Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
NOTICE OF THE REVISED NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN
Pursuant with ss341S of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) notice is given that the National Library of Australia has adopted a revised Conservation Management Plan for the National Library building.
The management plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the EPBC Act relating to a Commonwealth Heritage Listed building. It provides a framework and basis for the conservation and good management of the National Library of Australia building, in recognition of its heritage values.
The Delegate for the Minister for the Environment (A/g Assistant Secretary, Heritage Branch) has determined the management plan to be consistent with the EPBC Act and the Commonwealth Heritage management principles.
The Conservation Management Plan presents the history of the creation of the National Library of Australia and the construction of its building, describes the elements that have heritage significance and outlines the obligations, opportunities and constraints affecting the management and conservation of the Library. It provides policies to guide conservation and management over the next five years.
The management plan is available to be viewed at www.nla.gov.au
Marie-Louise Ayres
Director-General, National Library of Australia
Enquiries should be directed to:
Director – Building and Security Services Branch, National Library of Australia
Parkes Place, Canberra ACT 2600
Telephone 02 6161 1696 or www.nla.gov.au
Overview
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 was enacted to provide a comprehensive framework for the protection and management of Australia's natural and cultural heritage. This Act was introduced to address the need for an integrated approach to environmental protection, encompassing both biodiversity and heritage conservation. The policy objective of the Act is to promote the sustainable use of natural resources while ensuring the conservation of Australia's unique biodiversity and heritage sites. The Act was enacted by the Parliament of Australia and provides the legal foundation for the protection of matters of national environmental significance, including the National Library of Australia, which is recognised as a Commonwealth Heritage Listed building. The revised National Library of Australia Conservation Management Plan, adopted pursuant to the EPBC Act, aims to ensure the preservation of the Library's heritage values through effective conservation and management strategies.
Scope and Application
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) applies to actions that may significantly impact the environment, including the conservation and management of heritage places. In the case of the National Library of Australia (NLA), the Act applies to the conservation and management of the NLA building, which is recognised as a Commonwealth Heritage Listed building. The revised Conservation Management Plan for the NLA building has been prepared in accordance with the EPBC Act, and the Delegate for the Minister for the Environment has determined it to be consistent with the Act and the Commonwealth Heritage management principles. The management plan provides a framework for the conservation and good management of the building, recognising its heritage values, and outlines the policies that will guide conservation and management over the next five years. The EPBC Act applies on a national level and may extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this particular notice, but the Act does provide for certain activities to be exempt from its provisions under specific circumstances.
Key Provisions
Pursuant to section 341S of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), this notice informs that the National Library of Australia (NLA) has adopted a revised Conservation Management Plan for its building. This plan is crucial as it establishes a framework for the conservation and effective management of the building, considering its heritage significance. It is compliant with the EPBC Act and adheres to the Commonwealth Heritage management principles, as determined by the Delegate for the Minister for the Environment.
The Conservation Management Plan offers a comprehensive overview of the NLA's history, the construction of its building, and the elements that hold heritage value. It also outlines the obligations, opportunities, and constraints relevant to the building's management and conservation. Furthermore, the plan provides policies that will guide conservation and management efforts over the next five years. This document is available for public viewing on the NLA's website, facilitating transparency and accessibility for stakeholders and the general public.
The Act imposes several obligations on the NLA concerning the management and conservation of its building. Firstly, the NLA must ensure that the Conservation Management Plan is implemented effectively, following the guidelines and policies outlined within it. Secondly, the NLA is required to regularly review and update the plan to address any changes in heritage significance, management practices, or conservation needs. Thirdly, the NLA must maintain records and documentation related to the implementation of the plan, ensuring accountability and traceability of conservation efforts.
The EPBC Act also stipulates penalties for non-compliance with its provisions. In the event that the NLA fails to adhere to the requirements of the Conservation Management Plan, it may face civil or criminal consequences. The maximum penalties for breaches can include substantial fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. The specific penalties depend on the severity of the breach and the discretion of the court. It is essential for the NLA to comply with the Act to avoid these consequences and to uphold the heritage values of the building.