, licence, lease, franchise, easement, authority or consent was granted,(m) an acknowledgement that the public generally has (subject to any plan of management in force with respect to the lands) a right of access to the lands in accordance with this Act and the regulations,(n) a term acknowledging that the lands, or any part of the lands, may not be the subject of any sale, exchange, disposal or mortgage and providing that, to the extent to which the lands may otherwise be dealt with, any such dealing must be only with the prior written consent of the Minister.(2) A lease under this Part must also make provision for the following—(a) a requirement that the Minister consult with the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in which the lands are vested before the making, amending or repealing of any regulations in respect of the lands,(b) a requirement that consultations concerning the operation of the lease are to involve the Secretary and the board of management for the lands,(c) the compliance by the parties to the lease with any requirements that arise because the lands are, or a part of the lands is, situated in an area listed as an item of cultural heritage or natural heritage of outstanding universal value in accordance with—(i) the World Heritage Properties Conservation Act 1983 of the Commonwealth, and(ii) the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage adopted by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, being the convention a copy of the English text of which is set out in the Schedule to the Commonwealth Act referred to in subparagraph (i).(3) As a condition of a lease under this Part, the Minister must undertake to use the Minister’s best endeavours to implement the Aboriginal Employment and Training Plan 1991–1996 published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in October 1991 or any plan replacing that Plan and, in particular, any timetable set out in such a plan. The Minister must report to Parliament from time to time on progress achieved in implementing any such plan.(4) The lease may make provision for such other matters, not inconsistent with this Act or the regulations, as the Minister and the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils consider appropriate.s 71AD: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [18]; 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [12].
71AE Rent payable under lease
(1) The Minister is to pay rent under any lease entered into with an Aboriginal Land Council or Councils under this Part.(2) All rent payable by virtue of this section is payable out of the Consolidated Fund, which, to the necessary extent, is appropriated accordingly.(3) The rent is to be an amount, negotiated by the parties or otherwise fixed in accordance with this section, that compensates the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils for the fact that it or they do not have the full use and enjoyment of the lands the subject of the lease.(4) In negotiating the rent, the parties are to have regard to the following matters—(a) the nature, size and location of the lands concerned and the nature of the infrastructure and improvements, if any, on the lands,(b) the nature of the ownership rights in the lands that the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils possess,(c) the provisions of this Act and the lease relating to the lands,(d) the extent to which the cultural significance of the lands to Aboriginal persons restricts the use that may be made of the lands under the lease,(e) the arrangements contained in this Act and the lease for the care, control, management and development of the lands,(f) the amount of rent payable under leases of lands adjoining or in the vicinity of the lands the subject of the lease,(g) the amounts realised on recent sales of freehold or leasehold land adjoining or in the vicinity of the lands the subject of the lease.(5) If the parties are unable to agree on the rent to be paid, the matter is to be referred to a mediator, experienced in valuation matters, selected by, and acceptable to, the Minister and the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils.(6) The regulations may make provision for and with respect to the mediation of a matter under this section including the remuneration of mediators and the exoneration of mediators from liability.(7) If the mediator is unable to resolve the matter within a reasonable period, the Minister may request the Valuer-General to fix the rent to be paid.(8) The Valuer-General, in fixing the rent, is to have regard to the matters referred to in subsection (4) and any other matters that the Valuer-General notifies to the parties and considers to be relevant. The decision of the Valuer-General as to the rent is final.(9) The rent is payable by the Minister, on annual rests, to the credit of the separate account in the Fund referred to in section 138 (1B) for payment out in accordance with section 139 (5).s 71AE: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71AF Dating of lease
On publication of a proclamation under Division 3 or 4, the Minister must cause the date of publication of the proclamation to be inserted in the lease as—(a) the date of execution of the lease, and(b) the date of the commencement of the term of the lease.s 71AF: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71AG Registrar-General to enter particulars of vesting and lease in register
(1) On publication of a proclamation under Division 3 or 4, the lease, completed with the date of execution and commencement of the term, must be lodged at the Land Titles Office.(2) On lodgment of the lease, the Registrar-General must enter in the appropriate register particulars of—(a) in the case of Schedule 14 land—the vesting of the lands in the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils concerned, and(b) in the case of Schedule 14 lands and ALR Act lands—of the lease of those lands to the Minister.(3) (Repealed)s 71AG: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2021 No 10, Sch 3.18[1]–[3].
71AH Regular review of lease required
(1) At least once every 5 years during the term of a lease under this Part—(a) the Secretary, on behalf of the Minister, and(b) the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in which the lands are vested, andmust consider whether or not any one or more of the provisions of the lease (including provisions relating to rent and the term of the lease) require amendment.(c) the Aboriginal owner board members for the lands concerned,(2) The review must include a consideration of the adequacy of the then existing arrangements for management of the lands concerned and whether a recommendation should be made for amendments to this Act to meet specific requirements relating to the management of those lands.(3) If a party to the lease or the Aboriginal owner board members fail to agree to an amendment proposed by another party, the disagreement is to be arbitrated in accordance with this Part.(4) A lease may be amended by agreement of the parties and the Aboriginal owner board members as a result of the consultations despite any other provision of this or any other Act or law or of the lease.s 71AH: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71AI Re-negotiation of lease before expiry of lease term
(1) At least 5 years before the expiry of each term of a lease under this Part—(a) the Secretary, on behalf of the Minister, and(b) the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in which the lands are vested, andmust consider whether or not any one or more of the provisions of the lease should be amended to enable the lease to operate more effectively.(c) the Aboriginal owner board members for the lands concerned,(2) If it is agreed that a provision does require amendment, the Secretary, the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils and the Aboriginal owner board members must negotiate on and prepare the required amendment at least 2 years before the expiry of the then current term of the lease.(3) Any amendment prepared in accordance with subsection (2) and agreed to by the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils must be presented to the Minister for approval at least 18 months before the expiry of the then current term of the lease.(4) If an amendment is approved by the Minister, a new lease must be prepared incorporating the amended provision.(5) At least 6 months before the expiry of the then current term of the lease, the new lease should, if at all possible, be executed in escrow by the Minister and the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in which the lands are vested.(6) A lease executed under subsection (5) takes effect, in substitution for the previous lease between the Minister and the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils, on the expiration of the term of the previous lease.(7) If the Secretary and the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils agree that no provisions of the lease require amendment, the lease between the parties operates for a further term of 30 years, commencing on the expiration of the current term of the lease, in accordance with its provisions and the requirements of this Part.(8) The times specified by this section for the consideration of the provisions of the lease, the negotiation and preparation of amendments, the presentation of the amendments to the Minister and the execution of the lease may be varied by the agreement of the parties.s 71AI: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71AJ Dating and registration of re-negotiated lease
(1) The Minister must cause the date on which a re-negotiated lease takes effect under this Division to be inserted in the lease as—(a) the date of execution of the lease, and(b) the date of the commencement of the term of the lease.(2), (3) (Repealed)s 71AJ: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2021 No 10, Sch 3.18[4].
71AK Variation of lease
A lease under this Part may be varied only by the agreement of the parties and the Aboriginal owner board members for the land concerned, not inconsistent with this Act, or by an Act of Parliament.s 71AK: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [19].
71AL Holding over under lease
(1) A lease under this Part does not expire by effluxion of time except as otherwise provided by this Part.(2) On the expiry of the then current term of a lease under this Part, the Minister holds over under the lease until such time as the lease is renewed or replaced.(3) The term of a lease that renews or replaces a lease whose term has expired runs from the date of execution of the new lease by the Minister.(4) For the avoidance of doubt, the expiry of a term of a lease under this Part does not affect—(a) the reservation under this Act of the land that is the subject of the lease as a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area, or(b) the establishment of any board of management under this Act for the land that is the subject of the lease and the appointment of any member of any such board.s 71AL: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [20].
Division 6 Boards of management
pt 4A, div 6: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71AM Application of Division
This Division applies to and in respect of Schedule 14 lands and ALR Act lands.s 71AM: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71AN Boards of management
(1) There is to be a board of management for each area of Schedule 14 lands and ALR Act lands leased and reserved under this Part. A board of management is to be established as soon as practicable after the lands are leased and reserved.(2) A board of management is to consist of at least 11, but no more than 13, members appointed by the Minister with the concurrence of the Minister administering the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983.(3) Of the members—(a) the majority are to be Aboriginal owners of the lands concerned nominated by themselves or by another Aboriginal owner of the lands with the consent of the nominee, and(b) one is to be a person appointed from nominees of a Local Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in whose area or areas the whole or part of the lands are located, and(c) one is to be a person appointed to represent the local council or councils (if any) whose area or areas comprise, or adjoin, the lands, and(d) one is to be an officer of the Service for the time being nominated by the Secretary, and(e) one is to be a person appointed from a panel of persons nominated by a group concerned in the conservation of the region in which the lands are located to represent conservation interests, and(f) one is to be a person appointed on the nomination of owners, lessees and occupiers of land adjoining or in the vicinity of the lands to represent those owners, lessees and occupiers.(4) The Minister, in appointing Aboriginal owners under subsection (3) (a), is to have regard to such matters as the gender of the nominees and their cultural affiliations and family groupings in an endeavour to ensure that a representative group of members is appointed.(5) A matter or thing done or omitted to be done by a board of management, a member of a board of management or a person acting under the direction of a board of management does not, if the matter or thing was done or omitted to be done in good faith for the purpose of executing this Act (or any regulation under this Act), subject the member or the person so acting personally to any action, liability, claim or demand.(6) However, any such liability attaches instead to the Crown.(6A) Schedule 14A contains provisions with respect to the constitution and procedure of boards of management.(7) Subject to this Act (including Schedule 14A), the regulations may make provision with respect to the constitution and procedure of a board of management including the declaration of pecuniary interests by members.s 71AN: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [21] [22].
71AO Functions of boards of management
(1) A board of management for lands to which this Division applies has the following functions—(a) the care, control and management of the lands,(b) the preparation of plans of management for the lands,(c) the supervision of payments from the Fund with respect to the lands.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), a board of management has the function of considering proposals for the carrying out, by Aboriginal owners or other Aboriginal persons, of cultural activities (such as hunting and gathering) within the lands and of approving, or refusing to approve, the carrying out of those activities.(3) A board of management must exercise its functions in accordance with any plan of management in force with respect to the lands for which it is established.(4) In the exercise of its functions, a board of management is subject to the control and direction of the Minister.(5) Despite subsection (4), the Minister may not give directions to a board of management in relation to—(a) the contents of any report, advice, information or recommendation that is to be or may be made or given by the board, or(b) any decision of the board, that is not inconsistent with this Act and the plan of management for the lands for which it was established, relating to the care, control and management of Aboriginal heritage and culture within the lands.(6) In the exercise of its functions with respect to the care, control and management of lands for which no plan of management is in force, a board of management is to consult with and have regard to the advice of the Secretary.(7) A board of management may delegate the exercise of any function of the board of management under this Act (other than this power of delegation) to—(a) a member of the board, or(b) a person employed in the Department, or(c) any person, or any class of persons, authorised for the purposes of this subsection by the regulations.s 71AO: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [23]; 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [7]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[6].
71AP Term of office of board members
Subject to Schedule 14A and the regulations, a member of a board of management holds office for such period (being not less than 4 years and not more than 6 years) as may be specified in the instrument of appointment of the member, but is eligible (if otherwise qualified) for re-appointment.s 71AP: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [24].
71AQ Board of management’s accounts, budgets, quarterly and annual reports
(1) A board of management must cause proper accounts and records to be kept in relation to all of its operations.(2) A board of management must, before the commencement of each financial year, prepare and submit to the Minister a detailed budget relating to its proposed operations during that financial year.(3) The board of management must furnish to the Minister such information relating to the budget as the Minister requests.(4) A board of management must monitor its financial activities to determine whether it is operating in accordance with its budget.(5) A board of management must in each year, as soon as practicable after 30 June, but on or before 1 October, forward to the Minister an annual report of its operations for the 12 months ending on 30 June in that year.(6) The regulations may prescribe the form and content of budgets and reports under this section.s 71AQ: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 34, Sch 4.38; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [25].
Division 7 Addition of lands to Schedule 14
pt 4A, div 7: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71AR Application of Division
This Division applies to and in respect of lands proposed for addition to Schedule 14 only.s 71AR: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71AS Proposals for additions to Schedule 14
(1) Any person or body (including a statutory authority) may submit to the Secretary a written proposal that lands reserved under this Act be identified as having cultural significance to Aboriginal persons and listed in Schedule 14.(2) A copy of the proposal is to be given to the Registrar who must notify the following persons and bodies of the proposal—(a) the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council, and(b) the Local Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in whose area or areas the lands the subject of the proposal are located, and(c) the Aboriginal owners of the lands concerned (if they have been identified), and(d) any body representing Aboriginal persons that the Registrar considers to be relevant.(3) The Registrar is to provide the Secretary with the names of the persons and bodies that the Registrar has notified of the proposal.Note—Land in Zone 1, 2 or 3 of the Brigalow and Nandewar Community Conservation Area (established under the Brigalow and Nandewar Community Conservation Area Act 2005) is not eligible to be proposed under this section for listing in Schedule 14 to this Act.s 71AS: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74]; 2005 No 56, Sch 12.4 [2]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [18].
71AT Assessment of proposals
(1) The Secretary must, after receiving a proposal, make an assessment of the cultural significance to Aboriginal persons of the lands referred to in the proposal and make a report to the Minister in relation to the proposal.(2) The Secretary is to consult with—(a) the person or body that submitted the proposal, and(b) the persons and bodies notified of the proposal by the Registrar, andin relation to the making of the assessment and report.(c) any other person or body that the Secretary considers should be consulted,ss 71AT–71AV: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [18].
71AU Report to Minister
(1) In preparing a report for the Minister, the Secretary is to consider the following—(a) whether the lands concerned contain places of spiritual or mythological importance in accordance with Aboriginal custom or lore,(b) whether the lands contain places used for the conduct of ceremonial activities by Aboriginal persons, including areas recognised for gender specific cultural activities,(c) whether the lands contain areas that are significant for their association with Aboriginal life after occupation of the area in which the lands are situated by persons of European extraction.(2) The Secretary’s report is to make comment on the following matters in relation to the lands concerned—(a) whether Aboriginal burials or remains, or both, are present,(b) the rarity of types of Aboriginal sites and objects on the lands in the context of the cultural area in which the lands are located,(c) the diversity of Aboriginal sites and objects on the lands,(d) the antiquity of Aboriginal sites and objects on the lands,on the basis, or partly on the basis, of their cultural significance to Aboriginal persons.(e) whether the lands have been listed—(i) in the Register of the National Estate kept in pursuance of the Australian Heritage Commission Act 1975 of the Commonwealth, or(ii) as an item of cultural heritage of outstanding universal value in accordance with the World Heritage Properties Conservation Act 1983 of the Commonwealth and the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage that is referred to in section 71AD (2) (c) (ii),(3) The Secretary must also indicate in the report whether any disagreement exists among the persons or bodies consulted by the Secretary regarding the proposal as to whether the lands are of cultural significance to Aboriginal persons or should be listed in Schedule 14, or both.(4) The Secretary may include any other matters in the report that the Secretary considers to be relevant.ss 71AT–71AV: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [18].
71AV Consideration of report by Minister
(1) On receiving a report from the Secretary, the Minister is to consider whether the lands concerned are of cultural significance to Aboriginal persons and, if so, whether the Minister should recommend to the Governor that the lands be listed in Schedule 14.(2) The Minister is not to make a recommendation that the lands be listed in Schedule 14 unless the Minister is satisfied that the cultural significance of the lands to Aboriginal persons is at least equivalent to that of the lands already listed in the Schedule.ss 71AT–71AV: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [18].
71AW Listing of additional lands in Schedule 14
(1) Additional lands may be listed in Schedule 14 only by an Act of Parliament.(2) If Parliament approves of the listing of lands in Schedule 14 following the making of a recommendation by the Minister to the Governor that the lands be so listed, the lands may be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of this Part that apply to Schedule 14 lands and, in particular, with the provisions of Divisions 2, 3, 5 and 6.s 71AW: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
Division 8 Addition of lands to Schedule 14 lands or ALR Act lands leased under Part
pt 4A, div 8: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71AX Application of Division
This Division applies to and in respect of Schedule 14 lands and ALR Act lands that are leased and reserved under this Part.s 71AX: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74].
71AY Definition of “area”
In this Division, area means lands reserved under this Part as a national park, historic site, state conservation area or regional park or dedicated under this Part as a nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area.s 71AY: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 1996 No 142, Sch 4 [3]; 2006 No 120, Sch 1.21 [3]; 2015 No 15, Sch 2.38 [3].
71AZ Additions may be made to reserved lands leased under Part
(1) Nothing in this Act prevents the reservation of lands, in accordance with this Division, as part of an area that has been leased and reserved in accordance with this Part (whether those lands are to be reserved as the same category of reserved lands as the area already leased and reserved or otherwise).(2) Lands may be reserved as part of an area referred to in this section only with the consent of—(a) the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in which they are vested, and(b) the board of management for the area.s 71AZ: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74] [142]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [26].
71BA Addition of lands already reserved under Act
(1) Lands that are reserved under this Act may be added as part of an area that is leased under this Part only if the lands are listed in Schedule 14.(2) The Governor may, by proclamation published in the Gazette, declare that the whole or part of lands listed in Schedule 14, be taken to be reserved as part of an area reserved under this Part.(3) On the publication of the proclamation—(a) the lands are reserved as part of the area, and(b) the lands are vested in the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in which the area is vested, and(c) the care, control and management of the lands is to be exercised—(i) by the board of management for the area, or(ii) if a board of management has not been established for the area, by the Secretary until a board of management is established for the area, and(d) the lease over the area negotiated under this Part is taken to extend and apply to the lands in the same way that the lease applies to the area, and(e) the provisions of this Act and any instrument made under this Act (including any plan of management or regulations) apply to the lands in the same way that they apply to the area.(4) Subsections (2) and (3) apply, in relation to the lands added to the area, subject to the following—(a) any native title rights and interests that exist in relation to the lands,(b) any existing interest within the meaning of section 39,(c) any licence issued under Part 9,(d) any lease, licence, franchise or easement granted under Part 12,(e) any authority or consent issued under this Act or the regulations.(5) Despite subsection (3) (e), a plan of management applying to land in an area already leased and reserved under this Part only applies to lands added to the area if the plan of management already applies to lands of the same reservation category.Note—For example, if the plan of management applies only to land reserved as a national park and the added land is to be reserved as a state conservation area, the plan of management will not apply to the newly added state conservation area land.s 71BA: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [27].
71BB Tabling of proclamation to add lands if change of land classification involved
(1) A copy of a proclamation published under section 71BA is to be laid before each House of Parliament within 14 sitting days of that House after the publication of the proclamation if the classification of the lands specified in the proclamation is changed from the classification that the lands have in Schedule 14.(2) If a House of Parliament passes a resolution of which notice has been given within 15 sitting days of that House after a copy of a proclamation has been laid before it under this section (whether or not those sitting days occur during the same session) and the resolution disallows the reservation taken to be effected by the proclamation of any lands—(a) the reservation of the lands as part of the area leased under this Part ceases to have effect on the disallowance, and(b) the lands cease to be part of the area concerned and revert to the classification, as lands reserved under this Act and listed in Schedule 14, that they had before the publication of the proclamation, and(c) the vesting of the lands in an Aboriginal Land Council or Councils is of no effect, and(d) the care, control and management of the lands is to be exercised by the person or body that had the care, control and management of the lands before the publication of the proclamation, and(e) the lease of the lands does not operate in respect of the lands, and(f) the provisions of this Act and any instrument made under this Act that applied to the lands by reason only of the publication of the proclamation cease to apply to the lands.s 71BB: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74] [142].
71BC Addition of lands not already reserved under Act
(1) The Governor may, by proclamation published in the Gazette, reserve or dedicate, as part of an area leased under this Part any of the following—(a) Crown lands,(b) lands of the Crown,(c) lands acquired under section 145, 146 or 148,(d) Aboriginal lands.(2) On the publication of the proclamation—(a) the lands described in the proclamation become Crown lands to the extent to which they were not Crown lands immediately before that publication, and(b) if a trustee of all or any part of the lands so described was holding office under any this or any other Act immediately before that publication, the trustee ceases to hold that office in respect of those lands, and(c) any by-laws or regulations that, immediately before that publication, applied to the lands cease to apply so far as they relate to the lands, and(d) the lands are reserved as part of the area, and(e) the lands are vested, or in the case of Aboriginal lands, remain vested, in the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in which the area is vested, and(f) the care, control and management of the lands is to be exercised—(i) by the board of management for the area, or(ii) if a board of management has not been established for the area, by the Secretary until a board of management is established for the area, and(g) the lease over the area is taken to extend and apply to the lands in the same way that it applies to the area, and(h) the provisions of this Act and any instrument made under this Act (including any plan of management or regulations) apply to the lands in the same way that they apply to the area.(3) Subsection (2) applies, in relation to the lands added to the area, subject to the following—(a) any native title rights and interests in relation to the lands,(b) any existing interest within the meaning of section 39.(3A) Despite subsection (2) (h), a plan of management applying to land in an area already leased and reserved under this Part only applies to lands added to the area if the plan of management already applies to lands of the same reservation category.Note—For example, if the plan of management applies only to land reserved as a national park and the added land is to be reserved as a state conservation area, the plan of management will not apply to the newly added state conservation area land.(4) To the extent to which a reservation (other than a reservation under Division 4 or this Division), Crown grant or vesting affects lands described in a proclamation published under this section, the publication revokes the reservation, grant or vesting, and the instruments of title (if any) must be surrendered for cancellation or notation.(5) In this section, Aboriginal lands, in relation to an Aboriginal Land Council or Councils that are the lessors of an area leased under this Part, means—(a) lands owned in fee simple by the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils (other than lands referred to in paragraph (b)), orthat the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils have requested, by written notice served on the Minister, be reserved as part of the area vested in the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils.(b) lands granted to the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils under Part 2 of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, whether or not subject to conditions of the kind referred to in section 36A (2) of that Act,s 71BC: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 2001 No 118, Sch 2.9 [5]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74] [147] [148]; 2002 No 112, Sch 1.16 [7]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [28].
71BD Application of certain provisions to additional lands
(1) Sections 71R and 71S apply to and in respect of lands added to an area reserved under this Part in the same way that they apply to and in respect of lands reserved under Division 3 or 4 except as provided in this section.(2) Despite subsection (1), sections 34, 47C, 47I (as substituted by the National Parks and Wildlife Amendment Act 1996), 47Q (as inserted by the National Parks and Wildlife Amendment Act 1996), 47Z (as inserted by that Act), 49, 50, 58B and 58N apply to and in respect of lands reserved under this Part.s 71BD: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21]. Am 1996 No 142, Sch 4 [4]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74]; 2015 No 15, Sch 2.38 [2].
71BE Review of lease after addition of lands
(1) A party to a lease under this Part may request a review of the provisions of the lease if—(a) lands are added to the lands originally leased, and(b) the next regular review of the lease in accordance with the requirements of Division 5 is not due within the 2 years next following the date of publication of the proclamation by which lands are added to the lands originally leased.(2) Section 71AH applies to and in respect of the review of a lease under this section in the same way that it applies to and in respect of a lease referred to in that section.s 71BE: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
Division 9 Miscellaneous
pt 4A, div 9: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71BF Application of Division
This Division applies to and with respect to Schedule 14 lands and ALR Act lands.s 71BF: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71BFA Aboriginal Land Council may create and deal with carbon sequestration rights
(1) An Aboriginal Land Council may create and deal with carbon sequestration rights in relation to reserved or dedicated lands vested in the Aboriginal Land Council.(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Aboriginal Land Council may undertake activities incidental to or in connection with the creating and dealing with, carbon sequestration rights.(3) Without limiting subsection (2), an activity incidental to or in connection with carbon sequestration rights includes a form of carbon benefit from the following activities—(a) revegetation,(b) vegetation management,(c) improvements in soil carbon,(d) the management of feral animals,(e) fire management,(f) carbon sequestered through land use changes or rehabilitation,(g) human-induced regeneration.(4) A function under this section may be exercised in relation to land only if the Aboriginal Land Council is satisfied that exercising the function is consistent with the objects of this Act.(5) A function under this section may be exercised in relation to land only with the agreement of the board of management for the land.(6) The Secretary may, subject to subsections (4) and (5), exercise functions under this section on behalf of an Aboriginal Land Council, but only at the request of the Aboriginal Land Council.(7) The regulations may prescribe other functions or activities that the Aboriginal Land Council may take in relation to carbon sequestration rights.s 71BFA: Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.2[5].
