CSIRO Parkes site Heritage Management Plan Invitation for Public Comment

Overview

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, is developing the Heritage Management Plan for the CSIRO Parkes site located at 473 Telescope Road, Parkes, NSW. This initiative is conducted under the provisions of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The primary objective of this legislation is to provide a framework for the protection of the nation's natural and cultural heritage. The consultation period, open from 2 November 2023 to 30 November 2023, invites feedback from the public, indigenous people with rights and interests in the site, local and state government agencies, and organisations with relevant interests. This feedback is intended to address public perceptions and concerns before the preparation of the final draft for submission to the Minister for Environment. The public is encouraged to view the exposure draft at the CSIRO Parkes Visitor’s Discovery Centre or submit their comments via the provided email or postal address.

Scope and Application

The CSIRO Parkes site Heritage Management Plan is developed under the auspices of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. This initiative aims to manage the heritage values of the CSIRO Parkes site, which is located at 473 Telescope Road, Parkes, NSW, and is subject to the Environment Protection Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999. The plan invites public comment from various stakeholders, including members of the public, indigenous people with rights and interests in the place, local and state government agencies responsible for the site, and organisations or groups with an interest in the property. This inclusive approach ensures that diverse perspectives and concerns are considered before the final draft is submitted to the Minister for Environment. The consultation period is open from 2 November 2023 to 30 November 2023, with opportunities for in-person viewing at the CSIRO Parkes Visitor’s Discovery Centre or through online submissions. Comments can be submitted via post, email, or through the designated contact person, Helga Sousa. The closing date for submissions is 5.00pm AEST on 30 November 2023.

Key Provisions

The CSIRO Parkes site Heritage Management Plan, currently in the public consultation phase, is guided by the Environment Protection Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999 (sections 12-15). This Act provides the framework for the development of the heritage management plan, ensuring that the unique heritage values of the CSIRO Parkes site are recognised and preserved. The draft management plan, which is available for public review, outlines the strategies for maintaining the site's heritage integrity while allowing for its ongoing use and development. The consultation period, from 2 November to 30 November 2023, invites input from the public, indigenous groups, local and state government agencies, and any other stakeholders with an interest in the site. Under the Act, CSIRO and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water are mandated to develop a comprehensive heritage management plan for the CSIRO Parkes site. This includes identifying the site's significant heritage values, assessing the impacts of proposed activities on these values, and implementing measures to mitigate any adverse effects. The consultation process is integral to this, as it ensures that a broad range of perspectives are considered in the planning process. The Act requires that the final draft of the management plan be submitted to the Minister for Environment for formal approval, which will only occur after the public comment period and any necessary revisions based on the feedback received. The obligations imposed by the Act on the parties involved include the duty to conduct thorough heritage assessments, engage in meaningful consultation with stakeholders, and ensure that any development activities at the site do not compromise its heritage values. CSIRO and the Department are required to document all findings and decisions made during the consultation and planning process, providing transparency and accountability. Additionally, the Act mandates that the final management plan be made publicly available, allowing for ongoing community engagement and oversight. Failure to comply with the requirements of the Act, or to adequately address the concerns raised during the consultation period, can result in civil or criminal consequences. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the document but, under the Act, penalties for breaches can include substantial fines, imprisonment, or both. The exact penalties would depend on the severity and nature of the breach, as well as any aggravating or mitigating factors. It is essential that all parties adhere to the legislative requirements to avoid these potential consequences.