COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
NOTICE OF THE MAKING OF THE MAWSON’S HUTS HISTORIC SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013-18
Pursuant with s324S(3) and s341S(3) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and the Commonwealth and National Heritage management principles, notice is given that the management plan for Mawson’s Huts Historic Site, Cape Denison, George V Land, Antarctica has been made.
The management plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the EPBC Act relating to a Commonwealth Heritage Listed and National Heritage Listed place. It provides a management and administrative framework to help guide decisions and on and off site actions that help identify, protect, conserve, present and transmit the National and Commonwealth Heritage values. This plan revokes and replaces the Mawson’s Huts Historic Site management plan 2007-12.
Following advice received from the Australian Heritage Council, the Minister (Delegate) for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities determined the management plan to be consistent with the EPBC Act and the Commonwealth and National Heritage management principles.
Mawson’s Huts Historic Site covers approximately 130 hectares and is the setting of the buildings, structures and relics of the Main Base of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) of 1911-1914, led by Dr (later Sir) Douglas Mawson. The AAE was unique as the only expedition organised, manned and supported predominantly by Australians during the so-called Heroic Era of Antarctic exploration and is considered the foundation of the modern Australian Antarctic science program. Cape Denison is one of only six sites remaining from this era, and is the least disturbed of the six.
The management plan will commence the day after it is registered as a legislative instrument under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 and will then be available to be viewed at www.antarctica.gov.au
Nigel Routh
Assistant Secretary – Heritage South Branch
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Enquiries should be directed to:
Manager – Territories, Environment and Treaties Section
Australian Antarctic Division
203 Channel Highway
Kingston, TAS 7050
Telephone 03 6232 3209 or www.antarctica.gov.au
Overview
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) was enacted to provide for the protection of the environment, particularly the nation's biodiversity, and the conservation of Australia's heritage, with a focus on the national and international significance of places and species. This legislation was introduced to address the need for a comprehensive framework that integrates environmental protection with the management of Australia's unique natural and cultural heritage. The EPBC Act is administered by the Australian Parliament and aims to ensure that environmental considerations are factored into decision-making processes at all levels of government. The Act serves to safeguard significant heritage sites, such as Mawson's Huts Historic Site, by providing a structured approach to their management and conservation. This framework ensures that such sites are preserved for future generations while also allowing for responsible and sustainable use.
Scope and Application
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) applies to the management of the Mawson’s Huts Historic Site, Cape Denison, George V Land, Antarctica, as specified in the Mawson’s Huts Historic Site Management Plan 2013-18. This Act governs the Commonwealth Heritage Listed and National Heritage Listed places, ensuring that the historic site's conservation and management align with the principles outlined in the EPBC Act. The Act applies to the persons or entities responsible for the administration and management of the site, as well as any individuals or organisations conducting activities that may impact the heritage values of the site. The plan provides a comprehensive framework for on and off-site actions to protect, conserve, and present the heritage values of the site. The geographic reach of the Act pertains to the specific location of the Mawson’s Huts Historic Site in Antarctica, and the jurisdictional reach extends to the Commonwealth of Australia. The Act does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, but it is complemented by subordinate instruments that may extend or restrict its application.
Key Provisions
The Mawson's Huts Historic Site Management Plan 2013-18, made under sections 324S(3) and 341S(3) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), sets out the framework for managing the Mawson’s Huts Historic Site in Cape Denison, George V Land, Antarctica. This management plan replaces the previous plan from 2007 to 2012 and provides a structured approach to managing and protecting the site's heritage values. This includes measures for identifying, protecting, conserving, presenting, and transmitting the site's national and commonwealth heritage significance.
The Act imposes several obligations on parties or entities involved in activities affecting the Mawson's Huts Historic Site. Firstly, it mandates the implementation of the management plan to ensure that actions both on and off site are in line with the conservation and preservation of the site's heritage values. This includes the requirement for all activities to be conducted in a manner that minimises potential harm to the heritage values of the site. Furthermore, the management plan requires that all stakeholders, including government agencies, researchers, and visitors, adhere to the guidelines and protocols established to protect the site's integrity.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Mawson's Huts Historic Site Management Plan 2013-18 can lead to legal consequences. The EPBC Act stipulates that any breach of the management plan or its associated guidelines can result in civil or criminal penalties. For civil penalties, the Act allows for fines that can be substantial, reflecting the seriousness of the breach. Criminal penalties may also apply, with potential imprisonment for individuals found guilty of contravening the Act. The exact penalties depend on the nature and severity of the breach but are designed to enforce compliance and protect the heritage values of the Mawson's Huts Historic Site.