71BG Aboriginal Land Councils to act with agreement of Aboriginal owner board members
An Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in which reserved or dedicated lands are vested must, when exercising any power, authority, duty or function conferred or imposed on it or them under this Act or under the lease of the lands made under this Part (but subject to the requirements of this Act and any instrument, including the lease, made under this Act), act only with the agreement of the Aboriginal owner board members for the lands.s 71BG: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71BH Regard to be had to interests of Aboriginal owners
The Secretary and the National Parks and Wildlife Service must, when exercising any power, authority, duty or function conferred or imposed on them under this Act in relation to management of the lands to which this Part applies (but subject to the requirements of this Act and any instrument, including the lease, made under this Act), have regard to the interests of the Aboriginal owners of the lands concerned.s 71BH: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71BI Land management activities subject to native title
(1) Despite any other provision of this Act—(a) the exercise of functions by a board of management, andin relation to the management of the lands to which this Part applies is subject to the preservation of native title rights and interests (if any) that exist in relation to the lands.(b) the exercise of powers, authorities, duties and functions by the Secretary and the National Parks and Wildlife Service,(2) If at any time an approved determination of native title is made that native title exists in relation to lands to which this Part applies, the Minister, the Aboriginal Land Council or Councils in which the lands concerned are vested and the board of management for the lands are authorised to enter into arrangements with the common law native title holders or their representatives (or both) to ensure that the native title rights and interests in relation to the lands are preserved.(3) An arrangement of the kind referred to in subsection (2) may be entered into despite any provision of this or any other Act or law and despite the fact that the entry into of the arrangement may involve the breach of another previously concluded arrangement.(4) No compensation is payable in respect of the breach of an arrangement because of the operation of this section.Note—Approved determination of native title is defined in section 253 of the Native Title Act 1993 of the Commonwealth.s 71BI: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71BJ Arbitration of disputes
(1) Any dispute between—(a) the Secretary and a board of management, orconcerning matters arising under this Part (other than matters in respect of which a direction has been given to the Secretary by a board of management in accordance with this Part) is to be arbitrated by a panel of 3 arbitrators.(b) the Minister or Secretary and an Aboriginal Land Council or Councils,(2) One of the 3 arbitrators is to be appointed by the Secretary, one by the board of management for the lands concerned and the third by agreement between the first 2 arbitrators or, failing such agreement, by the Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court.(3) The procedures to apply to an arbitration are to be determined by the panel of arbitrators.(4) In conducting an arbitration, the arbitrators are to have regard to—(a) the preservation of the rights and interests of native title holders, andin relation to the lands concerned.(b) the views on the subject of the dispute expressed by the Aboriginal owner board members,(5) The regulations may make provision with respect to the arbitration of disputes under this section including as to the fixing and payment of the remuneration and expenses of the arbitrators.s 71BJ: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71BK Dissolution of Local Aboriginal Land Council
(1) If lands to which this Part applies are vested—(a) in one Local Aboriginal Land Council and that Council is dissolved, orthe lands are on and from the date of dissolution vested in the Aboriginal owners of the lands recorded in the register of Aboriginal owners until a new Aboriginal Land Council or Councils are constituted for the area or areas that constituted or included the area or areas of the dissolved Aboriginal Land Council or Councils.(b) in more than one Local Aboriginal Land Council and each of the Councils in which the lands are vested is dissolved,(2) On the constitution of the new Aboriginal Land Council or Councils, the lands vest in that Council or those Councils.(3) If lands to which this Part applies are vested in more than one Aboriginal Land Council and one or more but not all of the Councils in which the lands are vested are dissolved, on constitution of a new Aboriginal Land Council or Councils to replace the dissolved Council or Councils, the lands vest in that new Council or those new Councils for the interest held immediately before the dissolution by the dissolved Council or Councils.s 71BK: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71BL Status of leased lands and board of management
(1) A lease of lands to the Minister under this Part is taken, for the purposes of any Act or law, not to be a lease of lands for private purposes.(2) Each board of management is taken, for the purposes of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and any regulation or planning instrument made under that Act, to be a public authority and, for all purposes under that Act and any such regulation or planning instrument, to occupy in respect of the lands of which it has care, control and management under this Part, the same position that the Secretary occupies in respect of lands of which the Secretary has care, control and management under this Act.s 71BL: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71BM Omission of land from Schedule 14
Schedule 14 may be amended by the omission of lands only by Act of Parliament.s 71BM: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
71BN Review of Part
(1) The Minister is to review the operation of this Part to determine whether the policy objectives of the Part remain valid and whether the terms of the Part remain appropriate for securing those objectives.(2) The review is to be undertaken as soon as possible after the period of 5 years from the date of assent to the National Parks and Wildlife Amendment (Aboriginal Ownership) Act 1996.(3) A report on the outcome of the review is to be tabled in each House of Parliament within 12 months after the end of the period of 5 years.s 71BN: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [21].
Part 5 Plans of management
71BO Definitions
In this Part—appropriate regional advisory committee means, in relation to land reserved under this Act, the regional advisory committee constituted for the administrative region in which the reserved land is situated., in relation to a plan of management, means the person or body who or which has responsibility under sections 72, 72A, 73 or 75 for preparing, or causing to be prepared, the plan of management.s 71BO: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [53]. Am 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [9]; 2006 No 90, Sch 8 [8].
72 Preparation of plans of management
(1) The Secretary—(a) shall cause a plan of management to be prepared for each national park and historic site in existence on the commencement day, as soon as practicable after that day, unless a plan of management was adopted with respect thereto under the Act of 1967,(b) shall cause a plan of management to be prepared for each nature reserve in existence on the commencement day, as soon as practicable after that day, unless a scheme of operations was approved with respect thereto under the Fauna Protection Act 1948,(c) shall cause a plan of management to be prepared for each historic site, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or national park reserved after the commencement day, as soon as practicable after the reservation,(d) may from time to time cause a plan of management to be prepared for any Aboriginal area or wildlife refuge, and(e) may from time to time, after consulting with the owner, cause a plan of management to be prepared for a conservation area.(1A) The Secretary is to cause a plan of management to be prepared for each state conservation area, and for each regional park (other than a park that is under the care, control and management of a local council), as soon as practicable after the reservation of the land concerned.(1B) If a local council is nominated by the Minister to have the care, control and management of a regional park, the council is to cause a plan of management to be prepared for the regional park as soon as practicable after the reservation of the land concerned.(1BA) The responsible authority is to seek the advice of the appropriate regional advisory committee in the preparation of a plan of management, other than a plan of management prepared for lands reserved under Part 4A or lands within Zone 1, 2 or 3 of the Community Conservation Area under the Brigalow and Nandewar Community Conservation Area Act 2005.Note—The responsible authority is to consult with the relevant Community Conservation Advisory Committee established under the Brigalow and Nandewar Community Conservation Area Act 2005 in the preparation of a plan of management for lands within Zone 1, 2 or 3 of the Brigalow and Nandewar Community Conservation Area.(1C) A plan of management for lands reserved or dedicated under Part 4A is to be prepared by the board of management for the lands concerned in consultation with the Secretary.(1D) If a part or parts only of lands listed in Schedule 14 are reserved or dedicated under Part 4A—(a) the Secretary may prepare a separate plan of management for the part or parts of the lands that are not so reserved or dedicated in accordance with this Part, or(b) the Secretary and the board of management may agree that the plan of management prepared for the lands reserved or dedicated under Part 4A should extend and apply to the lands that are not so reserved or dedicated in which event the provisions of this Part applying to the preparation of plans of management by boards of management apply to the plan.(1E) Subsections (1C) and (1D) do not require a plan of management to be prepared if an existing plan of management is in force when the lands are reserved or dedicated under Part 4A. However, any such existing plan, in so far as it relates to lands reserved or dedicated under Part 4A, must be reviewed by the board of management for the lands concerned within 2 years after the lands are so reserved or dedicated and may be amended, altered or cancelled in accordance with this section.(1F) Without limiting subsection (1) (c), in the case of lands for which a plan of management is not in force when the lands are reserved or dedicated under Part 4A, a plan of management is to be prepared by the board of management for the lands within 5 years after that reservation or dedication.(1G)–(4) (Repealed)(5) This section does not apply to or in respect of a wildlife refuge or conservation area that is comprised wholly or partly of lands within a State forest.s 72: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 2 (9), 3 (23); 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (9); 1989 No 84, Sch 1 (2); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (8); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [51]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [27]–[30]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [22]–[26]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [54] [55] [73] [149] [150]; 2002 No 112, Sch 1.16 [8]; 2003 No 40, Sch 1.32 [2]; 2005 No 56, Sch 12.4 [3] [4]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [29]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[12].
72AA Objectives and content of plans of management
(1) The following matters are to be taken into consideration in the preparation of a plan of management for land reserved under this Act—(a) the relevant management principles,(b) the conservation of biodiversity, including the maintenance of habitat, ecosystems and populations of threatened species,(c) the protection and appreciation of objects, places and structures of cultural significance, and tracts of land,(d) the protection of landscape values and scenic features,(e) the protection of geological and geomorphological features,(f) the protection of wilderness values and the management of wilderness areas,(g) the maintenance of natural processes,(h) the rehabilitation of landscapes and the reinstatement of natural processes,(i) fire management,(j) in the case of a plan of management for a national park, nature reserve or karst conservation reserve, the prohibition of the execution of any works adversely affecting the natural condition or special features of the park or reserve,(k) the potential for the reserved land to be used by Aboriginal people for cultural purposes,(l) the provision of opportunities for public understanding and appreciation of natural and cultural heritage values, including opportunities for sustainable visitor or tourist use and enjoyment of the reserved land,(m) the adaptive reuse of buildings and structures,(n) the appropriate (including culturally appropriate) and ecologically sustainable use of the reserved land, including use by lessees, licensees and occupiers of the land,(o) the preservation of catchment values,(p) the encouragement of appropriate research into natural and cultural features and processes, including threatening processes,(q) the identification and mitigation of threatening processes,(r) the statutory natural resource management, land use management plans and land management practices of land surrounding or within a region of the reserved land,(s) the regional, national and international context of the reserved land, the maintenance of any national and international significance of the reserved land and compliance with relevant national and international agreements, including the protection of world heritage values and the management of world heritage properties,(t) benefits to local communities,(u) the social and economic context of the reserve so as to ensure, for example, that the provision of visitor or tourist facilities is appropriate to the surrounding area or that pest species management programs are co-ordinated across different tenures,(v) the protection and management of wild rivers,(w) the impact of the management and the use of land acquired under Part 11 on the reserved land’s management.(2) A plan of management must include the means by which the responsible authority proposes to achieve the plan’s objectives and performance measures.(3) The matters referred to in subsection (1) (b)–(s) are to be taken into account, where appropriate, in the preparation of a plan of management for a wildlife refuge, wildlife management area or conservation area.(4) A plan of management is to contain a written scheme of operations which it is proposed to undertake in relation to the land that is the subject of the plan of management.(5) The written scheme of operations for a plan of management must—(a) if the plan is for land within a conservation area, relate to the carrying out of operations for the purpose and objects of the conservation agreement, and(b) if the plan is for land within a State forest, be consistent with the purpose and objects of this Act and the Forestry Act 2012.(5A) A plan of management for a karst conservation reserve is to include environmental performance standards and indicators for the purposes of section 151D (1) that ensure the environmental values of the reserve are conserved or restored.(6) Without limiting subsection (1), a plan of management may do any one or more of the following—(a) (Repealed)(b) in relation to land within a state conservation area, specify any activity proposed to be permitted in any part of the area and the nature of any development proposed to be carried out to encourage the use of that part for the activity so specified,(c) in relation to land reserved under Part 4A, provide for the use of the land for any community development purpose prescribed by the regulations.(7) A plan of management for a national park, historic site, nature reserve or karst conservation reserve may relate to land acquired or occupied, or proposed to be acquired or occupied, under Part 11.s 72AA: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [56]. Am 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [10]; 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [2] [9]–[12]; 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [1].
72A Plans of management for combined areas and areas adjoining State borders
(1) A single plan of management may be prepared under this Part for a combination of contiguous or related areas for which separate plans of management may be prepared under this Part or under the Wilderness Act 1987.(2) With the consent or on the request of the Minister, the Secretary may, together with the relevant authority of another State or a Territory, cause a joint plan of management to be prepared for an area comprising an area within that other State or Territory and an area for which a plan of management may be prepared under this Part or under the Wilderness Act 1987.(3) The provisions of this Act or the Wilderness Act 1987 with respect to a plan of management for a particular area apply to—(a) a single plan of management referred to in subsection (1), orin so far as any such plan relates to any such area.(b) a joint plan of management referred to in subsection (2),(4) A plan of management prepared in accordance with this section may include provisions relating to any or all of the following types of land—(a) land reserved under Part 4,(b) land reserved under Part 4A,(c) land acquired or occupied or proposed to be acquired or occupied under Part 11.s 72A: Ins 1989 No 84, Sch 1 (3). Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [30].
73 State forests
(1) The Secretary may, from time to time, with the concurrence in writing of the Forestry Corporation, cause a plan of management to be prepared for any State forest.(2) (Repealed)(3) This section applies to and in respect of a State forest that is comprised wholly or partly of lands within a wildlife refuge or conservation area or that is not comprised of any such lands.s 73: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (24); 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (10); 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [57] [150]; 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [5].
73A Public exhibition and consultation for plans of management
(1) When a plan of management is prepared, the responsible authority must give notice of the preparation of the plan in accordance with the regulations.(2) The notice must include—(a) the address of the place at which copies of the plan of management may be inspected, and(b) the address to which representations may be forwarded, and(c) the period within which representations may be made, being a period of not less than 60 days from the date on which the notice is made public (the representation period).(3) The period between 20 December and 10 January, inclusive, is excluded from the calculation of days in a representation period.Note—See also the Interpretation Act 1987, section 36(2) if the last day of a representation period is a Saturday or Sunday or public holiday.(4) The Council may, by written notice given to the Secretary before the end of the representation period, request that a draft plan of management be referred to the Council if the Council considers the draft plan raises issues of State-wide significance about the management of land under this Act.(5) If the Council makes a request under subsection (4)—(a) the Secretary must refer the plan of management and all representations received during the representation period to the Council, and(b) the Council must consider the draft plan and the representations and provide advice within 28 days after the end of the representation period to—(i) for land reserved or dedicated under Part 4A—the responsible authority, or(ii) otherwise—to the Minister.(6) The responsible authority for a plan of management for a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve, Aboriginal area or land reserved or dedicated under Part 4A must provide to the appropriate regional advisory committee—(a) the plan of management on the day the responsible authority gives notice of the preparation of the plan under subsection (1), and(b) all representations received during the representation period.(7) The responsible authority for a plan of management must also provide the plan of management to the Karst Management Advisory Committee constituted by this Act if the plan of management relates to land that contains significant karst environments.(8) The Karst Management Advisory Committee must provide advice to the appropriate regional advisory committee within 14 days after the end of the representation period.(9) The appropriate regional advisory committee must—(a) consider the plan of management and representations, and(b) provide advice that the committee considers appropriate, including advice provided by the Karst Management Advisory Committee—(i) for land reserved or dedicated under Part 4A—to the responsible authority within 28 days after the end of the representation period, or(ii) otherwise—to the Minister within 28 days after the end of the representation period, or a longer period that the Minister determines.(10) This section does not apply in relation to a plan of management for land within Zone 1, 2 or 3 of the Community Conservation Area under the Brigalow and Nandewar Community Conservation Area Act 2005.s 73A: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [58]. Am 2005 No 56, Sch 12.4 [5]. Subst 2021 No 47, Sch 1.2[6].
73B Adoption, amendment and cancellation of plans of management
(1) The Minister may do the following after considering representations made under section 73A and advice from the appropriate regional advisory committee and, if provided, advice from the Council—(a) adopt a plan of management without alteration,(b) adopt a plan of management with the alterations the Minister thinks fit,(c) refer the plan of management back to the responsible authority for further consideration.(1A) For subsection (1), advice received from the appropriate regional advisory committee and the Council in relation to land reserved or dedicated under Part 4A must be provided to the Minister by the responsible authority.(1B) Despite subsections (1) and (1A) the Minister may—(a) if the appropriate regional advisory committee or responsible authority do not provide advice—(i) adopt a plan of management, without alteration or with the alterations the Minister thinks fit, or(ii) refer the plan of management back to the responsible authority and the regional advisory committee for further consideration, or(b) if the appropriate regional advisory committee is not properly constituted—adopt a plan of management, without alteration or with the alterations the Minister thinks fit, or(c) consider advice provided by the appropriate regional advisory committee after the expiration of the period for providing advice to the Minister under section 73A(9).(2) The Minister is to refer the plan of management back to the responsible authority for consideration if the Minister has not adopted the plan within 12 months after receiving it for consideration.(3) The Minister may, on the recommendation of the responsible authority—(a) amend or alter a plan of management from time to time, or(b) cancel a plan of management, or(c) cancel a plan of management and substitute a new plan of management.(4) If the Minister proposes to amend or alter a plan of management, or to cancel a plan of management and substitute a new plan of management, the Minister is to instruct the responsible authority to cause the amendment, alteration or new plan of management to be prepared.(5) The responsible authority is to cause the amendment, alteration or new plan of management to be prepared as soon as possible.(6) The Minister may take action under subsection (1), (1B) or (3)—(a) in relation to a plan of management for a wildlife refuge—only with the consent in writing of the owner or holder, and the occupier, of the land to which the plan of management relates, or(b) in relation to a plan of management for a conservation area or proposed conservation area—only with the consent in writing of the owner of the land to which the plan of management relates, or(c) in relation to a plan of management for a State forest—only with the concurrence in writing of the Forestry Corporation.(7) Section 72AA, 73A, 74, 75 and subsections (1)–(6) apply to and in respect of an amendment, alteration or substitution of a plan of management in the same way as they apply to the preparation of a new plan of management.However, in relation to an amendment or alteration of a plan of management, the reference in section 73A (2) (c) (as applied) to “60 days” is taken to be a reference to “42 days”.(8) Despite the other provisions of this section, the Minister is to cancel a plan of management for a State forest at the request in writing of the Forestry Corporation.Note—Sections 74 and 80 include other provisions relating to the adoption, amendment and cancellation of plans of management for certain land.s 73B: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [58]. Am 2006 No 90, Sch 8 [9]; 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [13]; 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [5]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.2[7]–[9].
74 Catchment areas and special areas—generally
(1) This section applies where—(a) any lands reserved as a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area or that comprise a wilderness area within the meaning of the Wilderness Act 1987 are wholly or partly within a catchment area or special area of a water authority, or(b) the waters from any lands so reserved drain into a catchment area, special area or structure of a water authority.(1A) This section does not apply to land referred to in subsection (1) (a) that is wholly or partly within a special area within the meaning of the Hunter Water Act 1991.(2) The Secretary (or, if a regional park is under the care, control and management of a local council, the council) must, before submitting to the Minister a plan of management for the national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve, Aboriginal area or wilderness area—(a) refer the plan to the relevant water authority for its information, and(b) also refer the plan to the Secretary of the Department of Industry, Skills and Regional Development if the relevant water authority is the Hunter Water Corporation, and(c) also refer the plan to the Regulatory Authority (within the meaning of the Water NSW Act 2014) if the relevant water authority is Water NSW.(3) The Minister must, before adopting the plan of management, consider any representations made by a person to whom or which the plan has been referred under subsection (2).(4) In this section, means the Sydney Water Corporation, Water NSW, the Hunter Water Corporation or a water supply authority within the meaning of the Water Management Act 2000.s 74: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (25); 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (13); 1991 No 53, Sch 1; 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (9). Subst 1994 No 88, Sch 7. Am 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [31]–[33]; 1998 No 145, Sch 5.11 [1] [2]; 2000 No 102, Sch 3.6; 2001 No 130, Schs 1 [73] [74] [149] [151], 5 [2] [3]; 2006 No 90, Sch 8 [10]; 2014 No 74, Sch 3.21 [1]–[3]; 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [13].
75 Special areas under the Hunter Water Act 1991—joint preparation and approval of plans of management
(1) This section applies to land that—(a) is reserved as a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area, and(b) is wholly or partly within a special area within the meaning of the Hunter Water Act 1991.(2) The Secretary and the Chief Executive Officer of the Hunter Water Corporation have joint responsibility for—(a) causing any plan of management for land to which this section applies to be prepared under section 72 (1) or (1A), and(b) carrying out and giving effect to any such plan of management under section 81.(3) In the case of a plan of management for land to which this section applies that is a regional park under the care, control and management of a local council, the council and the Chief Executive Officer of the Hunter Water Corporation have joint responsibility for—(a) causing any plan of management for the land to be prepared under section 72 (1B), and(b) carrying out and giving effect to any such plan of management under section 81.(4) The Minister, and the Minister administering Division 8 of Part 5 of the Hunter Water Act 1991, are jointly responsible for the adoption, amendment or alteration, cancellation or substitution of any such plan of management. For this purpose, a reference to the Minister in sections 73B and 81 is taken to be a reference to both of those Ministers.(5) If the whole or any part of land reserved as a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area is declared, after it is so reserved, to be a special area under the Hunter Water Act 1991, a plan of management for the land is to be prepared as soon as practicable after the whole or part of the land is declared to be a special area.s 75: Am 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [27]. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [152]. Ins 2006 No 90, Sch 8 [11]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[13].
75A–79 (Repealed)
s 75A: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 2 (10). Am 1989 No 132, Sch 2; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [34] [35]; 1996 No 142, Schs 1 [28], 4 [5] (am 1997 No 147, Sch 2.19 [2]). Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [152].
s 75B: Ins 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [8]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [153]. Rep 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [11].
s 76: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (26); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (10); 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [29]; 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [9]. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [152].
s 77: Am 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [30] (am 1997 No 147, Sch 2.19 [1]). Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [152].
s 78: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (27). Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [152].
s 78A: Ins 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (11). Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [152].
s 79: Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [152].
79A Lapsing of plans of management
(1) A plan of management for lands reserved under Part 4A expires on the tenth anniversary of the date on which it was adopted unless it is sooner cancelled under this Part.(2) Not less than 6 months before a plan of management expires, the board of management for the lands concerned must prepare a new plan of management to replace it.(3) The board of management is to have regard to a plan of management that has expired until the new plan of management comes into effect.s 79A: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [31]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74].
80 Lands submerged by water
(1) Where lands submerged by water are lands that are the subject of any part of a plan of management for a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area, the plan, before being made or adopted by the Minister, shall be referred to the Minister administering the Fisheries Management Act 1994.(2) A plan of management referred to in subsection (1)—(a) shall not be adopted, amended, altered or cancelled by the Minister in so far as it relates to Crown lands within the meaning of paragraph (a) of the definition of Crown lands in section 5 (1) (other than Crown lands to which paragraph (b) of this subsection applies), until the Minister has considered any representations made with respect to the plan of management by the Minister administering the Fisheries Management Act 1994, and(b) shall not be adopted, amended, altered or cancelled by the Minister in so far as it directly relates to the intertidal zone or Crown lands within the meaning of paragraph (b) of the definition of Crown lands in section 5 (1), without the concurrence in writing of the Minister administering the Fisheries Management Act 1994.s 80: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 2 (11), 3 (28); 1989 No 84, Sch 1 (4); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (11); 1994 No 38, Sch 8; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [36]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [59] [60] [73] [149].
81 Operations under plan of management
(1) Where the Minister has adopted a plan of management for a national park, historic site, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve, Aboriginal area or wildlife refuge, it shall, subject to subsections (5) and (6), be carried out and given effect to by the Secretary.(2) Where the Minister has adopted a plan of management for a conservation area, it shall be carried out and given effect to by the Secretary, the owner (within the meaning of Division 7 of Part 4) of the area and any successors in title (within the meaning of section 69E) to the owner.(3) Where the Minister has adopted a plan of management for a State forest, it shall be carried out and given effect to by the Secretary by arrangement with the Forestry Corporation.(3A) If the Minister has adopted a plan of management for a state conservation area or a regional park, it is to be carried out and given effect to—(a) by the Secretary, or(b) by the relevant state conservation area trust or regional park, trust, or(c) by the local council (if any) that has the care, control and management of the regional park.(4) Subject to subsection (4A), despite anything in this or another Act or in an instrument made under this or another Act, if the Minister has adopted a plan of management under this Part, no operations may be undertaken in relation to the lands to which the plan relates unless the operations are in accordance with the plan.(4A) Subsection (4) does not prevail over section 153G(5) or 185A.(5) Where any lands to which a plan of management relates are—(a) lands acquired or proposed to be acquired under Part 11 for any purpose referred to in section 145—operations under the plan shall not be undertaken on or in relation to the lands until they have been reserved as, or as part of, the park, site or reserve, as the case may require, to which the plan relates, or(b) lands proposed to be acquired or occupied under Part 11 for any purpose referred to in section 146—operations under the plan shall not be undertaken on or in relation to the lands until they have been so acquired or occupied.(6) If the Minister has adopted a plan of management for lands reserved under Part 4A, it is to be carried out and given effect to by the board of management for the lands.s 81: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 3 (29), 5 (3); 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (12); 1989 No 84, Sch 1 (5); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (12); 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [37]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [32] [33]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [72]–[74] [149] [154]; 2006 No 90, Sch 8 [12]; 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [5]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[14].
81A Leases, licences and easements subject to plan of management
Without limiting the generality of this Part, this Part has effect in respect of any part of a national park, historic site, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve, state conservation area, regional park or Aboriginal area that is the subject of a lease, licence or easement granted under Part 12.s 81A: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 5 (4). Am 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (13). Subst 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [38]. Am 2001 No 92, Sch 1 [1]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73] [149]; 2002 No 53, Sch 1.20 [1]. Subst 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [14].
82 Concurrence of Forestry Corporation
Where the concurrence of the Forestry Corporation is required under this Part, the concurrence shall not be given without the approval of the Minister administering the Forestry Act 2012.s 82: Am 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [1] [5].
Part 5A Minister may create and deal with carbon sequestration rights
pt 5A: Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[15].
