Pine Creek to Katherine River Railway Survey Act 1912

Overview

The Pine Creek to Katherine River Railway Survey Act 1912 was enacted to authorise the survey of a railway route in the Northern Territory, connecting Pine Creek to the Katherine River. This legislation was introduced to address the need for a defined railway path within the Northern Territory, facilitating potential future infrastructure development and connectivity between these two locations. Enacted by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, the Senate, and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, the primary objective of this Act is to allocate funds for the survey, ensuring the process is adequately resourced without exceeding a specified budget of Five thousand pounds. This appropriation is to be drawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, highlighting the government's commitment to infrastructure development in the region.

Scope and Application

The Pine Creek to Katherine River Railway Survey Act 1912 applies to the authorisation of a survey for a proposed railway line in the Northern Territory, extending from Pine Creek to the Katherine River. The Act specifically empowers the Minister for External Affairs to undertake this survey, which is intended to establish the feasibility and route of the proposed railway. The financial scope of the survey is capped at five thousand pounds, which is to be funded from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. The Act is geographically limited to the Northern Territory, reflecting its specific regional focus. The Act does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the financial cap and the territorial scope. However, any further application or execution of the survey may be governed by subordinate instruments or regulations, which could provide additional details on the conduct and implementation of the survey.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Pine Creek to Katherine River Railway Survey Act 1912 are quite straightforward. Section 1 provides the short title of the Act, clarifying its identity as the Pine Creek to Katherine River Railway Survey Act 1912. Section 2 authorises the Minister for External Affairs to conduct a survey of a route for a railway in the Northern Territory from Pine Creek to the Katherine River. Section 3 specifies that the cost of the survey shall not exceed five thousand pounds, with the funds being charged to and paid from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. This appropriation of moneys ensures that the financial burden of the survey is supported by the government. The obligations and requirements imposed by the Act on the parties involved are primarily centred around the survey of the railway route. The Minister for External Affairs is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that the survey is conducted within the parameters set out in the Act. This includes managing the budget to ensure that the cost of the survey does not exceed the five thousand pounds limit. The Consolidated Revenue Fund's role is to provide the necessary financial resources for the survey, ensuring that the government's commitment to the project is upheld. The Act does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches of its provisions. However, it is implied that any mismanagement of the survey funds or failure to adhere to the cost limits could result in financial accountability and potential legal repercussions. Although the Act does not detail these consequences, breaches of appropriations or mismanagement of government funds generally fall under broader public law principles and could lead to civil or administrative actions. Additionally, if the survey were to result in unauthorised environmental damage or other legal issues, those responsible could face legal consequences under relevant environmental or administrative laws.