EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Mersey Bluff Lighthouse Heritage Management Plan 2022
Authority
Section 341S of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) requires that the Commonwealth Agency that owns or controls a Commonwealth Heritage place must make a written management plan to provide for the protection and management of the values of the Commonwealth Heritage place.
The Mersey Bluff Lighthouse and adjacent land is currently owned by the State of Tasmania. However, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) controls the site within the meaning of “control” at section 528 of the EPBC Act on the basis that AMSA holds a lease for the site from the Minister administering the Crown Lands Act 1976 (Tas), and operates the lighthouse in exercise of statutory powers conferred on the Authority at Chapter 6, Part 5 of the Navigation Act 2012 (Cth).
This management plan, the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse Heritage Management Plan (the Plan), provides for the protection and management of the values of the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse.
Purpose and overview
Built in 1889, Mersey Bluff Lighthouse is a historic site recognised by both the Commonwealth and the Tasmanian State Government for its heritage significance. The Lighthouse is renowned for its association with the development of Devonport and the Mersey District, and for its significance as a local landmark.
The Lighthouse was included on the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004 for its cultural significance. This listing recognises the cultural values of the place.
The Plan provides for the future management of the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse by the AMSA, with the objective of identifying, protecting, conserving, presenting and transmitting its Commonwealth heritage values. The Plan contains a detailed description of the history and cultural significance of the Lighthouse, as well as its physical elements and condition. Importantly, the Plan sets out the operational requirements for the management of the Lighthouse, heritage management policies that guide the management and protection of the Commonwealth heritage values of the Lighthouse and plans for AMSA to implement such operation requirements and policies.
The Plan addresses all matters prescribed by Schedule 7A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 and is consistent with the Commonwealth Heritage Management Principles set out in Schedule 7B of those regulations.
Consultation
On 22 December 2021 notices of the draft Plan were published in The Australian newspaper and on AMSA’s public website. A copy of the draft Plan was published on AMSA’s website. The public consultation period closed on 18 January 2022. Three submissions were received. AMSA also consulted with the Devonport City Council, and the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania). AMSA also initiated contact with the Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation under the direction of the Devonport City Council.
The feedback received (consisting of information on additional statutory and legislative requirements, significant associations held by the local community, and significant sites in the vicinity of the lighthouse) was adopted into the plan.
In accordance with paragraph 341S(6)(a) of the EPBC Act, the Minister for the Environment was asked for advice on the Plan as proposed. On 14 July 2022, the Minister's delegate confirmed that the Plan complied with the requirements of the EPBC Act and the Commonwealth Heritage Management Principles.
The Office of Best Practice Regulation (OBPR) considers that the changes made by the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse Heritage Management Plan 2022 have regulatory impacts of a minor or machinery nature and no regulation impact statement is required. The OBPR reference number is 42955.
Documents incorporated by reference
There are two publications mentioned in the Plan, being Burra Charter and also Working Together: Managing Commonwealth Heritage Places. These documents are guidance in nature and suggest methodologies, process and strategies for conservation management of sites, including fixtures and items of historical significance. As important reference tools, these documents provide context for AMSA’s decision making process for the management of Mersey Bluff Lighthouse as a Commonwealth heritage place.
The mention of each document is to the latest edition.
The Burra Charter is a publication that defines the basic principles and procedures that may be followed in the conservation of a cultural heritage place.
Working Together: Managing Commonwealth Heritage Places is another guide that is published for Commonwealth agencies like AMSA to better understand the management requirements for Commonwealth Heritage places subject to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act regime.
Both the Burra Charter and Working Together: Managing Commonwealth Heritage Places are accessible and free of charge.
The Burra Charter is available at https://australia.icomos.org.
Working Together: Managing Commonwealth Heritage Places is available at https://www.awe.gov.au/parks-heritage/heritage/publications.
Review
The Plan was made by AMSA on 1 November 2022.
In accordance with section 341X of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 a review must be carried out within five years of the management plan being made.
Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights
This statement is prepared in accordance with section 9 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.
Overview of the instrument
Section 341S of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 requires that the Commonwealth Agency that owns or controls a Commonwealth Heritage place must make a written management plan to provide for the protection and management of the values of the Commonwealth Heritage place. This management plan, the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse Heritage Management Plan (the Plan), provides such a framework for the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse.
The Plan provides for the future management of the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, with the objective of identifying, protecting, conserving, presenting and transmitting its Commonwealth heritage values.
Human rights implications
This legislative does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms.
Conclusion
This Legislative Instrument is compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.
Making the instrument
The Plan has been made by the Chief Executive Officer of the AMSA in accordance with subsection 49(4) of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990.