82A Meanings of “carbon sequestration” and “carbon sequestration right”
(1) In this Act, carbon sequestration means—(a) the absorption from the atmosphere of carbon dioxide by land or anything on land, and(b) the storage of carbon in land or in anything on land.(2) In this Act, a carbon sequestration right, in relation to land—(a) means the exclusive right to obtain the benefit, whether present or future, of carbon sequestration, and(b) includes a carbon sequestration right within the meaning of the Conveyancing Act 1919, section 87A.(3) For the purposes of the definitions of carbon sequestration and carbon sequestration right, land includes terrestrial environments or ecosystems and aquatic environments or ecosystems.Note—See also the definition of land in the Interpretation Act 1987.(4) The regulations may prescribe other types of carbon sequestration and carbon sequestration rights for the purposes of the definitions.s 82A: Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[15]. Am 2023 No 7, Sch 3.20.
82B Minister may create and deal with carbon sequestration rights
(1) The Minister may create and deal with carbon sequestration rights in relation to land acquired, reserved or dedicated under this Act, other than land reserved or dedicated under Part 4A.(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Minister may undertake activities incidental to or in connection with creating and dealing with carbon sequestration rights.(3) Without limiting subsection (2), an activity incidental to or in connection with carbon sequestration rights includes a form of carbon benefit from the following activities—(a) revegetation,(b) vegetation management,(c) improvements in soil carbon,(d) the management of feral animals,(e) fire management,(f) carbon sequestered through land use changes or rehabilitation,(g) human-induced regeneration.(4) A function under this section may be exercised in relation to land only if the Minister is satisfied that exercising the function is consistent with the objects of this Act.(5) A function under this section may not be exercised in relation to land of which a state conservation area trust, regional park trust or local council has care, control and management under this Act unless the Minister has consulted with, and considered advice given by, the trust or council.(6) The regulations may prescribe other functions or activities that the Minister may exercise or take in relation to carbon sequestration rights.s 82B: Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[15].
82C Review of Part
(1) The Minister must review this Part to determine whether the policy objectives of the Part remain valid and whether the terms of the Part remain appropriate for securing the objectives.(2) The review must be undertaken as soon as possible after the period of 2 years from the commencement of this Part.(3) A report on the outcome of the review must be tabled in each House of Parliament within 12 months after the end of the period of 2 years.s 82C: Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[15].
Part 6 Aboriginal objects and Aboriginal places
pt 6, hdg: Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [155].
Division 1 General
pt 6, div 1, hdg: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [31].
83 Certain Aboriginal objects to be Crown property
(1) Subject to this section—(a) an Aboriginal object that was, immediately before the commencement day, deemed to be the property of the Crown by virtue of section 33D of the Act of 1967, andshall be, and shall be deemed always to have been, the property of the Crown.(b) an Aboriginal object that is abandoned on or after that day by a person other than the Crown,(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed as restricting the lawful use of land or as authorising the disturbance or excavation of any land.(3) No compensation is payable in respect of the vesting of an Aboriginal object by this section or section 33D of the Act of 1967.
84 Aboriginal places
The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, declare any place specified or described in the order, being a place that, in the opinion of the Minister, is or was of special significance with respect to Aboriginal culture, to be an Aboriginal place for the purposes of this Act.
85 Secretary’s responsibilities as to Aboriginal objects and Aboriginal places
(1) The Secretary shall be the authority for the protection of Aboriginal objects and Aboriginal places in New South Wales.(2) In particular, the Secretary shall be responsible—(a) for the proper care, preservation and protection of any Aboriginal object or Aboriginal place on any land reserved under this Act, and(b) subject to Division 2, for the proper restoration of any such land that has been disturbed or excavated in accordance with an Aboriginal heritage impact permit.s 85: Am 1980 No 80, Sch 1 (8); 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (30). Subst 1989 No 84, Sch 1 (6). Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [74]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [32]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[4] [5].
85A Transfer of Aboriginal objects
(1) The Secretary may, despite any other provision of this Act, dispose of Aboriginal objects that are the property of the Crown—(a) by returning the Aboriginal objects to an Aboriginal owner or Aboriginal owners entitled to, and willing to accept possession, custody or control of the Aboriginal objects in accordance with Aboriginal tradition, or(b) by otherwise dealing with the Aboriginal objects in accordance with any reasonable directions of an Aboriginal owner or Aboriginal owners referred to in paragraph (a), or(c) if there is or are no such Aboriginal owner or Aboriginal owners—by transferring the Aboriginal objects to a person, or a person of a class, prescribed by the regulations for safekeeping.(2) Nothing in this section is taken to limit the right of an Aboriginal owner or Aboriginal owners accepting possession, custody or control of any Aboriginal object pursuant to this section to deal with the Aboriginal object in accordance with Aboriginal tradition.(3) The regulations may make provision as to the manner in which any dispute concerning the entitlement of an Aboriginal owner or Aboriginal owners to possession, custody or control of Aboriginal objects for the purposes of this section is to be resolved.s 85A: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [34]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
86 Harming or desecrating Aboriginal objects and Aboriginal places
(1) A person must not harm or desecrate an object that the person knows is an Aboriginal object.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of an individual—2,500 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year, or both, or (in circumstances of aggravation) 5,000 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years, or both, or(b) in the case of a corporation—10,000 penalty units.(2) A person must not harm an Aboriginal object.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of an individual—500 penalty units or (in circumstances of aggravation) 1,000 penalty units, or(b) in the case of a corporation—2,000 penalty units.(3) For the purposes of this section, circumstances of aggravation are—(a) that the offence was committed in the course of carrying out a commercial activity, or(b) that the offence was the second or subsequent occasion on which the offender was convicted of an offence under this section.This subsection does not apply unless the circumstances of aggravation were identified in the court attendance notice or summons for the offence.(4) A person must not harm or desecrate an Aboriginal place.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of an individual—5,000 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years, or both, or(b) in the case of a corporation—10,000 penalty units.(5) The offences under subsections (2) and (4) are offences of strict liability and the defence of honest and reasonable mistake of fact applies.(6) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply with respect to an Aboriginal object that is dealt with in accordance with section 85A.(7) A single prosecution for an offence under subsection (1) or (2) may relate to a single Aboriginal object or a group of Aboriginal objects.(8) If, in proceedings for an offence under subsection (1), the court is satisfied that, at the time the accused harmed the Aboriginal object concerned, the accused did not know that the object was an Aboriginal object, the court may find an offence proved under subsection (2).Note—An offence against subsection (1), (2) or (4) committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 175B.s 86: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 2 (12), 3 (31), 6 (2); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (14); 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [39]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73] [149]. Subst 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [33]. Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.28 [1].
87 Defences
(1) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under section 86 (1), (2) or (4) if the defendant shows that—(a) the harm or desecration concerned was authorised by an Aboriginal heritage impact permit, and(b) the conditions to which that Aboriginal heritage impact permit was subject were not contravened.(2) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under section 86 (2) if the defendant shows that the defendant exercised due diligence to determine whether the act or omission constituting the alleged offence would harm an Aboriginal object and reasonably determined that no Aboriginal object would be harmed.(3) The regulations may provide that compliance with requirements specified in the regulations, or in a code of practice adopted or prescribed by the regulations, is taken for the purposes of subsection (2) to constitute due diligence in determining whether the act or omission constituting the alleged offence would harm an Aboriginal object.(4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under section 86 (2) if the defendant shows that the act or omission constituting the alleged offence is prescribed by the regulations as a low impact act or omission.(5) The Minister is not to recommend the making of a regulation under subsection (3), unless—(a) the Secretary has, under subsection (6), set minimum standards for requirements specified in the regulations, or in a code of practice adopted or prescribed by the regulations, and(b) the Minister—(i) is satisfied that the requirements specified in the recommended regulation, or in the code of practice adopted or prescribed by the recommended regulation, meet those minimum standards, and(ii) has consulted with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee.(6) The Secretary may, for the purposes of subsection (5) set minimum standards for requirements specified in the regulations, or in a code of practice adopted or prescribed by the regulations, under subsection (3). The Secretary is to publish any such minimum standards in the Gazette.(7) The Minister is not to recommend the making of a regulation under subsection (4) unless the Minister has consulted with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee.s 87: Subst 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [33]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
87A Exemptions for certain activities
Section 86 (1)–(4) do not apply in relation to the following—(a) work for the conservation or protection of an Aboriginal object or place that is carried out by an officer of the Service or a person under the direction of such an officer,(b) any emergency fire fighting act or bush fire hazard reduction work within the meaning of the Rural Fires Act 1997 that is authorised or required to be carried out under that Act,(c) any thing authorised by or under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 in relation to an emergency (within the meaning of that Act) and that was reasonably necessary in order to avoid an actual or imminent threat to life or property,(d) any thing specifically required or permitted under the express terms of a conservation agreement entered into under Division 12 of Part 4 of this Act (being an agreement that was entered into or modified after the commencement of this section).s 87A: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [33].
87B Exemption for traditional Aboriginal cultural activities
(1) The object of this section is to exempt Aboriginal people from the provisions of section 86 that prohibit the harming of an Aboriginal object or place.(2) Aboriginal people are exempt from the provisions of section 86 (1), (2) and (4) to the extent to which those provisions would, but for this section, prohibit Aboriginal people from carrying out traditional cultural activities (except commercial activities).(3) This section applies to and in respect of any dependants (whether Aboriginal or not) of Aboriginal people in the same way as it applies to and in respect of Aboriginal people.s 87B: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [33].
88 Australian Museum Trust to have custody of certain Aboriginal objects
(1) Nothing in Division 2 shall be construed as authorising the Secretary to permit an Aboriginal object to be removed from a national park, historic site, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve, Aboriginal area, state conservation area or regional park to the custody or control of a person other than the Australian Museum Trust, except where—(a) the Aboriginal object remains in the custody or under the control of the Secretary, or(b) the Aboriginal object is being moved from a national park, historic site, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve, Aboriginal area, state conservation area or regional park to any or any other national park, historic site, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve, Aboriginal area, state conservation area or regional park.(2) An Aboriginal object that is the property of the Crown, other than an Aboriginal object—(a) in a national park, historic site, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve, Aboriginal area, state conservation area or regional park,(b) being moved from a national park, historic site, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve, Aboriginal area, state conservation area or regional park to any or any other national park, historic site, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve, Aboriginal area, state conservation area or regional park,(c) in the custody or under the control of the Secretary, orshall be deemed not to be in the possession of the Crown unless it is in the custody or under the control of the Australian Museum Trust.(d) acquired by the Minister or the Secretary pursuant to section 89 or by the Minister pursuant to Part 11,(3) The Secretary may arrange with the Australian Museum Trust for the deposit or exhibition of an Aboriginal object in a building or structure in a national park, historic site, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve, Aboriginal area, state conservation area or regional park and, where an Aboriginal object is so deposited or exhibited, section 86 does not apply to the Australian Museum Trust in relation to that Aboriginal object.(4) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting the powers, authorities, duties or functions conferred or imposed on the Australian Museum Trust by the Australian Museum Trust Act 1975.s 88: Am 1980 No 80, Sch 1 (9); 1983 No 183, Schs 3 (32), 6 (2) (8); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (15); 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [40]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73] [149] [156]; 2015 No 15, Sch 2.38 [4]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
89 Preservation or exhibition of certain Aboriginal objects
(1) Subject to this section, the Minister or the Secretary may, by agreement with a person having the ownership or possession of—(a) an Aboriginal object that is not the property of the Crown, oracquire the Aboriginal object or take such other action as the Minister or the Secretary thinks is practicable for the preservation or exhibition of the Aboriginal object or Aboriginal place.(b) an Aboriginal place,(2) An Aboriginal object acquired under this section shall be the property of the Crown.(3) An Aboriginal object that is real property shall not be acquired under this section, but nothing in this section affects anything contained in Part 11.(4) Any Aboriginal object acquired by the Minister or the Secretary prior to the commencement day shall be deemed to have been acquired under this section.s 89: Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
89A Notification of sites of Aboriginal objects
A person who is aware of the location of an Aboriginal object that is the property of the Crown or, not being the property of the Crown, is real property, and does not, in the prescribed manner, notify the Secretary thereof within a reasonable time after the person first becomes aware of that location is guilty of an offence against this Act unless the person believes on reasonable grounds that the Secretary is aware of the location of that Aboriginal object.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of an individual—100 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of 10 penalty units for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of a corporation—200 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of 20 penalty units for each day the offence continues.s 89A (previously s 91): Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [35]. Renumbered 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [36]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
Division 2 Aboriginal heritage impact permits
pt 6, div 2: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37].
90 Aboriginal heritage impact permits
(1) The Secretary may issue an Aboriginal heritage impact permit.(2) An Aboriginal heritage impact permit may be issued subject to conditions or unconditionally. However, a condition cannot be imposed on a permit if compliance with the condition would result in a breach of a requirement made by or under this Act.(3) An Aboriginal heritage impact permit may be issued in relation to a specified Aboriginal object, Aboriginal place, land, activity or person or specified types or classes of Aboriginal objects, Aboriginal places, land, activities or persons.s 90: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 6 (6) (9); 1989 No 84, Sch 1 (7); 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [35]; 1997 No 152, Sch 4.24 [2]. Rep 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [34]. Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
90A Application for issue of permit
(1) An application may be made to the Secretary for the issue of an Aboriginal heritage impact permit.(2) An application must—(a) be made in or to the effect of a form approved by the Secretary, and(b) contain or be accompanied by such documents and information as is required by regulations or by the Secretary (as indicated in the form or in material accompanying the form).s 90A: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
90B Application for transfer of permit
(1) An application may be made to the Secretary for the transfer of an Aboriginal heritage impact permit to another person.Note—Section 90E requires the application to be made only with the consent in writing of the holder of the permit.(2) An application for the transfer of a permit must—(a) be made in or to the effect of a form approved by the Secretary, and(b) contain or be accompanied by such documents and information as is required by the Secretary (as indicated in the form or in material accompanying the form).s 90B: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
90C Grant or refusal of application
(1) The Secretary may grant or refuse an application for the issue or transfer of an Aboriginal heritage impact permit.(2) An application is granted by the issue or transfer of the permit concerned.(3) If the Secretary proposes to refuse such an application, the Secretary must before doing so—(a) give notice to the applicant that the Secretary intends to do so, and(b) specify in that notice the reasons for the Secretary’s intention to do so, and(c) give the applicant a reasonable opportunity to make submissions in relation to the matter, and(d) take into consideration any such submissions by the applicant.(4) A permit is issued or transferred by notice in writing given to the applicant.Note—Section 90L enables appeals to be made in connection with permit applications within a specified period after the person is given notice of the decision concerned.s 90C: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[4] [5].
90D Variation of permits
(1) The Secretary may vary an Aboriginal heritage impact permit (including the conditions of such a permit).(2) A variation includes the imposing of a condition on a permit (whether or not any conditions have already been imposed), the substitution of a condition, the omission of a condition or the amendment of a condition.(3) A permit may be varied only on the application of the holder of the permit. However, the Secretary may vary a permit—(a) to correct a typographical error, or(b) to resolve an inconsistency between conditions to which the permit is subject.(4) A permit may be varied at any time during its currency, including (subject to section 90R) on its being transferred to another person.(5) A permit is varied by notice in writing given to the holder of the permit.s 90D: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
90E Restrictions on making applications to transfer permits
An application for the transfer of an Aboriginal heritage impact permit may be made only with the consent in writing of the holder of the permit.s 90E: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37].
90F Requirement for further information
(1) If an application has been made under this Division, the Secretary may, by notice in writing given to the applicant, require the applicant to supply to the Secretary such further information as the Secretary considers necessary and relevant to the application and specifies in the notice.(2) In this section—information includes plans and specifications.s 90F: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
90G Suspension or revocation of permit
(1) The Secretary may suspend or revoke an Aboriginal heritage impact permit.(2) A suspension or revocation of a permit is effected by notice in writing given to the holder of the permit.(3) A suspension may be for a specified period, or until the fulfilment of specified conditions, or until further order of the Secretary.(4) Without limiting subsection (1), a permit may be revoked while it is suspended.(5) The Secretary must not suspend or revoke a permit unless before doing so the Secretary has—(a) given notice to the holder of the permit that it intends to do so, and(b) specified in that notice the reasons for its intention to do so, and(c) given the holder of the permit a reasonable opportunity to make submissions in relation to the proposed revocation or suspension, and(d) taken into consideration any such submissions by the holder of the permit.(6) The reasons for suspending or revoking a permit may include (but are not limited to) the following—(a) the holder of the permit has obtained the permit improperly,(b) a condition of the permit has been contravened,(c) the activities covered by the permit are completed or no longer being carried on.(7) No fees are refundable on the suspension or revocation of a permit.s 90G: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
90H Surrender of permit
An Aboriginal heritage impact permit may, on the written application of the holder of the permit, be surrendered with the written approval of the Secretary.s 90H: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
90I Conditions of suspension, revocation or surrender
(1) The Secretary may, by notice in writing, impose conditions on the suspension or revocation of, or the approval of the surrender of, an Aboriginal heritage impact permit.(2) Those conditions may include (but are not limited to) any conditions to which the permit was subject immediately before it was suspended, revoked or surrendered.(3) The Secretary may, by notice in writing, impose new conditions on, or vary or revoke any existing conditions of, the suspension, revocation or surrender of the permit.Note—Section 90J makes it an offence to breach conditions under this section.s 90I: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
90J Failure to comply with conditions
(1) Offences If any condition of an Aboriginal heritage impact permit is contravened by any person, the holder of the permit (or, if more than one person holds the permit, each holder of the permit) is guilty of an offence.(2) If any condition to which a suspension or revocation of, or the approval of the surrender of, an Aboriginal heritage impact permit is subject is contravened by any person, the holder of the permit or former permit (or, if more than one person holds or held the permit or former permit, each holder of the permit or former permit) is guilty of an offence.Maximum penalty (subsections (1) and (2))—(a) in the case of an individual—1,000 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months, or both and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of 100 penalty units for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of a corporation—2,000 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of 200 penalty units for each day the offence continues.(3) Defence The holder of an Aboriginal heritage impact permit or former Aboriginal heritage impact permit is not guilty of an offence against this section if the holder establishes that—(a) the contravention of the condition was caused by another person, and(b) that other person was not associated with the holder at the time the condition was contravened, and(c) the holder took all reasonable steps to prevent the contravention of the condition.A person is associated with the holder for the purposes of paragraph (b) (but without limiting any other circumstances of association) if the person is an employee, agent, licensee, contractor or sub-contractor of the holder.Note—An offence against subsection (1) or (2) committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 175B.s 90J: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37]. Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.28 [2].
90K Factors to be considered in making determinations regarding permits
(1) In making a decision in relation to an Aboriginal heritage impact permit, the Secretary must consider the following matters—(a) the objects of this Act,(b) actual or likely harm to the Aboriginal objects or Aboriginal place that are the subject of the permit,(c) practical measures that may be taken to protect and conserve the Aboriginal objects or Aboriginal place that are the subject of the permit,(d) practical measures that may be taken to avoid or mitigate any actual or likely harm to the Aboriginal objects or Aboriginal place that are the subject of the permit,(e) the significance of the Aboriginal objects or Aboriginal place that are the subject of the permit,(f) the results of any consultation by the applicant with Aboriginal people regarding the Aboriginal objects or Aboriginal place that are the subject of the permit (including any submissions made by Aboriginal people as part of a consultation required by the regulations),(g) whether any such consultation substantially complied with any requirements for consultation set out in the regulations,(h) the social and economic consequences of making the decision,(i) in connection with a permit application—(i) any documents accompanying the application, and(ii) any public submission that has been made under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in connection with the activity to which the permit application relates and that has been received by the Secretary,(j) any other matter prescribed by the regulations.(2) The Secretary, in making a decision in relation to an Aboriginal heritage impact permit, must not consider any matter other than the matters referred to in subsection (1).s 90K: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
90L Appeals
(1) An applicant for, or holder or former holder of, an Aboriginal heritage impact permit may appeal to the Land and Environment Court against any of the following decisions of the Secretary—(a) a decision to refuse any application in relation to an Aboriginal heritage impact permit or former permit,(b) a decision in relation to any condition to which a permit or former permit (or a surrender of a permit) is subject,(c) a decision to suspend or revoke a permit.(2) The Land and Environment Court—(a) may refuse to grant the appeal, or(b) may grant the appeal wholly or in part, and may give such directions in the matter as the Land and Environment Court thinks appropriate.(3) The decision of the Land and Environment Court on the appeal is final and is binding on the Secretary and the appellant, and is to be carried into effect accordingly.(4) The regulations may (but need not) prescribe the manner in which an appeal is to be made under this section.(5) An appeal under this section must be made within 21 days after the day the person was given notice of the decision being appealed.(6) For the purposes of this section, an application is taken to be refused (unless it is earlier granted or refused), and notice of that refusal is taken to have been given to the applicant, on the expiration of the period of 60 days after the date on which the application was received by the Secretary.(7) For the purposes of subsection (6), any period under section 90F during which an applicant is required to supply to the Secretary such further information is to be disregarded in determining whether the 60 day period referred to in that subsection has expired.s 90L: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
90M Date from which decision operates
A decision of the Secretary in relation to an Aboriginal heritage impact permit operates from—(a) the date of the decision, or(b) if another later date is specified by the Secretary in the decision—that other date.s 90M: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
90N Regulations relating to consultation
The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the following—(a) consultation that must be undertaken in relation to an application or proposed application that relates to an Aboriginal heritage impact permit (including the nature, extent and timing of the consultation),(b) the persons, or classes of persons, who must be so consulted (including but not limited to Aboriginal people with a cultural association with the object or land concerned),(c) the opportunity of persons, or classes of persons, so consulted to make submissions as part of the consultation.
90O Interaction between permits and stop work and interim protection orders
For the avoidance of doubt, the existence of an Aboriginal heritage impact permit does not prevent the making of an order under Division 1 of Part 6A or an interim protection order under Division 2 of Part 6A.s 90O: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37].
90P Validity of permits
The validity of the Aboriginal heritage impact permit cannot be questioned in any legal proceedings except in proceedings commenced in the Land and Environment Court before the expiration of 3 months from the date on which the issue of the permit was published on the public register.s 90P: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37].
90Q Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System
(1) The Secretary is to establish and keep a database to be known as the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (the AHIMS).(2) The AHIMS is to contain—(a) information and records regarding Aboriginal objects whose existence and location have been reported to the Secretary, and(b) copies of any reports that have been provided to the Secretary regarding Aboriginal objects and other objects, places and features of significance to Aboriginal people, and(c) any other information required by the regulations.(3) The purposes of the AHIMS are—(a) to maintain a record of Aboriginal objects whose existence and location have been reported to the Secretary, and(b) to maintain a copy of any report that has been provided to the Secretary relating to the assessment of objects, places and features that are or are likely to be of significance to Aboriginal people, and(c) to maintain a record of the details of any other report (of which the Secretary is aware) relating to the assessment of objects, places and features that are or are likely to be of significance to Aboriginal people, andbut the AHIMS is not intended to be conclusive about whether any information or records contained within it is up-to-date, comprehensive or otherwise accurate.(d) to allow access to the AHIMS—(i) by Aboriginal people and organisations and by academic researchers, and(ii) by or on behalf of persons exercising due diligence to determine whether an act or omission would harm an Aboriginal object for the purposes of section 87 (2), and(iii) by public and local authorities in the exercise of their land management, planning and other similar functions,(4) The AHIMS is to be kept and maintained in such form as the Secretary thinks fit. Different parts of the AHIMS may be kept in different forms.(5) The regulations may prescribe any or all of the following—(a) the persons and classes of persons who may be granted access to information and records contained in the AHIMS,(b) the method of accessing the AHIMS,(c) the form in which access to the AHIMS is to be given (for example, whether by access to full records or summaries or through supplied maps or other forms of information),(d) the type of information or records that are available to be accessed from the AHIMS and any conditions or restrictions on the access to, and use of, that information or those records,(e) fees for access to the AHIMS and for copies or extracts of information and records kept on the AHIMS.s 90Q: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
90R Certain Aboriginal heritage impact permit conditions to run with the land
If an Aboriginal heritage impact permit relates to a specified parcel of land and an application is made under section 90B to transfer the permit to another person, the Secretary—(a) must not refuse the application, and(b) in granting the application, must not vary any of the conditions of the permit.s 90R: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [37]. Am 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[16]; 2022 No 59, Sch 3.46[5].
91
(Renumbered as section 89A)
Part 6A Stop work orders, interim protection orders and remediation directions
pt 6A, hdg: Subst 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [52]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [38].
pt 6A: Ins 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (14).
Division 1 Stop work orders
pt 6A, div 1: Ins 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [52].
91AA Secretary may make stop work order
(1) If the Secretary is of the opinion that any action is being, or is about to be, carried out that is likely to significantly affect—(a) protected fauna or native plants or their environment, or(b) an Aboriginal object or Aboriginal place, orthe Secretary may order that the action is to cease and that no action, other than such action as may be specified in the order, is to be carried out with respect to that environment or in the vicinity of those items within a period of 40 days after the date of the order.(c) any other item of cultural heritage situated on land reserved under this Act,(1A) After the commencement of Part 11 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, an order under this section may not be made in relation to protected fauna or native plants or their environment.(2) An order takes effect on and from the date on which—(a) a copy of the order is affixed in a conspicuous place in the environment or place the subject of the order, orwhichever is the sooner.(b) the person performing or about to perform the action is notified that the order has been made,(3) This section does not apply in relation to anything authorised to be done by or under—(a) a licence granted under this Act or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, or(b) the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 that is reasonably necessary in order to avoid a threat to life or property.(3A) This section does not apply in relation to any thing authorised to be done by or under the Rural Fires Act 1997 in relation to any emergency fire fighting act within the meaning of that Act.(4) This section does not apply in relation to anything that is essential for the carrying out of—(a) development in accordance with a development consent within the meaning of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, or(b) an activity by a determining authority within the meaning of Part 5 of that Act if the determining authority has complied with that Part, or(c) an activity in accordance with an approval of a determining authority within the meaning of Part 5 of that Act if the determining authority has complied with that Part, or(d) a project approved under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, or(e) State significant infrastructure approved under Part 5.1 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.(5) In this Division, a reference to action being, or about to be, carried out includes a reference to action that should be, but is not being, carried out and an order under this Division may be modified accordingly.(6) A person must not—(a) contravene an order under this section, or(b) cause or permit another person to contravene such an order.Maximum penalty (subsection (6))—(a) in the case of a corporation—10,000 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of 1,000 penalty units for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—1,000 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of 100 penalty units for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against subsection (6) committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 175B.s 91AA: Ins 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [52]. Am 1996 No 30, Sch 2.19 [3]; 1997 No 65, Sch 4.18 [1]; 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [10] [11]; 2002 No 67, Sch 5.6 [1] [2]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [6]; 2005 No 43, Sch 7.12 [1]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [39]; 2011 No 22, Sch 2.18 [1]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.28 [3]; 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [8].
