Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 - Amendment Proclamation - Uluru (Ayres Rock-Mount Olga) National Park (28/10/1985)

Overview

The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975 was enacted to provide a framework for the conservation of Australia's natural and cultural heritage, particularly within national parks and wildlife reserves. This legislation was introduced to address the need for comprehensive management and protection of Australia's diverse ecosystems and native species. The Act was enacted by the Parliament of Australia, with the stated policy objective of ensuring the conservation and sustainable management of national parks and wildlife in the country. The legislative instrument F2008B00725, proclaimed in 1985 by Sir Ninian Martin Stephen, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, amends the original proclamation under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975. This amendment specifically redefines the boundaries of a designated area in the Northern Territory, encompassing approximately 132,566 hectares, to ensure better protection and management of the region's natural and cultural assets. The amendment was made with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, reflecting the ongoing commitment to the conservation objectives set forth in the Act.

Scope and Application

This legislative instrument pertains to the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975 and serves to amend the Proclamation that originally designated the area of a park in the Northern Territory. The amendment involves the substitution of the Schedule to the original Proclamation, redefining the boundaries of the park. The Act applies to the specific area of land within the Northern Territory as described in the new Schedule, covering approximately 132,566 hectares. It pertains to the management and conservation of the natural and cultural resources within this designated area, ensuring its protection under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975. The amendment is a direct action of the Commonwealth government and has a jurisdictional reach limited to the Northern Territory. No specific exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are mentioned in this instrument, though the Act itself may provide for such provisions elsewhere. The application of this legislation is further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as needed to implement the conservation objectives effectively.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the legislation (Schedule) describe the area of land in the Northern Territory of Australia that is being designated as part of a park. Specifically, section 1 details the boundaries of this land, which begins at the intersection of the parallel of latitude 25 degrees 16 minutes south with the prolongation north of the eastern boundary of the Petermann Aboriginal Reserve. The boundaries continue south along that prolongation to the parallel of latitude 25 degrees 25 minutes south, then west along that parallel to the meridian of longitude 130 degrees 40 minutes east, north along that meridian to the parallel of latitude 25 degrees 4 minutes 54 seconds south, south-easterly to a point of latitude 25 degrees 7 minutes 24 seconds south and longitude 130 degrees 45 minutes east, south along that meridian to the parallel of latitude 25 degrees 16 minutes south, and finally east along that parallel to the point of commencement. The area specified encompasses 132,566 hectares. The obligations imposed by this legislation are primarily concerned with the management and protection of the designated park area. Under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975, this land will be subject to specific regulations aimed at preserving its natural and cultural heritage. This includes responsibilities for conservation, sustainable use, and public access, ensuring that activities within the park do not harm its ecological integrity or the rights of local communities. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or consequences mentioned within the provided text of the legislation. However, under the overarching National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975, unauthorised activities within a designated park area could lead to penalties. These might include fines and other sanctions for activities that contravene the Act's provisions, such as damaging park resources, engaging in unauthorised commercial activities, or disregarding conservation measures. The maximum penalties for such breaches would be determined by the specific circumstances and the relevant sections of the overarching Act.