Invitation to comment - Proposal to draft a new management plan for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Overview

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) was enacted by the Australian Parliament to address environmental protection and biodiversity conservation issues across the nation. This Act provides a framework for the protection of the environment, including World Heritage properties such as the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, by integrating and streamlining federal environmental laws. The Act aims to protect matters of national environmental significance and to promote ecologically sustainable development. In this context, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Board of Management is seeking public input to draft a new management plan for the park, ensuring the preservation of Anangu law, culture, and the natural environment, as well as fostering economic and cultural benefits for the local Anangu community. This initiative aligns with the policy objective of the Act to maintain and enhance biodiversity and the cultural heritage of Australia’s unique natural landscapes.

Scope and Application

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) applies to the proposed management plan for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, encompassing a range of activities and entities involved in the park's management. This includes the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Board of Management, the Director of National Parks, and the broader public who may have an interest in the park's management and conservation. The Act's application extends to the geographic area of the park, which is located in the Northern Territory of Australia, and to any actions or decisions that may impact the park's environment, biodiversity, or cultural heritage. The Act seeks public input to ensure the new management plan aligns with the Vision and Goals set forth for the park, which focus on preserving Anangu law and culture, protecting Tjukurpa, culture and country, and fostering livelihoods and benefits for the local community. The invitation to comment on the draft plan allows for a period of not less than 30 days, with a closing date of 19 November 2017. Submissions received after this date may not be considered in the preparation of the draft plan. The Act's application may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the park's management and conservation needs.

Key Provisions

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park management plan, which will expire on 8 January 2020, will soon be replaced by a new plan to guide the park's management over the next decade (sections 368(2)). The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Board of Management has outlined a vision and set goals for the future of the park, emphasising the importance of Anangu law and culture, the protection of Tjukurpa, culture, and country, and the development of livelihoods and benefits for Anangu, particularly the younger generation. These guiding principles will shape the new management plan, which will be drafted with input from both Anangu and non-Anangu stakeholders (section 368(2)). The Board and the Director of National Parks invite the public to provide feedback on the draft plan, which will be available for review and comment for a period of at least 30 days. The Act imposes specific obligations on the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Board of Management and the Director of National Parks. They are required to develop a new management plan for the park, guided by the Board's Vision and Goals, and to consider public feedback when drafting the plan (section 368(2)). The Board and Director must also ensure that the draft plan is made available for public review and comment for a period of not less than 30 days (section 368(2)). Furthermore, the Act mandates that the new management plan will be in effect for a period of 10 years, guiding the park's management beyond 2020 (section 368(2)). Breaching the requirements of this Act, such as failing to consider public feedback when drafting the new management plan or not providing an opportunity for public review and comment, may result in legal consequences. However, the Act does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance. It is important to note that any breaches of the Act could potentially be subject to enforcement actions by the relevant authorities, as provided under other sections of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.