91BB Prior notification of making of stop work order not required
The Secretary is not required, before making an order under this Division, to notify any person who may be affected by the order.ss 91BB–91FF: Ins 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [52].
91CC Appeal to Minister
(1) A person against whom an order is made under this Division may appeal to the Minister against the making of the order.(2) After hearing an appeal, the Minister may—(a) confirm the order, or(b) modify or rescind the order, but only if this is consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development (as described in section 6 (2) of the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991).ss 91BB–91FF: Ins 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [52].
91DD Extension of stop work order
The Secretary may extend an order under this Division for such further period or periods of 40 days as the Secretary thinks fit.ss 91BB–91FF: Ins 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [52].
91EE Consultation about modification of proposed detrimental action
(1) After making an order under this Division, the Secretary must immediately consult with the person proposing to perform the action to determine whether any modification of the action may be sufficient to protect the environment of any protected fauna or native plants.(2) If, in the opinion of the Secretary, satisfactory arrangements cannot be made to protect the environment that is the subject of an order under this Division, the Secretary must recommend the making of an interim protection order under Division 2.(3) The Secretary must not recommend the making of an interim protection order in relation to anything that is authorised to be done by or under an authority referred to in section 91AA (3) or that is essential for a purpose referred to in section 91AA (4).ss 91BB–91FF: Ins 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [52].
91FF Order prevails over other instruments
(1) If an order under this Division is in force in relation to an environment, an approval, notice or order (whether made or issued before or after the order pursuant to this Division) under any other Act that requires or permits the environment to be significantly affected is inoperative to the extent of the inconsistency with the order.(2) This section has effect whether the approval, notice, order or other instrument concerned was made before or after the making of the order under this Division.ss 91BB–91FF: Ins 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [52].
Division 2 Interim protection orders
pt 6A, div 2, hdg: Ins 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [52].
91A Interim protection of areas having significant values
(1) The Secretary may recommend to the Minister the making of an interim protection order in respect of an area of land—(a) which has, in the Secretary’s opinion, natural, scientific or cultural significance, or(b) on which the Secretary intends to exercise any of the Secretary’s powers, authorities, duties or functions under this Act or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 relating to fauna, native plants, threatened species, populations or ecological communities or critical habitat of endangered species, populations or ecological communities, or(c) that is critical habitat or the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community.(2) After the commencement of Part 11 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, a recommendation for the making of an interim protection order may not be made except in relation to areas of cultural significance.s 91A: Ins 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (14). Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [53]–[55]; 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [9].
91B Interim protection orders
(1) The Minister may, after considering a recommendation made under section 91A, make an interim protection order in respect of the area of land the subject of the recommendation.(2) An interim protection order shall take effect on the date of its publication in the Gazette or on a later date specified in the order.(3) An interim protection order may contain terms of a kind set out in the regulations, being terms relating to the preservation, protection and maintenance of the area of land, its fauna, plants, threatened species, populations and ecological communities and critical habitat of endangered species, populations and ecological communities and any Aboriginal object or place subject to the order.s 91B: Ins 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (14). Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [56].
91C Notice of intention to make order not required
The Minister is not required, before making an interim protection order, to notify any person who will be affected by the order of the intention to make the order.s 91C: Ins 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (14).
91D Duration of interim protection order
(1) An interim protection order has effect for such period, being not longer than 2 years, as is specified in the order.(2) An order ceases to have effect if the area of land subject to the order is reserved or dedicated under this Act or the order is revoked.(3) (Repealed)s 91D: Ins 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (14). Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [57] (am 1996 No 30, Sch 2) [58].
91E Revocation of interim protection order
(1) The Minister may revoke an interim protection order by notice of revocation.(2) A notice of revocation shall take effect on the date of its publication in the Gazette or on a later date specified in the notice.s 91E: Ins 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (14).
91F Notice of making of interim protection order
The Minister shall cause notice of an interim protection order and its terms or of the revocation of such an order to be given, as soon as practicable after its publication in the Gazette, to—(a) any person who appears to the Minister to be an owner or occupier of the area of land subject to the order,(b) the Council,(c) the council in whose area (within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1993) the area of land subject to the order is situated, andand shall consider any advice given by the Council relating to the order.(d) any other person the Minister thinks fit,s 91F: Ins 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (14). Am 1995 No 11, Sch 1.84 [2].
91G Failure to comply with interim protection order
A person who is given notice of an interim protection order under section 91F must not—(a) contravene the terms of the order, or(b) cause or permit another person to contravene the terms of the order.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—10,000 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of 1,000 penalty units for each day the offence continues, or(b) in the case of an individual—1,000 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of 100 penalty units for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 175B.s 91G: Ins 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (14). Am 1992 No 112, Sch 1. Subst 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [12]. Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [40]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.28 [4].
91H Appeal against order
(1) An owner or occupier of the whole or any part of an area of land subject to an interim protection order may appeal to the Land and Environment Court against the imposition of the order or any of its terms.(2) Such an appeal shall be made within the time and in the manner provided by the rules of the Court.(3) In deciding an appeal, the Court may have regard to—(a) any hardship caused to the owner or occupier by the imposition of the order or any of its terms, and(b) the purposes of the order.(4) In deciding such an appeal, the Court has all the functions and discretions of the Minister under this Part and may make such order as it thinks fit.(5) A decision of the Court on an appeal is final and shall be given effect to as if it were the decision of the Minister.s 91H: Ins 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (14). Am 2006 No 120, Sch 1.21 [5].
91I Register of orders
(1) The Secretary shall keep a register containing copies of interim protection orders as in force from time to time.(2) The register shall be open for public inspection during ordinary business hours, and copies of or extracts from the register shall be available, on payment of the fee fixed by the Secretary.s 91I: Ins 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (14).
Division 3 Remediation directions
pt 6A, div 3: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [41].
91IA Cessation of operation of Division
After the commencement of Part 11 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, a direction under this Division may not be given except in relation to any land reserved under this Act or acquired under Part 11 or any Aboriginal object or Aboriginal place.s 91IA: In 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [10].
91J Definitions
In this Division—damage—(a) in relation to land reserved under this Act or acquired under Part 11, includes—(i) harming an animal, or picking a plant, that is in or on that land, or(ii) damming, diverting or polluting any waters on that land, or(iii) damage to anything in or on the land (such as a building, structure, pipe, sign, gate, fence etc or any object or place of cultural value), or(iv) removal of anything, or part of anything, in or on the land, and(b) in relation to a plant, includes picking the plant, and(c) in relation to an animal, includes harming the animal.landholder means a person who owns land or who, whether by reason of ownership or otherwise, is in lawful occupation or possession, or has lawful management or control, of land.pollute waters has the same meaning as in the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.waters includes a stream, creek, river, estuary, dam, lake or reservoir.ss 91J–91P: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [41].
91K Directions for remedial work relating to damage to land, habitat and plants and animals
(1) The Secretary may, by notice in writing, direct a person to carry out specified remediation work in a specified manner and within a specified time, if the Secretary is satisfied that—(a) any land reserved under this Act or acquired under Part 11, or(b) any critical habitat, or habitat of threatened species, an endangered population or an endangered ecological community, orhas been damaged in or as a result of the commission of an offence under this Act (whether or not any person has been proceeded against or convicted for the offence).(c) any plant or animal that is of, or is part of, a threatened species, an endangered population or an endangered ecological community,(2) The specified remediation work to be carried out by a person may include one or more of the following types of work—(a) work to control, abate or mitigate the damage to the land, habitat, plant or animal concerned,(b) work to maintain, remediate or restore the damaged land, habitat, plant or animal concerned (including replacing removed or dead plants or animals).(3) A direction under this section may be varied or revoked by a further notice in writing.ss 91J–91P: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [41].
91L Directions for remedial work relating to harm to Aboriginal objects and places
(1) The Secretary may, by notice in writing, direct a person to carry out specified remediation work in a specified manner and within a specified time, if the Secretary is satisfied that—(a) any Aboriginal object, orhas been harmed in or as a result of the commission of an offence under this Act (whether or not any person has been proceeded against or convicted for the offence).(b) any Aboriginal place,(2) The specified remediation work to be carried out by a person may include one or more of the following types of work—(a) work to control, abate or mitigate the harm to the Aboriginal object or Aboriginal place concerned,(b) work to protect, conserve, maintain, remediate or restore the harmed Aboriginal object or Aboriginal place concerned.(3) A direction under this section may be varied or revoked by a further notice in writing.ss 91J–91P: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [41].
91M Persons to whom directions may be given
A direction under this Division may be given to any or all of the following persons—(a) the current or former landholder of any land affected by the damage or harm referred to in section 91K or 91L or on which such damage or harm occurred,(b) any other person the Secretary reasonably believes is responsible for that damage or harm or caused or permitted that damage or harm.ss 91J–91P: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [41].
91N Other ancillary actions that may be directed to be carried out
The Secretary in a direction under this Division may also direct a person to carry out the following actions—(a) ascertaining the nature and extent of the damage or harm concerned and furnishing the information or records obtained to other persons (including to the Secretary),(b) preparing, furnishing and carrying out a plan of action,(c) furnishing progress reports,(d) monitoring, sampling and analysing anything to ascertain the nature and extent of the harm concerned or the progress in remediating the harm,(e) vacating the land concerned (or part of it), ceasing to carry on, modifying, or not commencing, an activity on, or use of, the land (or part of it),(f) carrying on an activity (or an aspect of it) only during particular times or in a particular manner,(g) in relation to harm to an Aboriginal object or place, preparing a report on an activity’s likely impact on the Aboriginal object or Aboriginal place concerned,(h) construction, installation or removal of anything (including plants and structures such as fencing, walls, bunds or other barriers),(i) erecting or displaying on the land concerned any sign or notice containing directions to persons not to enter the land or not to use the land in a specified manner or for a specified purpose or containing other directions of that kind or any other kind,(j) refraining from disturbance or further disturbance of the land concerned in a specified manner or below a specified depth,(k) informing the Secretary of any change in the ownership or occupancy of the land concerned, to the extent that the person subject to the requirement is aware of the change,(l) in relation to harm to an Aboriginal object or place, consulting with Aboriginal community groups or representatives (for example to develop a strategy or plan in relation to the remediation work),(m) in relation to harm to an Aboriginal object, moving the object.ss 91J–91P: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [41].
91O Other person may carry out remediation work if failure to comply with direction
(1) If a person fails to comply with a direction under section 91K or 91L, the Secretary may direct any other person to enter the land concerned and carry out all or part of the specified work.(2) The Secretary may recover the cost of that work from the person given the direction in any court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due by that person to the Crown.ss 91J–91P: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [41].
91P Entry to land to carry out direction
(1) A person may enter land to carry out a direction under this Division.(2) Nothing in this Division authorises a person to enter any part of premises used only for residential purposes except with the consent of the occupier of the premises.ss 91J–91P: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [41].
91Q Failure to comply with remediation direction
(1) A person must not, without reasonable excuse—(a) contravene a direction under this Division, or(b) cause or permit another person to contravene such a direction.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—2,000 penalty units and 200 penalty units for each day the offence continues, or(b) in any other case—1,000 penalty units and 100 penalty units for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against subsection (1) committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 175B.(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), an example of a reasonable excuse is that the person was unable to enter land because of the refusal of access to the land by its occupier, but entry to that land was essential for the person to avoid committing the relevant offence.s 91Q: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [41]. Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.28 [5].
91R Delay or obstruction of remediation direction
A person must not wilfully delay or obstruct another person—(a) who is carrying out any action in compliance with a direction under this Division, or(b) who is authorised to enter land and carry out work under this Division.Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—2,000 penalty units and 200 penalty units for each day the offence continues, or(b) in any other case—1,000 penalty units and 100 penalty units for each day the offence continues.Note—An offence against this section committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 175B.s 91R: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [41]. Am 2012 No 97, Sch 1.28 [6].
91S Recovery by person given notice
If the person given a direction under this Division complies with the direction but was not the person who caused the damage or harm concerned, the cost of complying with the direction may be recovered by the person who complied with the direction as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction from the person who caused the damage or harm.s 91S: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [41].
91T Appeals under this Division
(1) A person given a direction under this Division may appeal against the direction to the Land and Environment Court within 30 days of the service of the notice of the direction.(2) The lodging of an appeal does not, except to the extent that the Land and Environment Court otherwise directs in relation to the appeal, operate to stay action on the direction appealed against.s 91T: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [41].
Part 7 National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust
pt 7: Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].
Division 1 Preliminary
pt 7, div 1: Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].
92 Definitions
In this Part—Public Fund—see section 105(1).Trust means the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust established under section 93.s 92: Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].ss 92A–92E: Ins 1991 No 66, Sch 1 (3). Rep 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [59].
Division 2 Establishment, functions and operation of Trust
pt 7, div 2: Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].
93 Establishment of Trust
There is established by this Act a body corporate with the corporate name of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust of New South Wales.s 93: Subst 1991 No 66, Sch 1 (4). Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [60]; 2009 No 56, Sch 4.45. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].
94 Status of Trust
(1) The Trust is a statutory body representing the Crown.(2) The Trust is subject to the control and direction of the Minister, except in relation to payments from the Public Fund.(3) The Trust must publish directions given to the Trust by the Minister on the Trust’s website.s 94: Subst 1991 No 66, Sch 1 (5). Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [61]; 2009 No 56, Sch 4.45. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].s 94A: Ins 1983 No 183, Sch 5 (5). Rep 1991 No 66, Sch 1 (6).
95 Trust Board
(1) There is to be a Board of the Trust.(2) The Board of the Trust must consist of at least 5, and no more than 11, members appointed by the Minister.(3) The affairs of the Trust are to be managed by the Board.(4) An act, matter or thing done in the name of, or on behalf of, the Trust by the Board is taken to have been done by the Trust.(5) The Minister may do the following, in accordance with the regulations in relation to the Board—(a) appoint members of the Board, including persons with skills and experience in areas the Minister considers relevant,(b) appoint a Chairperson and a Deputy Chairperson of the Board,(c) determine remuneration and entitlements for travelling or other expenses for members of the Board,(d) remove a member of the Board from office,(e) establish committees and procedures for the committees,(f) dissolve the Board.(6) The regulations may make provisions about the following—(a) the composition of the membership of the Board appointed by the Minister,(b) procedures for nominations to the Board,(c) procedures for the administration of membership of the Board, including the term of office for members of the Board,(d) the procedures for—(i) calling of meetings of the Board, and(ii) conducting business at the meetings, including procedures to be determined by the Board,(e) procedures in relation to possible conflicts of interest,(f) the application of the Government Sector Employment Act 2013 to members of the Board,(g) fees that may be determined by the Board for services,(h) requirements for the seal of the Trust,(i) the dissolution of the Board.s 95: Rep 1995 No 60, Sch 1 [3]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].
96 Object of Trust
(1) The object of the Trust is to support and promote the protection and enhancement of the natural environment through the use of gifts of money and property received by the Public Fund by supporting the following actions, if the actions are in addition to actions that are or would ordinarily be taken—(a) the acquisition of lands under this Act,(b) scientific research and monitoring,(c) threatened species conservation, including restoration,(d) projects that support the involvement of Aboriginal people in park management, including joint management,(e) activities or classes of activities prescribed by the regulations, other than activities that are part of routine land management or routine visitor management.(2) The Trust is not-for-profit.(3) The object of the Trust is also its principal purpose.Note—For donations to the Public Fund to have tax deductible status under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 of the Commonwealth, Subdivision 30-E, the Trust must have as its principal purpose the protection and enhancement of the natural environment or of a significant aspect of the natural environment.s 96: Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [62]; 1999 No 85, Sch 1.20 [4]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].
97 Functions of Trust
The Trust has the following functions—(a) to establish and maintain the Public Fund,(b) to invite and encourage members of the public and organisations to make gifts of money and property to the Public Fund,(c) to establish and maintain a website for the purposes of facilitating the functions of the Trust,(d) to use gifts, devises, bequests or contributions received by the Public Fund to support and promote actions specified in section 96(1)(a)–(e) to the extent that the actions promote the protection and enhancement of the natural environment,(e) to assess and analyse lands for potential acquisition by payments from the Public Fund,(f) to invest money held in the Public Fund,(g) to exercise functions delegated to the Trust under this Act,(h) another function conferred or imposed on the Trust by this Act or another law.s 97: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 5 (6); 1986 No 133, Sch 1 (2); 1991 No 66, Sch 1 (7). Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].
98 Powers of Trust
(1) The Trust has power to do all things that are necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the exercise of its functions or that are supplemental or incidental to, or consequential on, the exercise of its functions.(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the Trust has power to do the following—(a) to buy, sell, hold, mortgage, lease or otherwise deal with land or other property,(b) to borrow money, either with or without security,(c) to act as trustee of money or other property vested in the Trust,(d) to invest money held in the Public Fund—(i) if the Trust is a GSF agency for the purposes of the Government Sector Finance Act 2018, Part 6—in a way that the Trust is permitted to invest money under that Part, or(ii) if the Trust is not a GSF agency for the purposes of the Government Sector Finance Act 2018, Part 6—in the same way as trustees may invest trust funds or in another way approved by the Treasurer,(e) to make and enter into contracts or other arrangements for the carrying out of works, the performance of services or the supply of goods or materials,(f) to appoint agents,(g) to set fees in relation to administrative matters.s 98: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 4 (1), 5 (7); 1991 No 66, Sch 1 (8); 1993 No 78, Sch 1 (2); 1993 No 108, Sch 2; 1995 No 60, Sch 1 [4]; 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [63]–[69]; 2001 No 130, Schs 1 [127], 3 [13]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [7]–[10]; 2004 No 88, Sch 3.1 [3]; 2005 No 43, Sch 7.12 [2]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [2]; 2011 No 22, Sch 2.18 [2]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].
99 Staff of Trust
(1) Persons may be employed in the Public Service under the Government Sector Employment Act 2013 to enable the Trust to exercise its functions.Note—The Government Sector Employment Act 2013, section 59 provides that the persons employed, or whose services the Trust makes use of, may be referred to as officers or employees, or members of staff, of the Trust. The Constitution Act 1902, section 47A precludes the Trust from employing staff.(2) The Trust may engage consultants for the purpose of getting expert advice.s 99: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 4 (2); 1986 No 133, Sch 1 (3); 1989 No 21, sec 3; 1991 No 66, Sch 1 (9); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [70]–[74]; 1997 No 65, Sch 4.18 [2]; 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [14]; 2002 No 53, Sch 1.20 [2]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [11]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.28 [7]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].s 99A: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [15]. Am 2005 No 43, Sch 7.12 [3]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [42]–[44]; 2011 No 22, Sch 2.18 [3]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11].
100 Delegation by Trust
The Trust may delegate a function of the Trust, other than this power of delegation, to—(a) a member of the Board of the Trust, or(b) an employee of the Trust, or(c) a person, or a person of a class, prescribed by the regulations.s 100: Am 1991 No 66, Sch 1 (10); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [75] [76]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].
101 Annual reporting information for Trust
The regulations may prescribe additional matters relating to the exercise of the Trust’s functions that the Trust is required to include in the annual reporting information prepared for the Trust under the Government Sector Finance Act 2018.s 101: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 4 (3); 1986 No 133, Sch 1 (4); 1991 No 66, Sch 1 (11); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [77]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [12]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [45]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17]. Subst 2018 No 70, Sch 4.72[1] (ins 2021 No 47, Sch 3.2).
102 Exemption from certain State taxes
The Duties Act 1997 does not apply to or in relation to—(a) the acquisition of land by the Trust for the purposes of this Act, or(b) the leasing of land, whether as lessor or lessee, by the Trust for the purposes of this Act, or(c) the disposal of land by the Trust under this Act.s 102: Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [46]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].
Division 3 National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Public Fund
pt 7, div 3: Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].
103 Definitions
In this Division—Environment Secretary has the same meaning as in the ITAA 1997.ITAA 1997 means the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 of the Commonwealth.s 103: Am 1993 No 78, Sch 1 (3); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [78]–[80]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [2]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].
104 Registration of Trust as environmental organisation
(1) The Trust must comply with the requirements set out in the ITAA 1997, Subdivision 30-E in relation to the Trust’s registration as an environmental organisation within the meaning of the ITAA 1997.(2) In particular, the Trust must—(a) establish and maintain a not-for-profit public fund that meets the requirements of the ITAA 1997, section 30-130, in accordance with section 105, and(b) comply with a rule the Commonwealth Minister and the Environment Minister make to ensure that gifts made to the public fund are used only for the principal purpose of the Trust, and(c) not pay any of the Trust’s profits or financial surplus, or give any of the Trust’s property, to its members, and(d) not act as a mere conduit for the donation of money or property to other organisations, bodies or persons, and(e) agree to give the Environment Secretary, within a reasonable period after the end of each income year, statistical information about gifts made to the Public Fund during the income year.(3) In this section—Commonwealth Minister means a Commonwealth Minister responsible for administering the relevant provisions of the ITAA 1997.Environment Minister has the same meaning as in the ITAA 1997.s 104: Am 1992 No 85, Sch 2; 1993 No 78, Sch 1 (4); 2004 No 16, Sch 2.8 [2]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [47]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].
105 National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Public Fund
(1) The public fund referred to in section 104(2)(a) must be called the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Public Fund (the Public Fund).(2) The Trust must—(a) maintain and only use the Public Fund for the principal purpose of the Trust, and(b) hold all accountable gifts in the Public Fund, and(c) not hold other money or property in the Public Fund, and(d) pay all money held in the Public Fund into an account kept, for the purposes of the Public Fund, with an authorised deposit-taking institution, and(e) keep records that record and explain all transactions and other acts the Trust engages in that are relevant to the Trust’s endorsement as a deductible gift recipient for operating the Public Fund, andNote—The Taxation Administration Act 1953 of the Commonwealth, Schedule 1, section 382-15 requires deductible gift recipients to keep certain records.(f) issue receipts in the name of the Public Fund for accountable gifts worth $2 or more, and(g) notify the Australian Taxation Office and the Environment Secretary of any changes made to the provisions of this Act that relate to the Trust or the Public Fund after the Trust is registered as an environmental organisation under the ITAA 1997, Subdivision 30-E.(3) In this section—accountable gifts means gifts, property, contributions or money referred to in the ITAA 1997, section 30-130.ADI has in the ITAA 1997.has the same meaning ass 105: Subst 1993 No 78, Sch 1 (5). Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [48]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].s 105A: Ins 1993 No 78, Sch 1 (6). Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [49]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11].
106 Transfer of assets on winding up
(1) At the first occurrence of a winding up event, the Trust must transfer surplus assets of the Public Fund that can be deducted under the ITAA 1997, Division 30 to a tax exempt fund determined by the Minister.(2) The Minister must give preference to tax exempt funds that operate principally in New South Wales.(3) In this section—tax exempt fund means a public fund that is—(a) on the register of environmental organisations kept under the ITAA 1997, Subdivision 30-E, and(b) maintained for a similar purpose to the principal purpose of the Trust.winding up event means—(a) the winding up of the Trust, or(b) the winding up of the Public Fund, or(c) the revocation of the Trust’s endorsement as a deductible gift recipient under the ITAA 1997, Division 30.s 106: Am 1993 No 78, Sch 1 (7). Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].
107 Regulations
The regulations may make provisions about matters necessary to ensure compliance with a requirement under the ITAA 1997 for the proper functioning of the Trust as a registered environmental organisation under the ITAA 1997, including in relation to—(a) additional administrative arrangements to address a requirement, or(b) additional governance arrangements to address a requirement.s 107: Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [50]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11]. Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[17].
