Customs Act 1901
Notice under Section 15
Airport Appointment
Appointment No. 2538
I, Jeff Buckpitt, delegate of the Chief Executive Officer of Customs, under subsection 15(1) of the Customs Act 1901;
(a) appoint Darwin International Airport in the territory of the Northern Territory as an airport; and
(b) fix the limits of that airport in accordance with the description set out below;
The area contained by a line commencing at a point at the centre of the Henry Wrigley Drive access road at a point (1) Latitude 12º 24’ 22.45” South, Longitude 130º 52’ 44.85” East; then in an easterly direction for a distance of approximately 170 metres to intersect with Cecil Cook Avenue, then in a southerly direction to intersect with McGory Ave, then in an east south-easterly direction to intersect with Sir Norman Brearley Drive, then in a southerly direction to intersect with Lancaster Road, then in an east south-easterly direction along Lancaster Rd for a distance of approximately 510 metres to the northern side of the carpark at a point Latitude 12º 24’ 38.65” South, Longitude 130º 53’ 10.35” East; then in an east south-easterly direction for a distance of approximately 145 metres to intersect with the security fence at a point Latitude 12º 24’ 41.70” South, Longitude 130º 53’ 12.20” East; then in an east south-easterly direction in a line which follows the security fenceline for a distance of approximately 2535 metres to intersect with the access gate adjacent to the Aviation Museum at a point Latitude 12º 25’ 27.84” South, Longitude 130º 53’ 47.07” East; then in a westerly direction following the security fence and running parallel to the Stuart Highway for a distance of approximately 3900 metres to intersect with Amaroo Road; then in a northerly direction firstly following Amaroo Road, then Amaroo Road West to intersect with Billeroy Road at a point Latitude 12º 25’ 14.79” South, Longitude 130º 51’ 49.40” East; then north along Billeroy Road to intersect with Bukatilla Road, then in a westerly direction along the security fenceline on the southern side of Bukatilla Road for a distance of approximately 250 metres to a point at Latitude 12º 25’ 13.18” South, Longitude 130º 51’ 41.04” East; then in a line following the security fenceline on the northern side of Bukatilla Road, the eastern side of Caloola Street, to a point on the northern side of Bimbang Road at a point Latitude 12º 25’ 04.86” South, Longitude 130º 51’ 37.60” East; then in a westerly direction for a distance of approximately 285 metres to a point Latitude 12º 25’ 04.96” South, Longitude 130º 51’ 28.16” East; then in a northerly direction for a distance of approximately 2030 metres to a point adjacent to the southern side of Osgood Drive at a point Latitude 12º 24’ 02.79” South, Longitude 130º 51’ 29.09” East; then in a north easterly direction following the security fenceline for a distance of approximately 2125 metres to intersect with Murphy Drive, then in a southerly direction along Murphy Drive and Lorres Benney Avenue to intersect with Pederson Road, then in an easterly direction to intersect with Sir Henry Wrigley Drive, then south along Sir Henry Wrigley Drive exit road for a distance of approximately 135 metres to a point Latitude 12º 24’ 21.26” South, Longitude 130º 52’ 42.6” East; then in an easterly direction for a distance of approximately 65 metres then in a southerly direction for a distance of approximately 35 metres to the point of commencement.
The map below shows an aerial view of these limits.
Geographic coordinates are referenced to the Geodetic Datum Australia (GDA94, MGA Zone 52).
Dated the 29th day of January 2013
Jeff Buckpitt
National Director
Passengers Division
Overview
The Customs Act 1901, enacted by the Australian Parliament, addresses the need for clear regulations governing customs procedures, including the designation of specific areas for customs activities. This piece of legislation was introduced to ensure that customs operations are effectively managed and to provide a legal framework for the control and regulation of imported and exported goods. The enactment of this Act aimed to streamline customs processes, facilitate international trade, and enhance border security. The policy objective is to enable efficient customs management while ensuring the security and integrity of the Australian border. The provided notice under Section 15 of the Customs Act 1901, dated 29th January 2013, appoints Darwin International Airport in the Northern Territory as an airport and delineates its boundaries, thereby formalising its status for customs operations. This appointment is part of the broader effort to maintain and enhance the effectiveness of customs activities across designated areas in Australia.
Scope and Application
The Customs Act 1901 governs the administration of customs and excise in Australia, and the legislation sets out the framework for the operation of customs and excise. Under this Act, Darwin International Airport in the Northern Territory has been appointed as an airport, with the boundaries of the airport defined by specific geographic coordinates and surrounding infrastructure such as roads and security fences. This appointment applies to all persons and entities that conduct transactions at the airport, as well as any industries involved in the import or export of goods. The jurisdictional reach of the Customs Act is national, extending across all states and territories within Australia. There may be exclusions or exemptions specified in subordinate instruments or regulations, but the primary legislation itself does not outline specific exclusions. The appointment of the airport under this Act ensures that customs and excise laws are uniformly applied across designated airport boundaries, facilitating streamlined operations and compliance for businesses and individuals engaged in international trade.
Key Provisions
The Customs Act 1901, specifically in relation to Section 15, designates Darwin International Airport as an official airport under the authority of a delegate from the Chief Executive Officer of Customs (Section 15(1)). This appointment solidifies the airport's status under customs regulations, thereby permitting it to handle international and domestic arrivals and departures in compliance with customs laws. The boundaries of the airport are meticulously defined by a series of geographic coordinates, beginning at a point on Henry Wrigley Drive and tracing a path along Cecil Cook Avenue, McGory Avenue, Sir Norman Brearley Drive, Lancaster Road, and various security fences, culminating back at the Henry Wrigley Drive access road. This delineation ensures that all activities within these boundaries are subject to customs oversight.
Entities and individuals operating within Darwin International Airport are bound by the requirements of the Customs Act 1901. This includes airlines, freight operators, and any other entities involved in the importation or exportation of goods. They must ensure that all customs declarations are accurate, and that any goods subject to customs duties or restrictions are properly documented and declared. Furthermore, they must comply with any inspections or searches conducted by customs officers to verify compliance with customs laws. The precise boundaries of the airport, as defined by the coordinates, mean that all customs activities must take place within these limits, and any operations outside these boundaries are not covered by the Act.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Customs Act 1901 can result in significant consequences. Offences under the Act may include the improper declaration of goods, smuggling, or evading customs duties. The penalties for these offences can be severe, both civilly and criminally. For instance, individuals or entities found guilty of smuggling may face substantial fines, and in some cases, imprisonment. Civil penalties can also be imposed, which may include the forfeiture of goods and financial penalties. The exact penalties depend on the nature and severity of the offence, with the maximum penalties specified within the Act. It is crucial for all parties operating within the designated airport boundaries to fully understand and adhere to these requirements to avoid any legal repercussions.