Parts 8, 9
108–136 (Repealed)
s 108: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 6 (10); 1993 No 78, Sch 1 (8); 1997 No 147, Sch 1.16 [3]; 1999 No 31, Sch 2.24. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [16].
s 109: Subst 1983 No 183, Sch 5 (8); 1989 No 89, Sch 1. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11].
s 110: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 4 (4), 6 (6); 1989 No 226, Sch 1; 1992 No 112, Sch 1; 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [81]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11].
s 111: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 4 (5); 1992 No 112, Sch 1; 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [82]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11].
s 112: Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [83]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [11].
pt 7A: Ins 1986 No 133, Sch 1 (5). Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [12].
s 112A: Ins 1986 No 133, Sch 1 (5). Am 1994 No 38, Sch 8. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [12].
ss 112B–112E: Ins 1986 No 133, Sch 1 (5). Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [12].
s 112F: Ins 1986 No 133, Sch 1 (5). Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [84]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [13]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [12].
s 112G: Ins 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [85]. Am 1997 No 65, Sch 4.18 [2]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [14] [15]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [12].
pt 8: Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [13].
s 113: Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [13].
s 114: Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [13].
s 115: Am 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [17]; 2009 No 56, Sch 4.45. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [13].
s 115A: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [18]. Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [51]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [13].
s 116: Am 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [19]; 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [1] [5]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [13].
s 117: Am 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [36]; 1998 No 163, Sch 10 [1]; 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [20] [21]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [16] [17]; 2011 No 62, Sch 1.11 [4]; 2012 No 96, Sch 4.24 [1]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [13].
s 118: Am 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [22]–[24]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [18]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [13].
pt 8A: Ins 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [86]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [14].
s 118A: Ins 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [86]. Am 1997 No 55, Sch 1.15 [3] [4]; 1997 No 65, Sch 4.18 [1]; 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [25]–[30]; 2002 No 67, Sch 5.6 [3] [4]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [19]–[24]; 2004 No 88, Sch 3.1 [4]; 2005 No 43, Sch 7.12 [4]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [52]; 2011 No 22, Sch 2.18 [4]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.28 [8]; 2013 No 108, Sch 2.1 [1]; 2014 No 32, Sch 2 [1]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [14].
s 118B: Ins 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [86]. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [31]–[33]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [25]–[27]; 2003 No 40, Sch 1.32 [3]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [52]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.28 [9]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [14].
s 118C: Ins 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [86]. Am 1997 No 55, Sch 1.15 [3] [4]; 1997 No 65, Sch 4.18 [1]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [28] [29]; 2005 No 43, Sch 7.12 [5]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [53]–[56]; 2011 No 22, Sch 2.18 [5]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.28 [10]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [14].
s 118D: Ins 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [86]. Am 1997 No 55, Sch 1.15 [3] [4]; 1997 No 65, Sch 4.18 [1]; 2002 No 67, Sch 5.6 [5] [6]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [30]–[32]; 2004 No 88, Sch 3.1 [5] [6]; 2005 No 43, Sch 7.12 [6]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [53] [55] [57]–[62]; 2011 No 22, Sch 2.18 [6]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.28 [11]; 2013 No 108, Sch 2.1 [2]; 2014 No 32, Sch 2 [2]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [14].
s 118E: Ins 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [86]. Am 1999 No 94, Sch 4.41; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [33] [34]; 2006 No 125, Sch 2.6 [1] [2]. Rep 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [63].
s 118F: Ins 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [35]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [14].
s 118G: Ins 2004 No 88, Sch 3.1 [7]. Am 2013 No 51, Sch 7.31 [3]; 2015 No 24, Sch 8.28 [1]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [14].
pt 9, hdg: Subst 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [36]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
pt 9: Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
pt 9, div 1: Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 119: Am 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [9]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
pt 9, div 2: Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 120: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (33); 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (13); 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (15); 1989 No 89, Sch 1; 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (16); 1991 No 66, Sch 1 (12); 1995 No 60, Sch 1 [5]; 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [87]–[92]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [41]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [157]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [37] [38]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [10]; 2012 No 104, Sch 2 [1]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 121: Am 1995 No 60, Sch 1 [6]; 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [93]–[97]; 1996 No 121, Sch 1.12 [1]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [2] [10]; 2012 No 104, Sch 2 [2]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 122: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (34); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (17); 1995 No 60, Sch 1 [7] [8]; 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [98] (am 1996 No 30, Sch 2) [99] [100]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [41]. Rep 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [158].
s 123: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (35); 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (14); 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (16); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (18); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [101]–[103]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [41]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [157]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [10]–[12]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [64]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 124: Am 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [10]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 125: Am 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [10]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 125A: Ins 1993 No 78, Sch 1 (9). Am 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [10]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 126: Am 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [10]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 127: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 5 (9). Subst 1989 No 89, Sch 1. Am 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [10]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 128: Am 1989 No 226, Sch 1; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [10]. Rep 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [65].
s 129: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (36); 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (15); 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (17); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (19); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [104] [105]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [41]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73] [127] [149] [159]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [2]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 130: Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [106]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
pt 9, div 3: Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 131: Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [107]; 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [34]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [39]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [10]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 132: Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [108]; 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [35]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [10]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 132A: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [36]. Am 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [10]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 132B: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [36]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
pt 9, div 3A: Ins 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [40]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 132C: Ins 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [40]. Am 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [10]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [66]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 132D: Ins 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [40]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 132E: Ins 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [40]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
pt 9, div 4: Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 133: Am 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [109]; 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [37]; 2002 No 78, Sch 2.5 [41]; 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [10] [13] [14]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [67]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.28 [12]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 134: Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 135: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 6 (11); 2008 No 62, Sch 1.16 [15]. Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
s 136: Rep 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [15].
Part 10 Finance
137 National Parks and Wildlife Fund
The National Parks and Wildlife Fund established under the Act of 1967 shall continue in existence and shall be kept at the Treasury in the Special Deposits Account.
138 Payments into Fund
(1) There shall be paid into the Fund—(a) all money provided by Parliament for the purposes of this Act (including money provided for the expenses incurred or likely to be incurred by boards of management in connection with the preparation of plans of management for, and the care, control and management of, lands reserved or dedicated under Part 4A), the Wilderness Act 1987 or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (except any money provided by Parliament for the purposes of the Biodiversity Banking Account or Biobanking Trust Fund under Part 7A of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995),(a1) all money provided by Parliament for the management of any land for which the National Parks and Wildlife Reserve Trust is the Crown land manager,(b) all money received in respect of—(i) leases, licences, permits or occupancies within a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve, Aboriginal area or land for which the National Parks and Wildlife Reserve Trust is the Crown land manager,(ia) the creation of and dealing with carbon sequestration rights in land acquired, reserved or dedicated under this Act,(ii) leases and licences granted under section 149 (4),(iii) royalties, fees and charges under this Act or the regulations, the Wilderness Act 1987, the Snowy Mountains Cloud Seeding Act 2004 or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or the regulations made under those Acts, except those that are required to be paid into the Biodiversity Banking Account or Biobanking Trust Fund under Part 7A of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995,(iiia) despite the provisions of any other Act, royalties, fees and charges in respect of land for which the National Parks and Wildlife Reserve Trust is the Crown land manager,(iv) franchises granted under section 152,(v) easements or rights of way granted under section 153,(vi) community service contributions,(vii) penalties recovered pursuant to this Act or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or the regulations made under those Acts, or (despite the provisions of any other Act) under another Act in respect of land for which the National Parks and Wildlife Reserve Trust is the Crown land manager, except penalties recovered pursuant to Part 7A of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or the regulations under that Part,(viii) property forfeited pursuant to this Act or the regulations,(ix) costs paid pursuant to an order under section 176 (3),(x) amounts paid pursuant to an order under section 177, and(xi) policies of insurance under which money is paid to the Minister or the Secretary with respect to any national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area, or any property in the custody or under the control of the Secretary,(b1) all money received in respect of—(i) rent paid by the Minister in respect of lands leased under Part 4A, and(ii) matters of a kind referred to in paragraph (b) in respect of those lands,(c) any money acquired by the Minister pursuant to section 148, except money required to be paid into the Biodiversity Banking Account under Part 7A of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995,(d) any money received by the Minister pursuant to section 149, except money required to be paid into the Biodiversity Banking Account under Part 7A of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995,(e) any other money received in connection with any national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area or any proposed national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area,(e1) any money received from the Sydney Catchment Authority in connection with carrying out and giving effect to a plan of management adopted under the Sydney Water Catchment Management Act 1998,(e2) any money received by the Secretary or a board of management in connection with an order of a court under section 201, 203 or 204 of this Act or section 141J, 141L or 141M of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995,(f) any money received in connection with any wildlife refuge or conservation area, and(g) any other money received in connection with the administration of this Act, the Wilderness Act 1987 or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, other than money received in the prescribed circumstances (if any) or money payable into the Biodiversity Banking Account or Biobanking Trust Fund under Part 7A of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.(1A) Within the Fund there is to be a separate account for each area of lands leased under Part 4A.(1B) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), any money paid into the Fund, including rent paid by the Minister, in respect of an area of lands leased under Part 4A is to be carried into the separate account in the Fund that relates to that area.(1C) Any money referred to in subsection (1B) may, pending its application in accordance with this Act, be invested by the Minister with the Treasurer or in any manner in which trustees are for the time being authorised to invest trust funds.(2) Where any money acquired by the Minister pursuant to section 148 is subject to any condition to which the Minister has agreed, the money shall be carried to a separate account in the Fund and shall be applied in accordance with the condition.(3) Any money referred to in subsection (2) may, pending application in accordance with the condition so referred to, be invested by the Minister with the Treasurer or in any manner in which trustees are for the time being authorised to invest trust funds.(4) A reference in subsection (1) (b) (i) or (e) to a regional park does not include a reference to a regional park that is, or is proposed to be, under the care, control and management of a local council.(5) Money received in connection with the administration of the biodiversity certification scheme (including any fees paid under the scheme or any monetary contributions made for the purposes of the scheme) is not to be paid into the National Parks and Wildlife Fund.(6) In this section—biodiversity certification scheme means—(a) the provisions of Part 7AA of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and any regulations made for the purposes of that Part, and(b) the provisions of Parts 7 and 8 of Schedule 7 to that Act (which relate to biodiversity certification of environmental planning instruments).s 138: Am 1980 No 80, Sch 1 (10); 1983 No 183, Schs 2 (13), 3 (37); 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (8); 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (16); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (20); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [110] [111]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [42]–[44]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [37]–[39]; 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [10]; 2001 No 92, Sch 1 [2]; 2001 No 130, Schs 1 [73] (am 2002 No 112, Sch 2.12 [1]) [149] [150], 4 [3]–[6]; 2005 No 64, Sch 1.22 [4]; 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [12]; 2006 No 125, Sch 2.6 [3]–[8]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [68] [69]; 2010 No 39, Sch 2.4 [1]; 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [15]; 2012 No 73, Sch 2.1 [1]; 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [22]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[18].
139 Payments out of Fund
(1) No money shall be paid out of the Fund except under the authority of this Act or in accordance with section 52 (2) (b) of the Fire and Rescue NSW Act 1989.(2) There may be paid out of the Fund—(a) all charges, costs and expenses incurred by the Minister or the Secretary in exercising and performing the Minister’s or the Secretary’s powers, authorities, duties and functions under this Act, the Wilderness Act 1987 or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, except those incurred under the biodiversity certification scheme and the biobanking scheme,(b) all money allocated by the Minister for expenditure by a state conservation area trust in connection with a state conservation area or by a regional park trust in connection with a regional park,(b1) all charges, costs and expenses incurred by the National Parks and Wildlife Reserve Trust in exercising its functions in relation to land for which it is the Crown land manager,(c) the fees and travelling and other expenses payable to the members of the Council or any committee under this Act, the Wilderness Act 1987 or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995,(d) the cost of acquiring land for the purposes of this Act, the Wilderness Act 1987 or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995,(e) the cost of improvement of any land adjoining or in the vicinity of a national park, historic site, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve, Aboriginal area or state conservation area, where in the opinion of the Minister this is desirable to provide or improve access to the park, site, reserve or area, or to provide or improve facilities or amenities for persons visiting the park, site, reserve or area,(f) all money which the Minister directs shall be set aside to provide a reserve for insurance,(g) all money allocated by the Minister for expenditure on Aboriginal areas,(g1) the cost of the Minister creating and dealing with carbon sequestration rights in land acquired, reserved or dedicated under this Act,(h) the cost of acquiring Aboriginal objects or land in which Aboriginal objects or Aboriginal places are situated,(i) the cost of erecting and maintaining buildings or structures for the safe custody, storage or exhibition of any Aboriginal object,(j) the cost of entering into, and giving effect to, agreements under sections 145 and 146,(k) the cost of carrying out the purposes for which land is acquired or occupied under section 146,(l) all costs incurred under sections 147 and 149 (except in relation to a dealing in land or other property, or an interest in property, the proceeds of which are payable into the Biodiversity Banking Account under Part 7A of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995),(m1) charges, costs and expenses incurred in the administration of the Marine Estate Management Act 2014,(m2) the cost of carrying out and giving effect to a plan of management adopted under the Sydney Water Catchment Management Act 1998,(m3) charges, costs and expenses incurred by the Service in connection with cloud seeding operations authorised by the Snowy Mountains Cloud Seeding Act 2004,(m) all money allocated by the Minister for use in connection with a wildlife refuge or conservation area,(n) all money to be paid to Local Land Services under section 141, and(o) any other costs, charges, expenses, money or fees prescribed by the regulations.(3) Any money set aside, as referred to in subsection (2) (f), may be invested by the Minister with the Treasurer or in any manner in which trustees are for the time being authorised to invest trust funds.(4) Where—(a) any lands are acquired under Part 11 out of money wholly or partly provided by Parliament, andthere shall be paid from the Fund to the Treasurer, out of the proceeds of the sale referred to in paragraph (b), such amount as the Treasurer may determine.(b) those lands, or any part thereof, are sold under section 149,(5) Any money in a separate account kept under section 138 (1B) in respect of lands reserved or dedicated under Part 4A must be applied—(a) for the management of the lands (including the preparation of a plan of management for the lands), and(b) in accordance with the provisions of any plan of management for the lands.(6) In this section—biobanking scheme means the provisions of Part 7A of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and any regulations made for the purposes of that Part.biodiversity certification scheme means—(a) the provisions of Part 7AA of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and any regulations made for the purposes of that Part, and(b) the provisions of Parts 7 and 8 of Schedule 7 to that Act (which relate to biodiversity certification of environmental planning instruments).s 139: Am 1980 No 80, Sch 1 (11); 1983 No 60, sec 2; 1983 No 183, Schs 2 (14), 3 (38); 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (17); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (21); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [112]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [45] [46]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [40]; 1997 No 55, Sch 1.15 [2]; 1997 No 64, Sch 4.3; 1997 No 147, Sch 2.18 [2]; 2001 No 92, Sch 1 [3]; 2001 No 130, Schs 1 [73] [149] [160] [161], 4 [7]; 2006 No 125, Sch 2.6 [9] [10]; 2008 No 112, Sch 6.20 [2]; 2009 No 84, Sch 1.2; 2010 No 39, Sch 2.4 [2] [3]; 2012 No 73, Sch 2.1 [2]; 2013 No 51, Sch 7.31 [2]; 2014 No 72, Sch 4.8 [2]; 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [23]; 2018 No 59, Sch 5.1; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[19]–[21].
140 Community service contribution
(1) The Secretary shall from time to time assess the amount of the contribution to be paid by the holder of a lease of or licence to occupy or use lands within a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve or karst conservation reserve for the cost of providing or maintaining any community service in the park, site, area or reserve.(2) The Secretary may levy the contribution payable by the holder of the lease or licence by serving on the holder a written notice of the contribution payable.(3) The notice referred to in subsection (2) may—(a) relate to one or more types of community service, and(b) specify a date by which the contribution must be paid.(3A) The amount of the contribution is due and payable to, and is recoverable by, the Secretary—(a) if a date is specified in the notice referred to in subsection (2)—on that date, or(b) if no such date is specified—on the expiration of one month from the service of the notice.(3B) Nothing in this section prevents the Secretary from issuing separate notices to the same holder of a lease or licence for different types of community service.(4) The Minister, on the recommendation of the Secretary, may for any reason which to the Minister seems sufficient exempt any such holder from the payment of such a contribution or part thereof.(5) In this section, community service includes the following actions or services when undertaken or provided in connection with public health or building safety—(a) making an inspection,(b) conducting an audit,(c) receiving an application,(d) granting an approval.s 140: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (39); 1989 No 84, Sch 1 (8); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (22); 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [47] [48]; 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [11]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73] [149]; 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [13]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [70] [71].
141 Payment of rates to Local Land Services in Western Division
(1) (Repealed)(2) An amount is, subject to this section, payable to Local Land Services equal to the amount that would have been payable to Local Land Services under Part 5 (Rates, levies and contributions) of the Local Land Services Act 2013 by way of rates for any period, in respect of land reserved as national parks or historic sites or dedicated as nature reserves or karst conservation reserves, had the land been rateable land under that Act at all relevant times after they were so reserved or dedicated.(3) No amount is payable under subsection (2) except upon an application—(a) made to the Secretary in the prescribed manner and within the prescribed time, and(b) containing the prescribed particulars.(4) Any dispute between the Secretary and Local Land Services with respect to the particulars contained in an application or the amount payable under this section shall be determined in accordance with such directions as the Minister, after consultation with the Minister for Agriculture, may give.(5) Nothing in this section requires or authorises the payment of an amount in relation to any period before the commencement day.s 141: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (40); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (23); 1998 No 143, Sch 6.16 [2] [3]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [77]; 2008 No 112, Sch 6.20 [3] [4]; 2013 No 51, Sch 7.31 [4]–[6].
142 Royalty
(1) Royalty shall, in accordance with the regulations, be payable to the Crown at the prescribed rates upon such species of fauna and the skins of such species of fauna as may be prescribed.(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), royalty shall not be payable under this section in respect of a skin or carcase to which there has been affixed or attached in compliance with a condition of a licence issued under Division 2 of Part 9 a label, tag, slip or other object for which a charge or fee has been paid pursuant to regulations made under section 154 (e).
143 Charges and fees
(1) Where the Minister, the Secretary or an officer of the Service—(a) supplies any service, product or commodity,(b) grants any licence to carry on a trade, business or occupation,(c) gives, varies or transfers any permission, consent or approval or issues any licence, registration certificate or permit,(d) furnishes any information,(e) processes an application for any permission, consent, approval, licence, registration certificate or permit (including by making an inspection or conducting an audit in connection with the application),(f) provides advice on request (including by way of lecture or seminar), orunder this Act or the regulations, the Wilderness Act 1987 or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or the regulations under those Acts or in connection with any national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area, the Secretary or an officer of the Service may make, demand, levy and recover such charges and fees as may be prescribed or where no charge or fee is prescribed such charges and fees as may be fixed by the Secretary, subject to the maximum (if any) prescribed.(g) provides administrative services on request (including photocopying and the like),(2) Nothing in this section prevents the Secretary or an officer of the Service making, demanding, levying or recovering separate charges or fees in respect of the same person for the supply of different things or carrying out of different activities.(3) The services referred to in subsection (1) include, but are not limited to, health or building services provided or maintained by the Secretary in a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area.s 143: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 3 (41), 5 (10); 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (8); 1989 No 226, Sch 1; 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (24); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [113]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [49]; 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [12]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73] [149]; 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [14]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [72]–[75].
144 (Repealed)
s 144: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (42); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (25). Rep 1993 No 32, Sch 2.
144A Overdue community service contributions, charges, fees and other money
(1) Interest on overdue money payable in respect of—(a) leases, licences, permits or occupancies within reserved or dedicated lands, and(b) leases and licences granted under section 149 (4), and(c) royalties, fees and charges under this Act, the Wilderness Act 1987 or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, and(d) franchises granted under section 152, and(e) easements or rights of way granted under section 153, andshall be payable in accordance with this section.(f) community service contributions under section 140,(2) If payment of the whole or any part of an amount payable in respect of a matter referred to in subsection (1) has not been made at the date when the amount was due, the balance due from time to time after that date is to attract interest—(a) except as provided by paragraph (b)—calculated at the prescribed rate, or(b) in the case of interest payable under a lease, agreement or other instrument the terms of which fix a rate of interest that is higher than the prescribed rate—calculated at that higher rate.(3) If the Minister, on the recommendation of the Secretary, is satisfied that circumstances warrant it, the Minister may—(a) direct that an amount due shall not attract interest in accordance with this section, or(b) grant an extension of time after the due date during which the amount payable or due for the time being will not attract interest, or(c) remit the payment of the whole or any part of any interest payable under this section.(4) No refund shall be made as a consequence of a remission under subsection (3) (c).(5) This section applies to overdue money payable before, as well as on or after, the commencement of this section, in so far as it is due on and after that commencement, and so applies notwithstanding the terms of any lease, agreement or other instrument under which the money is payable.(6) Interest payable under this section may be recovered in the same way as the money in respect of which it is payable.s 144A: Ins 1989 No 84, Sch 1 (9). Am 1990 No 46, Sch 1; 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [114]; 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [13]; 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [15]; 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [15].
144B Annual reporting information for Service
The Service is to include a statement of its operations and expenditure in connection with lands reserved or dedicated under Part 4A in the annual reporting information prepared for it under the Government Sector Finance Act 2018.s 144B: Ins 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [41]. Subst 2018 No 70, Sch 4.72.
Part 11 Acquisition and disposal of property
145 Acquisition of land for reservation or other purposes
The Minister may, for the purpose of obtaining land for reservation under Part 4 or Part 4A, of conserving threatened species, populations or ecological communities, or their habitats or of preserving, protecting and preventing damage to Aboriginal objects or Aboriginal places—(a) on behalf of Her Majesty, enter into and give effect to an agreement for the vesting in, or surrender to, Her Majesty of any land, or(b) acquire land by agreement or by compulsory process in accordance with the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.s 145: Subst 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (43). Am 1992 No 34, Sch 1; 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [115]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [42]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [142].
146 Acquisition or occupation of lands for certain purposes
(1) For the purpose of—(a) improving access to any land reserved or dedicated or acquired under this Act,(b) the management, maintenance or improvement of any such land, orthe Minister may—(c) carrying out works for any of those purposes,(d) on behalf of Her Majesty, enter into, and give effect to, an agreement for the vesting in, surrender to, or leasing to, Her Majesty, or for the occupation under licence, of any land adjoining or in the vicinity of the land so reserved or dedicated, or(e) acquire any land (including an interest in land) adjoining or in the vicinity of the land so reserved or dedicated by agreement or by compulsory process in accordance with the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.(2) For the purpose of obtaining lands for use in connection with the administration of this Act, the Wilderness Act 1987 or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, the Minister may—(a) on behalf of Her Majesty, enter into, and give effect to, an agreement for the vesting in, surrender to, or leasing to, Her Majesty, or for the occupation under licence, of any land, or(b) acquire land (including an interest in land) by agreement or by compulsory process in accordance with the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.(2A) The Minister may, on behalf of the Crown, acquire land (including an interest in land) for the purpose of a future lease grant or dealing by agreement or by compulsory process in accordance with the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.(2B) An acquisition for a future lease grant or dealing is an acquisition—(a) to enable the reservation or dedication of land under this Act and the exercise of powers, authorities, duties and functions conferred or imposed by or under this Act in relation to the land, or(b) to enable the exercise of powers, authorities, duties and functions conferred or imposed by or under this Act in relation to land already reserved or dedicated under this Act.(2C) The publication in the Gazette of an acquisition notice under section 19 of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 for a purpose that is described as a future lease grant or dealing does not—(a) to the extent to which the land referred to in the acquisition notice was Crown land immediately before the publication of the acquisition notice, affect the status of the land as Crown land, or(b) operate to revoke any reservation as national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve or karst conservation reserve of the land referred to in the acquisition notice.(2D) Nothing in this section is taken to mean that the Minister cannot exercise functions in relation to land under this Act unless the Minister first compulsorily acquires the land concerned.(2E) Subsection (2A) does not limit the purposes for which land may be acquired under section 145 or any other provision of this Act.(3) The Minister or Secretary may, for the purpose of the management, maintenance or improvement of any land reserved or dedicated under this Act, enter into and give effect to an agreement with the owner or lessee of the land, as the case requires, concerning the management or care of any land adjoining or in the vicinity of land so reserved or dedicated.(4) (Repealed)s 146: Subst 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (43). Am 1989 No 84, Sch 1 (10); 1992 No 34, Sch 1; 1994 No 45, Sch 1; 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [116] [117]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [50]; 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [14]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [149] [162]; 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [16].
147 Application of Public Works Act 1912
(1) For the purposes of the Public Works Act 1912, any acquisition of land under section 145 or 146 is taken to be for an authorised work and the Minister is, in relation to that authorised work, taken to be the Constructing Authority.(2) Sections 34, 35, 36 and 37 of the Public Works Act 1912 do not apply in respect of works constructed under this Act.s 147: Subst 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (43); 1992 No 34, Sch 1.
148 Power of Minister to accept gifts
(1) The Minister may acquire, by gift inter vivos, devise or bequest, any property for the purposes of this Act, the Wilderness Act 1987 or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and may agree to the condition of any such gift, devise or bequest.(2) The rule of law against remoteness of vesting shall not apply to any such condition to which the Minister has agreed.(3) Where the Minister acquires property under subsection (1)—(a) neither an instrument that effects the acquisition nor any agreement pursuant to which the property is acquired is chargeable with duty under the Stamp Duties Act 1920, and(b) the property, or the value of property, shall not be included in the dutiable estate of the donor or testator for the purposes of assessing death duty under that Act.(4) Notwithstanding anything in Part 4 or Part 4A, lands acquired under this section must not be reserved as, or as part of, a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve or karst conservation reserve in contravention of any such condition to which the Minister has agreed.s 148: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (44); 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (18); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (26); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [118]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [51]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [43]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [163].
149 Disposal of property
(1) Subject to any conditions of a gift or an agreement by or under which any such property may have been acquired, the Minister may sell, grant leases of, dispose of or otherwise deal with any lands or other property—(a) acquired by the Minister, otherwise than on behalf of Her Majesty, under this Part, oror any interest in any such lands or other property.(b) acquired by the Minister on behalf of Her Majesty for the purposes of this Act or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 by purchase with money from the Fund, by exchange of any property so purchased or by gift,(2) Nothing in this section applies to or in respect of lands while reserved as, or as part of, a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve or karst conservation reserve.(3) Nothing in this section affects the operation of Part 4A.(4) Without limiting subsection (1), the Minister may—(a) for any purpose specified in section 146 (1) (a), (b) or (c) grant a lease of, or a licence with respect to, lands acquired or occupied under section 146 (1), or(b) for use in connection with the administration of this Act grant a lease of, or a licence with respect to, lands referred to in section 146 (2).s 149: Subst 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (45). Am 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (27); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [119]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [52]; 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [44]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [164]; 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [16].
150 Minister to be corporation sole for certain purposes
(1) For the purposes of the exercise and performance of the Minister’s authorities, duties and functions under Part 4A and this Part and under any other provisions of this or any other Act that are identified (by those provisions) for the purposes of this section, the Minister is hereby constituted a corporation sole under the name of “Minister administering the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974”.(2) The corporation sole constituted by this section—(a) has perpetual succession,(b) shall have an official seal,(c) may take proceedings and be proceeded against in the corporate name,(d) may, in accordance with this Act (or with such provisions of any other Act as are identified as referred to in subsection (1)), purchase, exchange, hold, dispose of and otherwise deal with property, and(e) may do and suffer all other things that a body corporate generally may, by law, do and suffer and that are necessary for or incidental to the purposes for which the corporation sole is constituted.(3) The seal of the corporation sole so constituted shall not be affixed to any instrument or document except in the presence of the Minister, and the Minister shall attest by the Minister’s signature the fact and date of the affixing of the seal.(4) All courts and persons acting judicially—(a) shall take judicial notice of the seal of the corporation sole so constituted that has been affixed to any instrument or document, and(b) shall until the contrary is proved presume that seal was properly affixed.s 150: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (46); 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [45]; 1998 No 92, Sch 3 [1] [2].
Part 12 Leases, licences, easements etc
Division 1 Preliminary
pt 12, div 1 (cl 150A): Ins 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [17].
150A Definitions
In this Part—existing building or structure means—(a) in relation to land reserved under this Act before the commencement of this section, a building or structure in existence on the land at that commencement, or(b) in relation to land that becomes reserved under this Act on or after the commencement of this section, a building or structure in existence on the land at the time of that reservation.reserve means a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area (and includes any such land reserved under Part 4A).pt 12, div 1 (cl 150A): Ins 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [17].
Division 2 Granting of leases and licences
pt 12, div 2: Ins 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [17].
151 Leases and licences of reserved lands
(1) The Minister may grant a lease or licence of land within a reserve (including any buildings or structures on the land).(2) A lease or licence granted under this section may authorise any one or more of the following—(a) the exclusive use of the land, buildings and structures concerned,(b) the erection of a new building or structure on the land concerned,(c) the modification of an existing building or structure on the land concerned.(3) Without limiting section 2A, in determining whether to grant a lease or licence of land under this section, the Minister is to give effect to the objects of this Act.Note—Section 2A (1) (d) provides that it is an object of this Act that the management of reserved land be in accordance with the applicable management principles.Section 81A makes it clear that Part 5 (Plans of management) has effect in any part of a reserve that is the subject of a lease or licence under this Part. Section 151C also provides that it is a condition of every lease or licence of land granted under this section that the lessee or licensee must ensure that the provisions of this Act, the regulations and the relevant plan of management are complied with.s 151: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 3 (47), 5 (11); 1990 No 106, Sch 1 (1); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (28); 1996 No 142, Sch 1 [46]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [149] [165]; 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [17]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [16]. Subst 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [17].
151A Purposes for which a lease or licence may be granted
(1) A lease or licence of land (other than a nature reserve) may only be granted under section 151 for one or more of the following purposes—(a) General purposes(i) the provision of buildings for use in connection with any of the following—(A) the protection or preservation of land from fire,(B) the provision of services relating to the work of rendering first aid to, and the transport of, sick and injured persons,(C) a surf life-saving club,(D) any purpose of a similar nature,(ii) the provision of research facilities or activities for natural heritage (including natural phenomena) and cultural heritage,(iii) to enable activities of a recreational, educational or cultural nature to be carried out and the provision of facilities for that purpose,(iv) to enable sporting activities to be carried out and the provision of temporary facilities for that purpose,(v) to enable activities for natural heritage management, cultural heritage management, park management or fire management to be carried out and the provision of facilities for that purpose,(vi) to enable Aboriginal cultural activities to be carried out and the provision of facilities for that purpose,(vii) subject to section 151I (Restrictions on grant of lease for residential accommodation), the provision of residential accommodation,(viii) any other purpose that is—(A) consistent with the relevant management principles for the land set out in Division 2 of Part 4, and(B) identified in the relevant plan of management as being a permissible purpose for the land concerned,(b) Purposes related to the sustainable visitor or tourist use and enjoyment of reserved land(i) the provision of accommodation for visitors and tourists,(ii) the provision of the following facilities if the facilities are ancillary to accommodation facilities for visitors or tourists—(A) retail outlets,(B) facilities to enable the hosting of conferences or functions,(C) facilities to enable activities of a sporting nature to be carried out,(iii) the provision of facilities and amenities for visitors and tourists, including the following facilities—(A) information centres and booking outlets,(B) restaurants, cafes, kiosks and other food outlets,(iv) the provision of the following facilities if the facilities are ancillary to facilities and amenities for visitors and tourists—(A) retail outlets,(B) facilities to enable the hosting of conferences or functions,(c) Adaptive reuse and use of modified natural areasany purpose that enables the adaptive reuse of an existing building or structure or the use of a modified natural area.Note—See section 5 (1) for the definitions of “adaptive reuse” and “modified natural area”.(2) A lease or licence of land within a nature reserve may only be granted under section 151 for a purpose that is consistent with the relevant management principles for nature reserves set out in section 30J.(3) In addition to the purposes set out in subsection (1), a lease or licence of land (other than a nature reserve) may be granted under section 151 to enable any activity or development in a ski resort area (within the meaning of Part 8A of Schedule 6 to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979) that is permitted by an environmental planning instrument specifically applying to ski resort areas.(4) A licence of land under section 151 for the purpose of a conference, function or event must not be granted if the licence authorises the use of the land for a cumulative period that exceeds 3 months in any 12 month period.(5) The Minister must not grant a lease of land under section 151 for any purpose referred to in subsection (1) (b) that authorises the erection of a new building or structure on the land unless—(a) the purpose for which the lease is to be granted is identified in the relevant plan of management as being a permissible purpose for the land concerned, and(b) the general location for any such new building or structure is identified in that plan of management.s 151A: Ins 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [17].
151AA (Repealed)
s 151AA: Ins 2001 No 126, Sch 2 [1]. Rep 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [19].
151B Matters that Minister must consider before granting lease or licence
(1) The Minister must not grant a lease or licence of land (including any buildings or structures on the land) under section 151 unless the Minister is satisfied that—(a) the purpose for which the lease or licence is granted is compatible with the natural and cultural values of—(i) the land to be leased or licensed, and(ii) land reserved under this Act in the vicinity of that land, and(b) the lease or licence provides for the sustainable and efficient use of natural resources, energy and water, and(c) in relation to any lease or licence that authorises the erection of a new building or structure on the land or the modification of an existing building or structure on the land—the authorised development or activity is appropriate in relation to the built form and scale of the building or structure, including its bulk, height, footprint, setbacks and density.(2) In determining whether the Minister is satisfied in relation to any of the matters referred to in subsection (1), the Minister is to have regard to—(a) the assessment criteria adopted by the Secretary under subsection (3), and(b) in relation to a proposal to grant a lease of land—a report prepared by the Secretary that addresses the relevant matters referred to in subsection (1) in light of those assessment criteria.(3) The Secretary—(a) must adopt assessment criteria relating to the matters referred to in subsection (1), and(b) may vary those criteria, but only if—(i) the Secretary has consulted with the Council, and(ii) the Council has advised the Secretary that the proposed variation, on balance, improves or maintains the environmental outcomes provided for under the existing criteria.(4) The assessment criteria are to be published on the Department’s website.(5) This section does not apply to the following—(a) a lease or licence of land within a ski resort area within the meaning of Part 8A of Schedule 6 to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979,(b) a renewal of a lease of land granted in accordance with an option to renew a current lease,(c) a renewal of a lease of land (otherwise than in accordance with an option to renew), but only if—(i) the renewed lease is on substantially the same terms and conditions as the current lease, and(ii) the term of the lease (including any options to renew) does not exceed 10 years, and(iii) there have been no significant breaches of the current lease, this Act or the regulations during the term of the current lease.s 151B: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [61]. Am 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [18]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [16]. Rep 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [19]. Ins 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [17]. Am 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [14].
151C Leases and licences subject to conditions
(1) A lease or licence under section 149, 151 or 151H may be granted subject to conditions.(2) It is a condition of every lease or licence of land granted under section 151 that the lessee or licensee must ensure that the provisions of this Act, the regulations and the plan of management for the reserve in which the land is situated are complied with in relation to the land.s 151C: Ins 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [17].
151D Special provisions relating to leases and licences of karst conservation reserves
(1) The Minister is to include in every lease or licence of land within a karst conservation reserve granted under section 151 a condition requiring—(a) the lessee or licensee (in relation to the lands leased or licensed) to comply with the relevant environmental performance standards set out in the plan of management for the reserve, and(b) the environmental performance of the lessee or licensee (in relation to the lands leased or licensed) to be measured against the relevant environmental performance indicators set out in that plan of management.(2) The Secretary is (in relation to a lease or licence to which subsection (1) applies)—(a) to monitor—(i) the lessee’s or licensee’s compliance with the relevant environmental performance standards set out in the relevant plan of management, and(ii) the lessee’s or licensee’s environmental performance as measured against the relevant environmental performance indicators set out in that plan of management, and(b) to report on the results of that monitoring, annually, by—(i) recording the results in the register kept under section 151J, and(ii) placing the results on the Department’s website.s 151D: Ins 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [17]. Am 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [14].
151E Special provisions relating to leases and licences of Aboriginal land
(1) The Minister may only grant a lease or licence under section 151 of land reserved under Part 4A with the concurrence of the relevant board of management for the land concerned.(2) The Minister must not grant a lease or licence under section 151 of land reserved under Part 4A contrary to the terms of the lease of the land to the Minister under that Part.s 151E: Ins 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [17].
Division 3 Miscellaneous
pt 12, div 3: Ins 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [17].
151F Public consultation regarding grant of leases and licences
(1) Before granting a lease or licence under section 151 or 151H, the Minister must cause notice of the proposed lease or licence to be published—(a) in a manner that the Minister is satisfied is likely to bring the notice to the attention of members of the public in the area in which the land is located, and also on the Department’s website, if the proposed lease or licence—(i) is for a purpose for which the land (including any buildings or structures on the land) has previously not been used or occupied, or(ii) authorises the erection of a temporary building or structure on the land concerned, and(b) in a manner that the Minister is satisfied is likely to bring the notice to the attention of members of the public both generally and in the area in which the land is located, and also on the Department’s website, if the proposed lease or licence—(i) authorises the erection of a new permanent building or structure on the land concerned, or(ii) authorises a significant modification of an existing building or structure on the land concerned or any other significant permanent physical change to the land concerned.(2) A notice under subsection (1) must contain the following—(a) sufficient information to identify the land concerned,(b) the purposes for which the land and any building or structure on the land is proposed to be used,(c) the term of the proposed lease or licence (taking into account any option to renew),(d) the name of the person to whom the lease or licence is proposed to be granted,(e) the closing date for making submissions on the proposal, being a date not earlier than—(i) in relation to a notice under subsection (1) (a)—14 days after the date on which the notice was first published, or(ii) in relation to a notice under subsection (1) (b)—28 days after the date on which the notice was first published,(f) the address to which submissions are to be sent,(g) any other information that the Minister considers relevant to the consideration of the proposal.(3) The Minister, on request, is to provide such further information, as the Minister considers reasonably practicable, describing the proposed lease or licence. The information provided must not include any commercial in confidence information.Note—Further information provided under this subsection could include drawings or diagrams describing the proposed lease or licence.(4) The Minister may hold a public hearing into any proposed lease or licence under this Part if the Minister thinks it appropriate to do so.(5) Before determining whether or not to grant a lease or licence under section 151 or 151H, the Minister must take into account—(a) any submissions received before the notified closing date for submissions under subsection (2) (e), and(b) if relevant, any report from, or submissions received at, a public hearing.(6) This section does not apply to a proposal to grant a lease or licence of land if—(a) the proposed lease or licence authorises the land concerned to be used or occupied for a total period that does not exceed 31 days, or(b) the proposed lease or licence relates to land reserved under Part 4A and authorises the land concerned to be used or occupied for any community development purpose prescribed by the regulations under section 72AA (6) (c), or(c) within the 2 years prior to the proposed grant of the lease or licence, a public consultation has occurred in relation to development or an activity that is substantially the same as the use of the land that is to be authorised by the proposed lease or licence.Note—For example, a public consultation may have been undertaken under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 for approval or consent to the erection and use of a building for a cafe. In that case, public consultation is not necessary under this section in relation to a proposed lease of the building to operate that cafe.s 151F: Ins 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [17]. Am 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [14]; 2018 No 25, Sch 2.22 [1] [2].
151G Reference of certain proposed leases and licences for advice
(1) The Minister—(a) must refer a proposal to lease or licence land under section 151 to the Council for advice if the proposed lease or licence—(i) authorises the erection of a new permanent building or structure on the land concerned, or(ii) authorises a significant modification of an existing building or structure on the land concerned or any other significant permanent physical change to the land concerned, or(iii) is for a term that exceeds 10 years (including any option to renew), and(b) must refer a proposal to lease land under section 151H to the Council for advice, and(c) may refer any other proposal to lease or licence land under this Part to the Council for advice if the Minister thinks it appropriate to do so.(2) The Minister may refer a proposal to lease or licence land under this Part to the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee for advice if the Minister thinks it appropriate to do so.(3) The Minister may refer a proposal to lease or licence land within a karst conservation reserve under this Part to the Karst Management Advisory Committee for advice if the Minister thinks it appropriate to do so.(4) Before determining whether or not to grant a lease or licence under this Part, the Minister must, if the Minister referred the proposal to the Council, the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee or the Karst Management Advisory Committee, take into account any advice received from the body concerned within 28 days of the reference.s 151G: Ins 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [17].
151H New head leases for certain lands
(1) The Minister may grant leases (in this section referred to as head leases) in respect of the lands the subject of any or all of the leases mentioned in Schedule 15, whether or not those lands are still the subject of the leases so mentioned.(2) On the granting of a head lease, the following provisions have effect with respect to such of the leases mentioned in Schedule 15 as apply to the land the subject of the head lease—(a) the lease is taken to be varied by substituting the name of the head lessee for that of the lessor,(b) the lease is taken to become a sublease (in this section referred to as a statutory sublease) of the head lease,(c) except as otherwise provided by the regulations—the lease continues to have effect according to its tenor,(d) any proceedings under the lease in relation to any matter arising before the head lease was granted are to be commenced or maintained by or against the lessor as if the lease had not been varied as referred to in paragraph (a).(3) If a head lease is granted to a person in respect of land the subject of a lease mentioned in Schedule 15 of which the person is the sole lessee, the lease so mentioned is, by virtue of the granting of the head lease, extinguished.(4) A head lease is taken to include a condition to the effect that the head lessee must not—(a) assign or mortgage the head lessee’s interest in the lease to any other person, or(b) exercise any right of forfeiture or termination in respect of any statutory sublease of the lease, orexcept with the prior consent in writing of the Minister, and that any purported assignment, mortgage, forfeiture, termination or variation of rent that does not have such consent is void.(c) vary any rent payable under any statutory sublease of the lease,(5) A head lease is not affected merely because a lease mentioned in Schedule 15 ceases to have effect (whether by reason of expiry, surrender, termination, forfeiture or otherwise) while the head lease is in force.(6) If a head lease ceases to have effect (whether by reason of expiry, surrender, termination, forfeiture or otherwise) the following provisions have effect with respect to any statutory sublease of the head lease—(a) the sublease is taken to be varied by substituting the title of the Minister for the name of the head lessee,(b) the sublease is taken to cease to be a statutory sublease and to become a lease granted under section 151,(c) the lease continues to have effect according to its tenor,(d) any proceedings under the sublease in relation to any matter arising before the head lease ceased to have effect are to be commenced or maintained against the head lessee as if the lease had not been varied as referred to in paragraph (a).(7) No duty is payable under the Stamp Duties Act 1920 in respect of a variation referred to in subsection (2) (a) or (6) (a).(8) The operation of this section is not to be regarded—(a) as a breach of contract or confidence or otherwise as a civil wrong, or(b) as a breach of a contractual provision prohibiting, restricting or regulating the assignment or transfer of a lease or statutory sublease, or(c) as giving rise to any remedy by a party to an instrument, or as causing or permitting the termination of any instrument, because of a variation referred to in subsection (2) (a) or (6) (a).(9) No attornment to a head lessee by a statutory sublessee is required.(10) The regulations may amend Schedule 15—(a) by omitting the matter relating to any lease mentioned in that Schedule, or(b) by varying the matter relating to any lease mentioned in that Schedule, or(c) by inserting matter relating to any other lease (not being a head lease) in relation to land in, or in the vicinity of, Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes or Guthega.(11) A head lease granted in respect of land the subject of a lease mentioned in Schedule 15 is not affected merely because the matter relating to the lease so mentioned is omitted from that Schedule, or is varied, while the head lease is in force.s 151H (previously s 151A): Ins 1990 No 106, Sch 1 (2). Renumbered 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [18].
151I Restrictions on grant of lease for residential accommodation
(1) The Minister must not grant a lease under section 151 or 151H for the purpose of permanent residential occupation unless the lease—(a) provides accommodation to an officer of the Service in the vicinity of the officer’s place of employment, or(b) facilitates—(i) the maintenance and security of the reserve, and buildings and facilities on or in the reserve, or facilities passing through the reserve such as a road, transmission lines and pipelines, or(ii) the provision of services to tourists and visitors to the reserve,(iii) the provision of educational and research facilities in the reserve, or(c) is for the occupation of buildings in an historic site or land reserved under Part 4A, or(d) is of a class prescribed for the purposes of this section.(2) A regulation must not be made for the purposes of subsection (1) (d) (not being a principal statutory rule within the meaning of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1989) unless the Minister has—(a) caused notice of the draft regulation to be published in a manner that the Minister is satisfied is likely to bring the notice to the attention of members of the public, and(b) invited the public and the Council to comment on the draft regulation with the closing date for the making of submissions being not earlier than 45 days after the date of publication of the notice, and(c) taken into account any submissions from the Council or the public received before the notified closing date for submissions.(3) The validity of a regulation made for the purposes of subsection (1) (d) is not affected by a failure of the Minister to comply with subsection (2) (c).s 151I (previously s 151C): Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [61]. Renumbered 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [18]. Am 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [20]; 2018 No 25, Sch 2.22 [3].
151J Register of certain interests to be publicly available
(1) Information on leases granted under this Act, licences granted under section 153D and every easement or right of way granted under this Act—(a) is to be recorded in a register that is to be kept in the head office of the Service and made available to the public, free of charge, during ordinary office hours, and(b) is to be placed on the Service’s website.(2) Information to be included on the register and website is to include the following—(a) the name of the person to whom the lease, licence, easement or right of way has been granted,(b) the term of years of the lease, licence, easement or right of way (including any option to renew),(c) the location of the land to which the lease, licence, easement or right of way relates,(d) the purpose for which the lease, licence, easement or right of way has been granted,(e) information as to the terms and conditions of the lease, licence, easement or right of way, except information that the Secretary would be prevented from disclosing under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 or the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998.s 151J (previously s 151D): Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [61]. Am 2003 No 37, Sch 1 [1] [2]; 2009 No 54, Sch 2.31 [1]. Renumbered 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [18].
152 Trade within certain reserved lands
(1) The Secretary may grant licences to carry on trades, businesses or occupations within a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area.(2) Subject to any regulations, the Minister may prohibit the carrying on of any trade, business or occupation within a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area otherwise than by some person licensed by the Secretary.(3) The Minister may grant a franchise to any person, on such terms and conditions as the Minister may determine, for the sale of goods and services, the provision of public transportation or the supply of other facilities and amenities within a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area.(4) Any franchise granted by the trustees of the whole or part of lands reserved after the commencement day as a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area, and in force immediately before the lands were so reserved, shall be deemed to be a franchise granted by the Minister under this section and to be as valid and effectual as it would have been if this Act had been in force when the franchise was granted.s 152: Am 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (9); 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [21].
153 Easements
(1) The Minister may upon such terms and conditions as the Minister thinks fit grant for joint or several use easements or rights of way through, upon or in a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve or karst conservation reserve for the purpose of providing access to any area included in any lease or licence within the park, site, area or reserve, or for the construction of pipelines, or for the erection of standards, posts, wires and appliances for the conveyance or transmission of electricity, or for any other purpose deemed necessary.(2) The Minister may from time to time revoke or vary any grant under this section.(3) Any easement or right of way over lands in a national park, historic site, state conservation area or regional park reserved under this Act, which was in force immediately before the lands were reserved as, or as part of, the park, site or area, as the case may be, shall continue in force and shall be deemed to have been granted under this section.(4) Any easement or right of way over lands in a nature reserve or karst conservation reserve dedicated under this Act, which was in force immediately before the land was dedicated as, or as part of, the nature reserve or karst conservation reserve shall continue in force and shall be deemed to have been granted under this section.s 153: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 2 (15), 3 (48); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (29); 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [53] [54]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73] [149].
153A Leases etc relating to wilderness areas
The Minister shall not—(a) grant a lease or licence under section 151, or(b) (Repealed)in respect of land that is within a wilderness area.(c) grant a lease, licence, easement or right of way under section 153D,s 153A: Ins 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (19). Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [62]; 2003 No 37, Sch 1 [3]; 2010 No 41, Sch 1 [22]–[24].
153B Granting of interests in respect of reserved or dedicated lands that are also water catchment special areas
(1) This section applies to lands reserved or dedicated under this Act that are also within a special area within the meaning of the Sydney Water Catchment Management Act 1998 or the Hunter Water Act 1991.(2) The Minister may grant leases of, or licences to occupy or use, or easements or rights of way through, on or in, lands to which this section applies for the purpose of enabling the Sydney Catchment Authority, the Sydney Water Corporation or the Hunter Water Corporation to exercise its functions in relation to water or wastewater infrastructure on the lands concerned.(3) Subsection (2) does not authorise the granting of a lease, licence, easement or right of way for the purpose of enabling any of the following functions to be exercised in relation to the land concerned—(a) the impoundment of water on the land,(b) the permanent inundation of the land,(c) the construction of flood mitigation structures on the land.(4) For the purposes of subsection (3) (b), permanent inundation includes any flooding additional to the temporary flooding that already occurs due to natural rainfall.(5) The Minister must not grant a lease, licence, easement or right of way under subsection (2) unless a plan of management for the lands concerned identifies—(a) the person to whom, and(b) the lands in respect of which, andthe lease, licence, easement or right of way is to be granted.(c) the purpose and term for which,(6) Subsection (5) does not limit the operation of Part 5.(7) A lease, licence, easement or right of way under subsection (2) may be granted subject to such terms and conditions as the Minister may determine.(8) The Minister may from time to time revoke or vary any grant under subsection (2) of an easement or right of way.(9) Subsection (2) does not authorise the granting of a lease or licence in relation to land that is within a wilderness area.(10) The Minister must cause a register to be kept of each lease, licence, easement or right of way that is granted under subsection (2).(11) The register must be kept available for inspection by the public free of charge, during ordinary office hours, at the Head Office of the Service.s 153B: Ins 2001 No 92, Sch 1 [4].
153C Easements, rights of way and licences for landlocked areas
(1) The Minister may, on such terms and conditions as the Minister thinks fit, grant an easement, right of way or licence through or over land reserved under this Act for the purposes of enabling access to other land if—(a) the other land is completely or partially surrounded by land reserved under this Act, and(b) the Minister—(i) is satisfied that is not practical for the owner (or any occupier) of the other land to obtain an alternative means of access (whether by land or water) because it is not legally or physically available, or(ii) while satisfied that it is practical for the owner (or any occupier) of the other land to obtain an alternative means of access, considers that the proposed means of access will have a lesser environmental impact than that alternative means of access to the land concerned, or(iii) while satisfied that it is practical for the owner (or any occupier) of the other land to obtain an alternative means of access, considers that the proposed means of access will assist in more efficient management of the reserved land and will have no greater environmental impact than that alternative means of access to the land concerned.(2) The Minister must not grant an easement, right of way or licence under subsection (1) unless the Minister is satisfied that—(a) the access proposed to be granted under the easement, right of way or licence will not have a significant impact on the environment of the area adjacent to the proposed access, and(b) the access proposed to be granted under the easement, right of way or licence is consistent with the relevant plan of management.(3) The Minister must not grant an easement, right of way or licence under subsection (1) unless the Minister has considered—(a) the extent of, and legality of, any access that the owner (or any occupier) had to the land before that access became unavailable, and(b) any guidelines (as referred to in subsection (4)) in relation to access to land.(4) The Secretary must prepare and adopt, after consulting with the Council, guidelines relating to the provision of access to land under this section, and may, from time to time, vary those guidelines after further consultation with the Council.s 153C (previously s 153B): Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [63]. Renumbered 2003 No 40, Sch 1.32 [4]. Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [76].
153D Leases, licences and easements for broadcasting or telecommunications facilities
(1) For the purpose of the erection, use or maintenance of broadcasting or telecommunications facilities, the Minister may grant leases of, or licences to occupy or use, or easements or rights of way through, on or in, any land reserved under this Act.(2) A lease, licence, easement or right of way under this section may be granted subject to such terms and conditions as the Minister may determine.(3) The Minister may from time to time revoke or vary any grant under this section of an easement or right of way.(4) The Minister must not grant a lease, licence, easement or right of way under this section unless the Minister is satisfied that—(a) there is no feasible alternative site for the proposed broadcasting or telecommunications facility concerned on land that is not reserved under this Act, and(b) the site of any proposed above ground broadcasting or telecommunications facility covers the minimum area possible, and(c) the proposed broadcasting or telecommunications facility is to be designed and constructed in such a manner as to minimise risk of damage to the facility from bushfires, and(d) the site and construction of the proposed broadcasting or telecommunications facility have been selected, as far as is practicable, to minimise the visual impact of the facility, and(e) if feasible, an existing means of access to the proposed site of the lease, licence, easement or right of way is to be used, and(f) the proposed broadcasting or telecommunications facility is essential for the provision of broadcasting or telecommunications services for land reserved under this Act or for surrounding areas to be served by the facility, and(g) the broadcasting or telecommunications facility is to be removed and the site of the facility is to be restored as soon as possible after the facility becomes redundant (for example, due to advances in technology), and(h) the site of the proposed broadcasting or telecommunications facility has been selected after taking into account the objectives set out in any plan of management relating to the land concerned, and(i) the proposed broadcasting or telecommunications facility is, if feasible, to be co-located with an existing structure or located at a site that is already disturbed by an existing lease, licence, easement or right of way on the land concerned.(5) The Minister must not grant a lease, licence, easement or right of way under this section in respect of land that is within an area designated as a remote natural area in a plan of management or an Aboriginal area.(6) In this section—broadcasting or telecommunications facility means—(a) a facility used for the purpose of providing broadcasting services within the meaning of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 of the Commonwealth, or(b) a facility within the meaning of the Telecommunications Act 1997 of the Commonwealth.s 153D: Ins 2003 No 37, Sch 1 [4]. Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [77] [78].
153E Easements to repair and maintain the Border Fence
(1) For the purpose of the repair and maintenance of the Border Fence, the Minister may grant easements or rights of way in favour of the Wild Dog Destruction Board through, on or in any land reserved under this Act.(2) An easement or right of way under this section may be granted subject to such terms and conditions as the Minister may determine.(3) The Minister may from time to time revoke or vary any grant under this section of an easement or right of way.(4) The Minister is required to consult the Minister administering the Crown Land Management Act 2016 before exercising a power conferred by this section.(5) This section does not operate to limit a power under any other section of this Part to grant easements or rights of way through, on or in any land reserved under this Act.(6) In this section—Border Fence means the Queensland Border Fence, or the South Australian Border Fence, within the meaning of the Wild Dog Destruction Act 1921.Wild Dog Destruction Board means the Wild Dog Destruction Board constituted under the Wild Dog Destruction Act 1921.s 153E: Ins 2009 No 9, Sch 3.8. Am 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [24].
Part 12A Assets of intergenerational significance
pt 12A (ss 153F–153I): Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[22].
153F Definitions
In this Part—conservation action plan means a plan prepared under the regulations for declared land in relation to assets of intergenerational significance.declared land—see section 153G(1).pt 12A (ss 153F–153I): Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[22].
153G Assets of intergenerational significance
(1) If the Minister is satisfied that land reserved or acquired for reservation under this Act is an environmental or cultural asset of intergenerational significance, the Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, declare the land to be land to which this section applies (declared land).(2) The declaration must—(a) set out the environmental and cultural values of the land that determined the land to be declared land, and(b) include a map of the land.(3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), or a provision of the regulations, if the Minister is satisfied that the disclosure of information may place at risk the protection of the land to be declared land, or the environmental and cultural values of the land, the following information is not required to be published in the Gazette or otherwise—(a) the map required under subsection (2)(b),(b) information in the declaration that may reveal the location of the declared land,(c) the actions that may be taken for the management of the declared land.(4) The regulations may make provisions about action that may be taken for the management of declared land, including the protection of the land from bush fire risks.(5) Action authorised by regulations under this section—(a) may be taken despite a plan of management that applies to the declared land, and(b) if the declared land is land reserved or dedicated under Part 4A—may only be taken if the action has been approved by the board of management for the land.(6) Regulations under this section do not affect the Rural Fires Act 1997 or the regulations under that Act.pt 12A (ss 153F–153I): Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[22].
153H Application of Planning Act
(1) The following actions are taken to be exempt development for the purposes of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979—(a) an action in relation to declared land, carried out under a conservation action plan,(b) an action that may be taken for the management of declared land, prescribed by the regulations under section 153G(4).(2) The regulations may exclude an action referred to in subsection (1) from the operation of this section.(3) For the purposes of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, section 1.6(2), a reference to an environmental planning instrument includes a conservation action plan.(4) A conservation action plan is not a regulatory instrument for the purposes of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, section 3.16.pt 12A (ss 153F–153I): Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[22].
153I Offence for harm to environmental or cultural value of declared land
(1) A person must not interfere with, damage, harm or disturb an environmental or cultural value of land that is declared land.Maximum penalty—(a) for a corporation—10,000 penalty units, or(b) for an individual—5,000 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years, or both.Note—An offence against subsection (1) committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 175B.(2) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under subsection (1) if—(a) the person proves that the person did not know, because the declared land or environmental or cultural value of the declared land was not published by operation of section 153G(3), that the person was interfering with, damaging, harming or disturbing an environmental or cultural value of declared land, or(b) action taken by the person was—(i) carried out under a conservation action plan, or(ii) an action that may be taken for the management of the declared land prescribed by the regulations under section 153G(4), or(c) action taken by the person was carried out for, or as part of, an Aboriginal cultural practice, or(d) action taken by the person was necessary for the carrying out of development in accordance with a development consent within the meaning of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, or(e) action taken by the person was in accordance with an activity authorised by an approval granted by a determining authority within the meaning of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Part 5 after compliance with that Part, or(f) action taken by the person is authorised or required to be carried out under the Rural Fires Act 1997.pt 12A (ss 153F–153I): Ins 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[22].
Part 13 Regulations
pt 13, hdg: Am 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (10).
154 Regulations
The Governor may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, for or with respect to any matter that, by this Act, is required or permitted to be prescribed by regulations or that is necessary or convenient to be prescribed by regulations for carrying out or giving effect to this Act and, in particular, for or with respect to—(a) the powers, authorities, duties and functions of the Secretary, the officers of the Service, ex-officio rangers, honorary rangers, the Council, advisory committees or the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee,(b) the procedure for the calling of meetings of the Council, advisory committees or the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee and the conduct of business at those meetings,(c) the creation of and dealing with carbon sequestration rights, and activities incidental to or connected with the exercise of this function,(d)–(j) (Repealed)(k) the records to be kept and returns to be furnished by persons holding Aboriginal heritage impact permits,(l) tendering for leases and licences under Part 11 or 12,(m) the form and design of signs, symbols, emblems, insignia and uniforms for use in connection with the administration of this Act and the regulations, and the regulation, control or prohibition of the making, reproducing or using of those signs, symbols, emblems, insignia and uniforms, and(n) the forms or other documents to be used for the purposes of this Act and the regulations.s 154: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 1 (7), 5 (12); 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (11); 1993 No 78, Sch 1 (10); 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [166]; 2004 No 16, Sch 2.8 [2]; 2015 No 15, Sch 2.38 [5]; 2016 No 63, Sch 11.5 [16]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[23].
155 Regulations relating to parks
(1) In this section, park means national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area.(2) The Governor may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, for or with respect to any matter that, by this Act, is required or permitted to be prescribed by regulations or that is necessary or convenient to be prescribed by regulations for carrying out or giving effect to this Act and, in particular, for or with respect to the following—(a) the regulation of the use and enjoyment of parks,(b) the securing of decency and order in parks,(c) the removal of trespassers and other persons causing annoyance or inconvenience in parks,(d) the regulation or prevention of the taking of intoxicants into, and the consuming thereof in, parks,(e) the regulation, control or prohibition of the taking of animals on or into parks and public and other roads traversing parks or the permitting or suffering of animals to be on or in parks and any such roads,(f) the regulation, control or prohibition of mooring, parking, camping or residing in parks, the making of charges for mooring, parking, camping or residing in parks and the collecting and receiving of those charges by the Minister or by other persons,(g) the preservation or protection of, or prevention of damage to, trees, shrubs, ferns, creepers, vines, palms, plants, flowers, herbage or other vegetative cover in parks,(h) the conditions under which trees or timber may be cut or removed from parks and the amount of royalties, fees and charges payable in respect thereof,(i) the preservation or protection of any rocks, soil, sand, stone, or other similar substance on or under or comprising part of a park, or the removal of any such substance from a park and the amount of royalties, fees and charges payable in respect thereof,(j) the preservation or protection of any animals in parks,(k) the preservation or protection of, or prevention of damage to, any Aboriginal object or Aboriginal place in a park,(l) the regulation, control or prohibition of the use of any Aboriginal object or Aboriginal place for commercial purposes in a park,(m) the making of charges or entrance fees for persons, clubs or associations or for vehicles using or entering a park, or any specified part of a park, or any public or other road traversing or bounding a park or such a part, and the collecting, receiving and waiving of those charges and fees by the Secretary or by other persons,(n) the reservation of any portion of a park for such separate or exclusive use as the regulations may prescribe,(o) the closing of, or the regulation, control or prohibition of the entry of any person or class of persons into, a park or parts of a park and the conditions to be observed with regard thereto,(p) the regulation, control or prohibition of private trading in a park,(q) the use of roads, tracks, trails and other ways within a park and the circumstances under which roads, tracks, trails and other ways therein shall be open or may be closed to public traffic or use,(r) the powers and duties of any officer of the Service appointed in respect of a park,(s) the regulation of the use of vehicles and the conditions under which they may be used in a park,(t) the regulation of the speed of vehicles in a park,(u) the regulation of the use of chair lifts, surface tows and ski jumps and the conditions under which they may be used in a park,(v) the regulation, control or prohibition of the erection of buildings, marinas, structures, signs or other improvements in a park,(w) the protection of buildings, marinas, structures, signs and other improvements in parks,(x) the regulation, control or prohibition of exotic plants in parks,(y) the collection of scientific specimens, the preservation or protection of marine life (other than fish within the meaning of the Fisheries Management Act 1994), and the pursuit of research in parks,(z) the regulation, control or prohibition of the use of firearms or other weapons and the carrying of firearms or other weapons in parks,(aa) the management and maintenance of pounds within a park,(bb) the procedure for the impounding of cattle, horses, asses, mules, sheep, goats, swine and dogs within a park and for their subsequent disposal, sale or destruction,(cc) the damage fees, driving charges, sustenance charges, deterrent fees and pound fees chargeable in respect of the impounding of cattle, horses, asses, mules, sheep, goats, swine and dogs within a park,(dd) the fees chargeable in respect of the sale or offering for sale and in respect of the destruction of cattle, horses, asses, mules, sheep, goats, swine and dogs impounded within a park,(ee) the development and implementation by the Secretary of a program for the monitoring and reporting of matters relating to the ecological health of parks.(2A) Without affecting the generality of subsection (2), a regulation made in pursuance of subsection (2) (v)—(a) may include provisions for or with respect to site, design, methods of construction and any matters which a council under the Local Government Act 1993 may take into consideration in exercising its functions under that Act.(b) (Repealed)(2AA) Without limiting the generality of subsection (2), a regulation made under subsection (2)(ee) may include provisions about the following—(a) requirements relating to the design of the program for monitoring and reporting, including—(i) the park or other lands to which the program applies, and(ii) the type of ecological health attributes to be measured, and(iii) the frequency with which the attributes will be measured,(b) requirements relating to the implementation of the program, including a requirement that the program be implemented to the greatest extent practicable,(c) requirements relating to reporting on the outcomes of the program, including—(i) the way the outcomes are published, and(ii) the type of information that is not required to be published, or the circumstances in which certain types of information are not required to be published.(2B) Where any lands, not being a park or part of a park, are acquired or occupied by the Minister under Part 11, the Governor may, in relation to any such lands, make regulations not inconsistent with this Act or with any reservation or condition subject to which the lands were acquired or occupied, for or with respect to any matter specified in subsection (2) in relation to a park.(2C) Without limiting the generality of subsection (2), the Governor may, in relation to any state conservation area or regional park, make regulations for or with respect to any matter for or with respect to which regulations may be made for the purposes of section 9.25 of the Crown Land Management Act 2016 in relation to dedicated or reserved Crown land.(2D) If an agreement under section 146 relates to land adjoining or in the vicinity of lands reserved or dedicated under this Act, the Governor may make regulations for or with respect to that land, not inconsistent with this Act or with any Act affecting the land—(a) for the purpose of giving effect to the agreement, and(b) for or in respect of a matter (not relating to the imposition of fees, charges or royalties) for which regulations may be made under subsection (2) in relation to a park.(3) Without affecting the generality of section 156 (2) or (3), regulations—(a) made under subsection (2) for or with respect to parks, ormay be made to apply generally to all parks or to all such other lands so acquired or occupied or may be limited to any park or any particular lands so acquired or occupied, or any specified part of any such park or other lands, and unless so limited shall be taken to apply generally to all parks or to all such other lands, as the case may be.(b) made under subsection (2B) for or with respect to other lands acquired or occupied by the Minister,(4) Where any provision of a regulation made to apply to any specified park or any particular lands acquired or occupied by the Minister, or any part thereof, is inconsistent with a provision of any regulation relating to parks or to any such lands generally, the firstmentioned provision shall prevail.s 155: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 2 (16), 3 (49); 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (9) (12); 1987 No 48, Sch 32; 1989 No 84, Sch 1 (11); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (30); 1994 No 38, Sch 8; 1995 No 11, Sch 1.84 [3]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [55]–[57]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73] [149]; 2017 No 17, Sch 2.16 [25]; 2021 No 47, Sch 1.1[24]–[27].
155A Kosciuszko National Park
The regulations may confer or impose on the Secretary, with any necessary modifications, any function relating to the health of the public in Kosciuszko National Park that is, or but for being modified would be, the same as a function conferred or imposed on a council constituted by the Local Government Act 1993 in relation to the health of the public in its area.s 155A: Ins 1990 No 123, Sch 2. Am 1993 No 32, Sch 2.
156 General provisions
(1) A regulation may—(a) impose a penalty for any breach thereof and also distinct penalties in case of successive breaches thereof but no such penalty shall exceed 50 penalty units, and(b) impose also a daily penalty for any continuing breach thereof not exceeding 2 penalty units per day.(2) A regulation may be made so as to apply differently according to such factors as may be specified therein.(3) A regulation may be made so as to apply to or in respect of—(a) any matter, or all matters, or any class of matters specified or described therein, or(b) all matters, or any class of matters, so specified or described other than—(i) any matter so specified or described that is expressed to be excluded, or(ii) any class of matters so specified or described that is expressed to be excluded.(4) A regulation may authorise any matter or thing to be from time to time determined, applied or regulated by any person or body specified therein.s 156: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 4 (6); 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (3); 1992 No 34, Sch 1; 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [38] [39].
Part 14 Miscellaneous
156A Offence of damaging reserved land
(1) A person must not, on or in land reserved under this Act or acquired under Part 11—(a) remove any water other than for purposes authorised by or under any Act or for the purposes of personal use on the land, or(b) damage or remove any vegetation, rock, soil, sand, stone or similar substance, or(c) damage any object or place of cultural value, or(d) cause or permit any removal or damage referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c).Maximum penalty—(a) in the case of a corporation—10,000 penalty units, or(b) in the case of an individual—1,000 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment, or both.Note—An offence against subsection (1) committed by a corporation is an executive liability offence attracting executive liability for a director or other person involved in the management of the corporation—see section 175B.(2) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under subsection (1) if the accused proves that the removal or damage concerned—(a) was done in accordance with the consent of the Secretary or of a person or body that has the care, control and management of the land concerned under this Act, or(b) was authorised to be done, and was done in accordance with, a licence under this Act or a licence granted under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, or(c) was essential for the carrying out of—(i) development in accordance with a development consent within the meaning of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, or(ii) an activity, whether by a determining authority or pursuant to an approval of a determining authority within the meaning of Part 5 of that Act if the determining authority has complied with that Part, or(iii) a project approved under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, or(iv) State significant infrastructure approved under Part 5.1 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, or(d) was authorised to be done by or under Part 2 of the Rural Fires Act 1997, the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 or the State Emergency Service Act 1989 and was reasonably necessary in order to avoid a threat to life or property.(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under subsection (1) if the offence relates to the damage of an object or place of cultural value and the accused proves that he or she did not know, and could not reasonably have known, that the object or place concerned had cultural value.(4), (5) (Repealed)s 156A: Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [40]. Am 2005 No 43, Sch 7.12 [7]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [79]–[82]; 2011 No 22, Sch 2.18 [7]; 2012 No 97, Sch 1.28 [13].
156B Powers of authorised officers
(1) The Secretary may appoint any person (including a class of persons) to be an authorised officer for the purposes of national parks legislation. Such an appointment is to be made under Chapter 7 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (the POEO Act) as applied under this section.(2) An authorised officer has and may exercise the functions of an authorised officer under Chapter 7 (except Part 7.6) of the POEO Act for the following purposes—(a) for determining whether there has been compliance with or a contravention of national parks legislation,(b) for obtaining information or records for purposes connected with the administration of national parks legislation,(c) generally for administering national parks legislation.(3) The provisions of Chapter 7 of the POEO Act apply to and in respect of national parks legislation as if those provisions were part of this Act, but modified so that—(a) references in those provisions to an authorised officer were references to authorised officers appointed as referred to in this section, and(b) references in those provisions to “this Act” were references to an Act or regulation forming part of the national parks legislation, and(c) references in those provisions to the EPA were references to the Secretary, and(d) the Secretary were the appropriate regulatory authority for matters concerning national parks legislation.(3A) Section 319A of the POEO Act applies in respect of notices given by an authorised officer pursuant to subsection (2) in the same way as it applies to notices given under that Act or the regulations under that Act, except that in so applying that section a reference to a regulatory authority is to be read as a reference to the Secretary.(3B) For the avoidance of doubt, a prosecution of a person for an offence against a provision of Chapter 7 of the POEO Act (as applying under this section) is to be taken as if the offence were an offence under this Act.(4) The functions that an authorised officer has under Chapter 7 of the POEO Act are, for the purposes of any provision of national parks legislation, taken to be functions under national parks legislation.(5) If an authorised officer has functions in respect of a matter under both Chapter 7 of the POEO Act (as applying under this section) and under any other provision of national parks legislation, the fact that there is a restriction on the exercise of a function under national parks legislation does not of itself operate to restrict the exercise by an authorised officer of any similar or the same function under Chapter 7 of the POEO Act.(6) (Repealed)s 156B: Ins 2004 No 88, Sch 3.1 [8]. Am 2005 No 64, Sch 1.22 [5]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [83]–[85].
156C Exclusion of personal liability
(1) Anything done or omitted to be done by—(a) the Minister, or(b) the Secretary or a person acting under the direction of the Secretary, or(c) an officer of the Service, or(d) an ex-officio ranger, or(e) an honorary ranger, or(f) a member of the Council or a person acting under the direction of the Council or a member of the Council, ordoes not subject the Minister, Secretary, officer, ranger, member of the Council or of the advisory committee, or person so acting, personally to any action, liability, claim or demand if the thing was done, or omitted to be done, in good faith for the purpose of exercising functions under the national parks legislation.(g) an advisory committee, a member of such a committee or a person acting under the direction of any such committee or member of such a committee,(2) However, any such liability attaches instead to the Crown.s 156C: Ins 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [86].
157 Requirement to state name and address
(1) The Secretary or any officer of the Service, or any person duly authorised by the Minister in that behalf, may require a person whom he or she suspects on reasonable grounds to be offending against this Act or the regulations to state the person’s full name and residential address.(2) The Secretary, any officer of the Service duly authorised by the Secretary in that behalf or any person duly authorised by the Minister in that behalf may require the driver of a motor vehicle in a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve or Aboriginal area to produce his or her driver licence and to state his or her full name and residential address.(3) A person shall not—(a) fail or refuse to comply with a requirement under subsection (1) or (2), or(b) in purported compliance with such a requirement, state a name that is not the person’s name or an address that is not the person’s residential address.Penalty for an offence against this subsection: 10 penalty units.s 157: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 2 (17), 3 (50), 4 (7); 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (8); 1992 No 34, Sch 1; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [58]; 1996 No 121, Sch 1.12 [2] [3]; 1998 No 99, Sch 1.8; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73] [149].
158 Requirement for owner of motor vehicle and others to give information
(1) Where the driver of a motor vehicle is alleged to be guilty of an offence against this Act or the regulations, the Secretary or any other officer of the Service, or any person duly authorised by the Minister in that behalf, may—(a) require the owner of the vehicle, or the person in whose name it is registered, or the person having the custody of the vehicle, to give forthwith information (which shall, if so required, be given in the form of a statement in writing, signed by that owner or person) as to the name and residential address of the driver, or(b) require any other person to give any information which it is in that other person’s power to give and which may lead to the identification of the driver.(2) A person shall not—(a) fail or refuse to comply with a requirement under subsection (1), or(b) in purported compliance with such a requirement, give any information that is false or misleading in a material particular.Penalty: 10 penalty units.(3) In a prosecution for an offence in respect of a failure or refusal to comply with a requirement under subsection (1) (a), it is a defence if the defendant proves to the satisfaction of the court that the defendant did not know and could not with reasonable diligence have ascertained the name or residential address of the driver concerned or both, as the case may require.(4) Where a statement in writing purporting to be furnished under subsection (1) (a) and to contain particulars of the name and residential address of the driver of a motor vehicle at the time of commission of an alleged offence against this Act or the regulations is produced in any court in proceedings against the person named therein as the driver for the offence, the statement shall, if that person does not appear before the court, be evidence without proof of signature that the person was the driver of the vehicle at that time.s 158: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 2 (18), 4 (8); 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (8); 1992 No 34, Sch 1; 1999 No 85, Sch 1.20 [5].
159 Liability of vehicle owner for parking offences
(1) In this section—owner of a vehicle includes the responsible person for the vehicle within the meaning of the Road Transport Act 2013.parking offence means the offence committed by a person who, in contravention of the regulations made under this Act—(a) moors or parks a vehicle, or(b) causes or permits a vehicle to be moored or parked or to stand or wait.(2) Where a parking offence occurs, the person who, at the time of the occurrence of the offence, is the owner of the vehicle to which the offence relates is, by virtue of this section, guilty of an offence under the regulation relating to the parking offence in all respects as if the owner were the actual offender guilty of the parking offence unless—(a) in any case where the parking offence is dealt with under section 192, the owner satisfies the prescribed person referred to in that section that the vehicle was, at the relevant time, a stolen vehicle or a vehicle illegally taken or used, or(b) in any other case, the court is satisfied that the vehicle was, at the relevant time, a stolen vehicle or a vehicle illegally taken or used.(3) Nothing in this section affects the liability of an actual offender in respect of a parking offence but, where a penalty has been imposed on, or recovered from, any person in relation to any parking offence, no further penalty shall be imposed on or recovered from any other person in relation thereto.(4) Notwithstanding anything in subsection (2) or (3), no owner of a vehicle is, by virtue of this section, guilty of an offence if—(a) in any case where the offence is dealt with under section 192, the owner—(i) within 21 days after service on the owner of a notice under that section in respect of the offence, gives a prescribed person referred to in that section an approved nomination notice containing the name and address of the person who was in charge of the vehicle at all relevant times relating to the parking offence concerned, or(ii) satisfies the prescribed person so referred to that the owner does not know, and cannot with reasonable diligence ascertain, that name and address, or(b) in any other case, the owner—(i) within 21 days after service on the owner of a court attendance notice for the offence, gives the informant an approved nomination notice containing the name and address of the person who was in charge of the vehicle at all relevant times relating to the offence, or(ii) satisfies the court that the owner did not know and could not with reasonable diligence have ascertained that name and address.(4A) Despite any other provision of this Act, an approved nomination notice may be provided by a person served with a notice under section 192 within 90 days of the notice being served on the person if the approved nomination notice is provided in the circumstances specified in section 23AA or 23AB of the Fines Act 1996.(4B) If the owner of a vehicle supplies an approved nomination notice to a prescribed person or an informant for the purposes of this section, a prescribed person or informant may, by written notice served on the owner, require the owner to supply a statutory declaration for use in court proceedings that verifies the nomination contained in the approved nomination document.(5) An approved nomination notice or a statutory declaration that relates to more than one parking offence is taken not to be an approved nomination notice or a statutory declaration supplying a name and address for the purposes of subsection (4) or (4B).(6) Where a statutory declaration supplying the name and address of a person for the purposes of subsection (4B) is produced in any proceedings against that person in respect of the parking offence to which the statutory declaration relates, the statutory declaration is prima facie evidence that that person was, at all relevant times relating to that parking offence, in charge of the vehicle to which the parking offence relates.(7) The provisions of this section shall be construed as supplementing, and not as derogating from, any other provision of this Act or the regulations or any other Act or regulation, by-law or ordinance under any other Act.(8) In this section—approved nomination notice has the same meaning as in section 38 of the Fines Act 1996.s 159: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 6 (12); 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (3) (8) (13); 1997 No 119, Sch 2.17 (am 1998 No 26, Sch 1 [13]); 1999 No 19, Sch 2.28; 2005 No 11, Sch 3.26 [1]; 2013 No 19, Sch 4.54 [1]; 2016 No 13, Sch 2.6 [1]–[7].
159A Liability of landholder for certain harming and picking offences
In any criminal proceedings for an offence under section 98 or Part 8A, the landholder of any land on which the offence is alleged to have occurred is taken to have carried out the activity constituting the alleged offence unless it is established that—(a) the activity was carried out by another person, and(b) the landholder did not cause or permit the other person to carry out the activity.This section does not prevent proceedings being taken against the person who actually carried out the activity.s 159A: Ins 2004 No 88, Sch 3.1 [9].
159B Causing or permitting certain harming and picking offences
A person who causes or permits, by act or omission, another person to commit an offence under section 98 or a provision of Part 8A is guilty of an offence under the provision and is liable on conviction to the same penalty applicable to an offence under that provision.s 159B: Ins 2004 No 88, Sch 3.1 [9].
160
(Renumbered as sec 192)
s 160: Subst 1983 No 183, Sch 4 (9). Am 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 2; 1991 No 17, Sch 1; 1999 No 85, Sch 1.20 [6]; 2004 No 88, Sch 3.1 [10]; 2005 No 64, Sch 1.22 [6]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [87]. Renumbered as sec 192, 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [88].
160A Removal of unauthorised structures and occupiers
(1) In sections 160A–160F—prescribed land means—(a) a national park, historic site, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve, Aboriginal area, state conservation area or regional park, or(b) land acquired or occupied under Part 11.structure includes a part of a structure.(2) The Minister may cause any structure that is on prescribed land without lawful authority and its contents (if any) to be removed from the land or to another place on prescribed land.(3) The Minister may cause any person making use without lawful authority of a structure that is on prescribed land to be removed from the structure or from the immediate vicinity of the structure.(4) For the purpose of removing a person under this section—(a) reasonable force may be used, and(b) the assistance of the police may be requested.(5) This section does not affect any other power to remove structures or persons from prescribed land.(6) It is not necessary for a notice under section 160D, 160E or 160F to have been served, displayed or published before the Minister causes a structure or person to be removed under this section.s 160A: Ins 1989 No 22, Sch 1 (1). Am 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (31); 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [59]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73] [149].
160B Forfeiture of unauthorised structures and their contents
(1) Any property removed under section 160A is forfeited to the Crown on its being so removed.(2) The Minister may cause anything so forfeited—(a) to be destroyed, sold or stored, or(b) to be returned to any person considered by the Minister to have been entitled to possess it immediately before it was forfeited.s 160B: Ins 1989 No 22, Sch 1 (1).
160C Cost of removing structures and contents
The Minister may recover as a debt due to the Crown any expense incurred under section 160A or 160B—(a) from any person who without lawful authority erected or placed or was, immediately before its removal, maintaining the structure concerned on prescribed land or who caused it to be so erected, placed or maintained, or(b) from any person who has made use of the structure after the expiration of the period specified in a notice prohibiting use of the structure—(i) served on the person under section 160F, or(ii) displayed on or adjacent to the structure under that section (but, in such a case, only if it is proved that the person knew, or ought reasonably to have known, about the notice).s 160C: Ins 1989 No 22, Sch 1 (1).
160D Notice to state interest in structure or contents
(1) The Minister may cause to be displayed or published a notice requiring any person—(a) who claims to have been authorised to erect, place or maintain a structure that is on prescribed land, orto deliver to the Minister a written statement signed by the person setting out by what authority the person erected or placed, or is entitled to maintain, the structure or by what authority the person claims any other interest in the structure, or an interest in its contents.(b) who claims any other interest in such a structure or an interest in its contents,(2) Any such notice shall be—(a) displayed on or adjacent to the structure, or(b) published in a manner determined in writing by the Minister having regard to the object of bringing notices of that kind to the attention of persons of the kind referred to in subsection (1).(3) A person who has not delivered such a statement to the Minister within one month after display or publication of the notice has no claim against the Minister or any other person if the structure and its contents (if any) are dealt with under section 160A or 160B.s 160D: Ins 1989 No 22, Sch 1 (1). Am 2018 No 25, Sch 2.22 [4].
160E Notice to remove structure
(1) If the Minister believes on reasonable grounds that a person, without lawful authority, has erected or placed, or is maintaining, a structure that is on prescribed land, the Minister may cause a notice—(a) to be served on the person, orrequiring the person to remove the structure and its contents (if any) and to rehabilitate within a specified period the land on which the structure is situated.(b) to be displayed on or adjacent to the structure,(2) A notice relating to a structure may be served or displayed under this section whether or not a notice under section 160D relating to the same structure has been displayed or published.(3) A notice under this section may be served—(a) in any case, personally on the person to whom it is directed, or(b) if that person has delivered a statement under section 160D relating to the structure—(i) by post to any address for contacting the person that is specified in the statement, or(ii) by email to an email address specified by the person for the service of notices of that kind.(4) The person to whom a notice served or displayed under this section is directed shall, unless the structure to which the notice relates was erected or placed, or is being maintained, with lawful authority by the person—(a) remove the structure and its contents (if any), andwithin such period and in such manner (if any) as are specified in the notice.(b) rehabilitate the land on which the structure is situated,Maximum penalty—20 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of 2 penalty units for each day the offence continues.(5) The defendant has the onus of establishing the existence of lawful authority in any proceedings for an offence against this section.s 160E: Ins 1989 No 22, Sch 1 (1). Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [89]; 2017 No 25, Sch 1.23 [1].
160F Notice prohibiting use of structure
(1) If the Minister believes on reasonable grounds that a structure that is on prescribed land is being used without lawful authority, the Minister may cause a notice—(a) to be served on the person, prohibiting use after a specified period of the structure by the person, or(b) to be displayed on or adjacent to the structure, prohibiting use after a specified period of the structure by any person.(2) Any such notice may be served—(a) in any case, personally on the person to whom it is directed, or(b) if that person has delivered a statement under section 160D relating to the structure—(i) by post to any address for contacting the person that is specified in the statement, or(ii) by email to an email address specified by the person for the service of notices of that kind.(3) A person who is prohibited from using a structure by a notice that has been served or displayed under this section shall not, without lawful authority, use the structure after the expiration of the period specified in the notice.Maximum penalty—20 penalty units and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of 2 penalty units for each day the offence continues.(4) The defendant has the onus of establishing the existence of lawful authority in any proceedings for an offence against this section.s 160F: Ins 1989 No 22, Sch 1 (1). Am 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [90]; 2017 No 25, Sch 1.23 [2].
161 Restriction on release of certain information
(1) The Secretary may, by notice in writing, advise the Minister that the Secretary is of the opinion that specified documents in the possession of the Service relating to—(a) the location of threatened species, populations or ecological communities or Aboriginal objects, orshould be withheld in the public interest.(b) the cultural values of an Aboriginal place or Aboriginal object,(2) The Secretary may declare in the notice that information contained in the documents concerned is information for which there is a conclusive presumption of overriding public interest against disclosure for the purposes of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.(3) The Secretary must not give a notice under this section in relation to documents relating to the location of Aboriginal objects or the cultural values of an Aboriginal place or Aboriginal object unless the Secretary has consulted with the Aboriginal people who the Secretary is aware have an interest in the documents concerned.s 161: Subst 1982 No 156, Sch 1. Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (51); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (32); 1993 No 46, Sch 1. Rep 1993 No 31, sec 52. Ins 2001 No 130, Sch 4 [8]. Am 2005 No 64, Sch 1.22 [7]; 2009 No 54, Sch 2.31 [2].
161A–162 (Repealed)
s 161A: Ins 1982 No 156, Sch 1. Am 1993 No 46, Sch 1. Rep 1993 No 31, sec 52.
s 161B: Ins 1982 No 156, Sch 1. Rep 1993 No 31, sec 52.
s 162: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 2 (19), 3 (52); 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (9); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (33). Rep 1993 No 31, sec 52.
163 Application of Companion Animals Act 1998
Part 7 (Procedures for dealing with seized animals) of the Companion Animals Act 1998 does not apply in respect of an animal seized in a national park, historic site, state conservation area, regional park, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve or Aboriginal area by an officer of the Service unless the officer causes the animal to be delivered as provided by section 62 (Seized animals to be returned to owner or taken to council pound) of that Act.s 163: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (53); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (34); 1995 No 11, Sch 1.84 [4]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [60]. Subst 1998 No 87, Sch 4.3. Am 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [73] [149].
163A (Repealed)
s 163A: Ins 1990 No 106, Sch 1 (3). Subst 1993 No 32, Sch 2. Am 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [15]. Rep 1997 No 152, Sch 4.24 [3].
163B Application of certain Acts
(1) Division 2A (Orders) of Part 6 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Chapter 7 (What are the regulatory functions of councils?) of the Local Government Act 1993 do not apply to lands reserved or dedicated (other than lands dedicated under section 58U) under this Act.(2) This section (except to the extent that it relates to anything authorised by or under the Snowy Hydro Corporatisation Act 1997) does not apply to a ski resort area, within the meaning of Part 8A of Schedule 6 to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.(3) An order may not be made under Division 2A of Part 6 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, or under Chapter 7 of the Local Government Act 1993, that would prevent or hinder the Secretary from or in carrying out any power, authority, duty, function or responsibility conferred or imposed on the Secretary by or under this Act.s 163B: Ins 1993 No 32, Sch 2. Am 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [16]; 1999 No 85, Sch 1.20 [7] [8]; 2001 No 126, Sch 2 [2].
164 Powers of entry and seizure
(1) An authorised officer—(a) may at all times, if he or she suspects on reasonable grounds that an offence against any of the provisions of this Act or the regulations has been or is being committed and that any animal, native plant, Aboriginal object or article in respect of which the suspected offence has been or is being committed or which has been or is being used in connection with the suspected offence is likely to be in or upon any premises or vehicle, on production of the prescribed evidence of his or her authority—(i) stop any such vehicle,(ii) enter and search any such premises or vehicle, and(iii) subject to his or her giving a receipt in the prescribed form seize any such animal, native plant, Aboriginal object (not being real property) or article found therein or thereon together with any books, papers or records relating to the suspected offence and make copies of, or take extracts from, any such papers, books or records,(b) may at all times, on production of the prescribed evidence of his or her authority, enter any premises or vehicle for the purpose of—(i) inspecting any premises registered under section 124, 125 or 128,(ii) inspecting any premises in which fauna are housed or caged under the authority of a licence under section 120 or 125A,(iii) inspecting any lands on which protected native plants are grown under the authority of a licence under section 132, or(iv) searching for and inspecting any articles that are being or could be used in contravention of this Act or the regulations, and(b1) may, at all times, on production of the prescribed evidence of authority, enter any premises for the purposes of—(i) identifying and mapping critical habitat, and(ii) inspecting any lands that are the subject of an application for a licence under Part 6 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, and(iii) inspecting any lands that are the subject of proposed development or an activity (within the meaning of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979) and in respect of the grant of development consent or approval to which the Minister or the Secretary has been consulted or is (or is acting as) a concurrence authority in accordance with that Act, and(iv) inspecting any lands for the purpose of investigating the presence or condition of threatened species, populations or ecological communities, and their habitats, for the purposes of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or this Act,(c) may, for the enforcement of the provisions of this Act or the regulations, exercise the powers and authority of a constable.(2) Subsection (1) does not—(a) apply in relation to an offence of a class or description prescribed for the purposes of this subsection,(b) authorise the seizure of a vehicle within the meaning of paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (e) of the definition of vehicle in section 5 (1) or any prescribed article, or(c) authorise any person to enter in or upon that portion of a building that is used for residential purposes except with the permission of the occupier or under the authority of a search warrant issued under this section.(3) For the purposes of subsection (1) (a) (iii), the authorised officer may direct the occupier of the premises where, or owner of the vehicle on or in which, the animal, native plant, Aboriginal object or article is seized—(a) for a specified period (not exceeding 28 days)—(i) to retain the animal, native plant, Aboriginal object or article in or on those premises, that vehicle or at another place under the control of the occupier or owner, and(ii) to feed, house or maintain (as appropriate) the animal, native plant, Aboriginal object or article, and(b) on a specified day within that period, deliver to the authorised officer the animal, native plant, Aboriginal object or article.(4) The power of seizure under subsection (1) (a) may be exercised without exercising any of the other powers under subsection (1) (a).(5) An authorised officer or a police officer may apply to an issuing officer for a search warrant if the authorised officer or police officer believes on reasonable grounds—(a) that an offence against a provision of this Act or the regulations has been committed, and(b) that there may be an animal, native plant, Aboriginal object or article in respect of which any such offence has been committed, or which has been used in connection with any such offence, on any premises or vehicle.(6) An issuing officer to whom an application is made under subsection (5) may, if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for doing so, issue a search warrant authorising the applicant to enter and search the premises or vehicle.(7) A person executing a search warrant issued under this section may exercise the power of seizure under subsection (1) (a).(8) Division 4 of Part 5 of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 applies to a search warrant issued under this section.(9) In this section—issuing officer means an authorised officer within the meaning of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002.s 164: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 6 (13); 1985 No 38, Sch 1; 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (8); 1989 No 84, Sch 1 (12); 1991 No 92, Sch 2; 1993 No 78, Sch 1 (11); 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [120] [121]; 1999 No 85, Sch 1.20 [9] [10]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [167]; 2002 No 103, Sch 4.56 [1]–[3]; 2002 No 112, Sch 1.16 [9]; 2004 No 88, Sch 3.1 [11]–[13]; 2006 No 58, Sch 2.38 [1]–[3]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [91].
165 Persons to deliver up fauna etc when required
(1) Where an authorised officer suspects on reasonable grounds any person to be committing an offence against any of the provisions of this Act or the regulations, he or she may, on production of the prescribed evidence of his or her authority, require that person to deliver up—(a) any animal, native plant, Aboriginal object (not being real property) or article in that person’s possession, or which it is within that person’s power to deliver up, in respect of which the suspected offence is being committed or which is being used in connection with the suspected offence, or(b) any books, papers or records in that person’s possession, or which it is within that person’s power to deliver up, relating to the suspected offence.(2) Any such person after being so required shall not fail to deliver up forthwith any animal, native plant, Aboriginal object (not being real property), article, books, papers or records to the Secretary or person requiring him or her so to do.s 165: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 5 (13); 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (8); 1989 No 84, Sch 1 (13); 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [167]; 2004 No 88, Sch 3.1 [14].
166 Definition of “article” for secs 164 and 165
(1) In sections 164 and 165, article means prohibited weapon, firearm, explosive, net, trap, hunting device, substance, mixture, preparation, instrument, implement or any other thing.(2) A reference in this section to a firearm includes a reference to an imitation firearm within the meaning of the Firearms Act 1996.s 166: Am 2010 No 40, Sch 3.17.
167 Disposal of fauna and perishable goods when seized or delivered up
(1) Where any property seized under section 164 or delivered up under section 165 is fauna or is perishable, it may forthwith be disposed of, by way of sale or otherwise, by an authorised officer.(2) The proceeds of any sale under subsection (1) shall be paid into the Fund.(3) The payment to a person from the Fund of an amount equal to the proceeds of the sale of any property under subsection (1) operates as a discharge of any obligation to deliver up that property to that person and such a payment in discharge of any such obligation imposed by an order of the court prescribed in relation to the property under section 168 is hereby authorised.(4) Without affecting the generality of subsection (1), fauna may be disposed of under subsection (1) by being destroyed or returned to its natural environment.(5) When any fauna or perishable property is sold or otherwise disposed of under subsection (1)—(a) the buyer obtains the ownership of the fauna or property freed and discharged from any right, interest, trust or obligation to which it was subject immediately before its sale or disposal, and(b) the person who was the owner of the fauna or property immediately before its sale or disposal ceases to have any claim in respect of the fauna or property or any right of action in respect of the sale or disposal except as specifically provided by this Act.(6) A person is not prevented from recovering damages from the Crown in respect of the sale or disposal of any fauna or perishable property under subsection (1) if the person establishes that the authorised officer who effected the sale or disposal did not act in good faith or acted without reasonable care.s 167: Am 1986 No 133, Sch 1 (6); 2004 No 88, Sch 3.1 [15]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [92].
168 Disposal of property seized or delivered up
(1) Subject to this section, where—(a) a person is convicted of an offence against this Act or the regulations,(b) property relating to the offence, or in the possession of the offender at the time of the commission of the offence, has been seized under section 164 or delivered up under section 165, andthat court may, whether or not it is the court making the conviction, make such an order.(c) any person applies to the court prescribed in relation to the property for an order that the property be delivered to a specified person,(2) Subject to this section, where—(a) property has been seized under section 164 or delivered up under section 165, andthe court prescribed in relation to the property (whether or not it is the court dismissing the proceedings in the case of property relating to proceedings referred to in paragraph (b) (ii)) may, on the application of any person, order that the property be delivered to a specified person.(b) proceedings for an offence (being an offence on or after a conviction for which an order could be made under subsection (1) in respect of the property)—(i) have not been commenced within 2 years after the seizure or delivering up of the property, or(ii) have been dismissed by a court,(3) An application for an order under subsection (1) may be made at the time of the conviction referred to in that subsection if the court making the conviction is the court prescribed in relation to the property to which the application relates.(4) An application for an order under subsection (1) or (2) may not be made—(a) in the case of an application for an order under subsection (1)—later than 1 month after the conviction referred to in that subsection, or(b) in the case of an application for an order under subsection (2) (b) (i)—later than 3 months after the expiration of the period of 2 years referred to in that subparagraph, or(c) in the case of an application for an order under subsection (2) (b) (ii)—later than 1 month after the date on which the proceedings were dismissed.(5) Where property has been seized under section 164 or delivered up under section 165 and—(a) no application for an order under subsection (1) or (2) has been duly made, orthe property the subject of the application and, where the property has been sold under section 167, the proceeds of the sale, shall be deemed to have been forfeited.(b) such an application has been duly made and such an order has been refused,(6) For the purposes of this section—(a) the value of any property sold under section 167 is an amount equal to the amount of the net proceeds of sale, and(b) the court prescribed in relation to any property is such court as would, if the value of the property were the amount of a debt, be a court of competent jurisdiction for the recovery of that debt.(7) An order shall not be made by a court under this section in relation to fauna seized or delivered up in connection with an offence under section 102 unless the court is satisfied that the fauna will be adequately cared for by the person to whom the fauna is to be delivered under the order.(8) An order shall not be made by a court under this section in relation to fauna that has been destroyed or returned to its natural environment under section 167, but if the order is nevertheless made, it does not have any effect.s 168: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 5 (14), 6 (6) (14); 1986 No 133, Sch 1 (7); 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (8); 1989 No 226, Sch 1; 1993 No 108, Sch 2; 1999 No 85, Sch 1.20 [11]–[15].
169 Impersonating, assaulting, resisting or obstructing an officer etc
(1) A person shall not impersonate the Secretary, any other officer of the Service, an ex-officio ranger or honorary ranger.(2) A person shall not—(a) assault, threaten, resist, delay, hinder, obstruct or use abusive language to, orthe Secretary, any other officer of the Service, an ex-officio ranger or honorary ranger, in the exercise of any of his or her powers, authorities, duties or functions under this Act or the regulations, the Wilderness Act 1987 or regulations under that Act or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or the regulations under that Act.(b) incite or encourage any other person to assault, threaten, resist, delay, hinder, obstruct or use abusive language to,Maximum penalty—200 penalty units or 3 months imprisonment, or both.(3) Without affecting the generality of subsection (2) (a), a person shall not, upon a request for information or other reasonable assistance being made by the Secretary, any other officer of the Service, an ex-officio ranger or honorary ranger in the exercise of any powers, authorities, duties or functions under this Act or the regulations, the Wilderness Act 1987 or regulations under that Act or the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or the regulations under that Act, refuse to give the information or other assistance requested or knowingly give any information that is false or misleading in a material particular.(4) A person shall not incite or encourage another person to contravene subsection (3).s 169: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 5 (15); 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (8); 1987 No 197, Sch 1 (20); 1992 No 34, Sch 1; 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [122]; 1996 No 30, Sch 2.19 [4]; 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [17]; 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [41]; 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [19]; 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [15].
170 Corruption
A person shall not, without lawful authority, offer, make or give to an officer of the Service, an ex-officio ranger or honorary ranger any payment, gratuity or present in consideration that the officer or ranger will do or omit to do any act or thing pertaining to his or her powers, authorities, duties or functions as such an officer or ranger.Maximum penalty—10 penalty units or imprisonment for 1 year or both.s 170: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 4 (10); 1992 No 112, Sch 1; 1997 No 2, Sch 1 [18] [19]; 2005 No 83, Sch 1 [19] [21]; 2015 No 58, Sch 3.63 [15].
171 Authority to harm or pick
(1) The Secretary may authorise any person—(a) to harm—(i) animals within a national park, historic site, nature reserve, karst conservation reserve, state conservation area, regional park, Aboriginal area, wildlife refuge or conservation area, or(ii) protected fauna outside a park, site, reserve, area or refuge referred to in subparagraph (i), other than fauna that are not the property of the Crown,(b) to fell, cut, destroy, injure, remove or set fire to any tree, timber or vegetation within a nature reserve or karst conservation reserve, or(c) to pick or have in the person’s possession any native plant within a nature reserve or karst conservation reserve.(1A) The Secretary may, in an authority given under subsection (1) or in another instrument served on the person to whom the authority is given, limit the kinds or numbers of animals, trees, timber, vegetation or native plants with respect to which an authority has effect.(1B) An authority under subsection (1) authorising game birds to be harmed does not extend to the harming of game birds for sporting or recreational purposes. However, an authority can authorise a sporting or recreational shooter to harm game birds for any other specified lawful purpose.(2) A person shall not be convicted of an offence against this Act if the person proves that the act constituting the offence was done, or the state of affairs constituting the offence existed, under the authority of the Secretary under this section.(3) For the purposes of this Act, the Secretary shall be deemed to be authorised under subsection (1) with respect to all animals, and all trees, timber, vegetation and native plants, to which that subsection relates or may relate.(4) Except in so far as the Secretary otherwise directs, the Secretary’s authorisation of a person under subsection (1) also authorises that person to do, in connection with the authorised activity, any act referred to in section 45 (1) or 56 (1).(5) Subsection (1) (a) (i) does not apply with respect to an animal that is not the property of the Crown unless the animal apparently has no owner and is not under control or unless an officer of the Service believes on reasonable grounds that the animal is endangering, or likely to endanger, any other animals or any persons or property within the park, site, reserve, area or refuge referred to in subsection (1) (a) (i).(6) Nothing in this section affects the provisions of section 155 (2) (bb).s 171: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 3 (54); 1987 No 158, Sch 1 (18); 1989 No 84, Sch 1 (14); 1991 No 55, Sch 1 (35); 1995 No 60, Sch 1 [9]; 1995 No 101, Sch 4 [123] [124]; 1996 No 58, Sch 1 [61]; 1996 No 121, Sch 1.12 [4] [5]; 2001 No 130, Sch 1 [149] [168] [169]; 2002 No 53, Sch 1.20 [3].
172 Police officers
A police officer shall not be convicted of an offence against this Act in respect of an act done in pursuance of or as part of his or her duties as a police officer.s 172: Am 1999 No 85, Sch 1.20 [16] [17].
173 (Repealed)
s 173: Am 1983 No 183, Schs 2 (20), 3 (55). Rep 1989 No 22, Sch 1 (2).
174 Service of notices
Any notice given under or for the purposes of this Act or the regulations may, unless otherwise specially provided, be given in any one of the following ways—(a) personally to the person to whom the notice is addressed, or(b) by letter sent through the post by mail and directed to the last known residential or business address of the person to whom the notice is addressed, or(c) by sending it by facsimile or electronic transmission (including for example the Internet) to the person in accordance with arrangements indicated by the person as appropriate for transmitting documents to the person.s 174: Am 1986 No 218, Sch 28, Part 1 (8); 1999 No 85, Sch 1.20 [18]; 2010 No 38, Sch 1 [93] [94].
175 General offence and penalties
(1) A person who—(a) does that which by this Act (Parts 2, 3 and 5 excepted) the person is forbidden to do, oris guilty of an offence against this Act.(b) fails or neglects to do that which by this Act (Parts 2, 3 and 5 excepted) the person is required or directed to do,(2) A person guilty of an offence against this Act, whether pursuant to subsection (1) or otherwise, is, where no other penalty is prescribed, liable to a penalty not exceeding 100 penalty units, in the case of an individual, or 200 penalty units in the case of a corporation.s 175: Am 1983 No 183, Sch 4 (11); 1992 No 34, Sch 1; 2001 No 130, Sch 3 [42].
175A Offences by directors or managers of corporations
(1) If a person contravenes any provision of this Act or the regulations—(a) while acting in the capacity of a director, a person concerned in the management, or an employee or an agent, of a corporation, orthe corporation shall be taken to have contravened the same provision.(b) at the direction or with the consent or agreement (whether express or implied) of such a director, person, employee or agent,(2) A corporation may be proceeded against and convicted under a provision pursuant to subsection (1), whether or not the director, person, employee or agent has been proceeded against or convicted under that provision.(3) Nothing in this section affects any liability imposed on a person for an offence committed by the person against this Act or the regulations.s 175A: Ins 1989 No 84, Sch 1 (15).
175B Liability of directors etc for offences by corporation—offences attracting executive liability
(1) For the purposes of this section, an executive liability offence is an offence against any of the following provisions of this Act that is committed by a corporation—(a) section 86 (1), (2) or (4),(b) section 90J (1) or (2),(c) section 91AA (6),(d) section 91G,(e) section 91Q (1),(f) section 91R,