Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (reporting period 1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Prepared by: Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
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October 2013
Contents Introduction ...... 1 Nature Conservation Act 1992—Departmental administrative responsibilities ...... 1 Funding ...... 1 List of legislation and subordinate legislation ...... 2 Amendments...... 2 Nature Conservation Act 1992...... 2 Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2006 ...... 3 Nature Conservation (Dugong) Conservation Plan 1999 ...... 4 Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2007...... 4 Nature Conservation (Forest Reserves) Regulation 2000...... 4 Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006...... 4 Nature Conservation (Macropod) Conservation Plan 2005 ...... 4 Nature Conservation (Macropod Harvest Period 2013) Notice 2012 ...... 4 Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) Regulation 1994 ...... 4 Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2006 ...... 4 Nature Conservation (Protected Plants) Conservation Plan 2000...... 5 Nature Conservation (Protected Plants Harvest Period) Notice 2013...... 5 Nature Conservation (Whales and Dolphins) Conservation Plan 1997...... 5 Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006...... 6 Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006...... 6 Protected areas...... 7 Protected area authorities (leases, agreements, licences, permits and other) ...... 7 Forest reserves...... 7 Trustees ...... 8 Commercial activity agreements...... 8 Conservation plans ...... 8 Management plans ...... 8 Declarations...... 8 Conservation agreements...... 8 Critical habitat and areas of major interest ...... 9 Interim conservation orders ...... 9 Wildlife licences, permits and other authorities ...... 9 Conservation officers ...... 9 Offences and prosecutions ...... 9 TABLES ...... 10
iii Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Introduction The Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) aims to achieve the conservation of nature by an integrated and comprehensive conservation strategy for the whole of the state. It provides a legislative basis for research; community education; dedicating, declaring and managing protected areas; and protecting native wildlife and its habitat. The NC Act allows for the ecologically sustainable use of wildlife and protected areas and recognises the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in nature and their cooperative involvement in its conservation. It encourages the cooperative involvement of landholders and the community to achieve the sustainable use of land and natural resources and the conservation of nature through the use of voluntary agreements. As at 30 June 2013 the only section of the NC Act not proclaimed was section 93, which deals with the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to take, use or keep protected wildlife on lands outside the protected area estate, under Aboriginal tradition or Islander custom. The NC Act provides for the making of subordinate legislation including regulations, notices and conservation plans. This report seeks to detail the approved subordinate legislation that is currently in force under the NC Act.
Nature Conservation Act 1992—Departmental administrative responsibilities Under the Administrative Arrangements Order (No. 4) 2012, the NC Act is jointly administered as follows: • The Department of National Parks, Recreation Sport and Racing (NPRSR), through the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), is responsible for the management of the protected area estate and forest reserves, excluding nature refuges. • The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) is responsible for nature refuges and protected wildlife. • The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is responsible for demonstrated and exhibited native animals. The NC Act is actively managed to support tourism and recreation as well as conservation.
Funding In 2012–13, $14.159 million, $139.513 million and $0.26 million was allocated in the EHP, NPRSR and DAFF budgets respectively to administer the NC Act. This funding included capital, equity and depreciation, but excluded allocations to the Recreation Areas Management Fund, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Wet Tropics Management Authority. These funds were used to acquire and manage protected areas, undertake research, direct sustainable wildlife use, educate the community and encourage community nature conservation. EHP’s total budget expenditure for the administration of the NC Act has not increased, however the method by which it is measured has changed, corresponding with a shift in responsibility across administering departments. The expenditure figure reported is the total base funding allocated to EHP's operational area tasked with sole responsibility for administration of the NC Act. The total funding spent by NPRSR on administering the NC Act has reduced in line with the achievement of financially sustainable service delivery, including streamlining the QPWS organisational structure from 10 regions to six. There were also large variances in capital works expenditure and Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements from 2011–12 to 2012–13, due to the additional effort in 2011–12 dedicated to post-flood and Cyclone Yasi recovery works.
1 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
List of legislation and subordinate legislation Nature Conservation Act 1992 Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2006 Nature Conservation (Dugong) Conservation Plan 1999 Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2007 Nature Conservation (Forest Reserves) Regulation 2000 Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 Nature Conservation (Macropod) Conservation Plan 2005 Nature Conservation (Macropod Harvest Period 2013) Notice 2012 Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) Regulation 1994 Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2006 Nature Conservation (Protected Plants) Conservation Plan 2000 Nature Conservation (Protected Plants Harvest Period) Notice 2013 Nature Conservation (Whales and Dolphins) Conservation Plan 1997 Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006.
Amendments
Nature Conservation Act 1992 The NC Act was amended three times in 2012–13. The Animal Care and Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2012 amended section 93(1) of the NC Act and inserted “but subject to the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001”. The Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2013: • amended section 35 of the NC Act, “Chief executive’s powers about permitted uses in national parks or national parks (recovery)”, to allow for the authorisation of ecotourism facilities in these areas • inserted section 35A into the NC Act, “Chief executive’s powers about permitted uses for existing service facilities in national parks or national parks (recovery)”, to provide a simpler process for authorising the use of pre-existing service facilities in these areas • amended section 36 of the NC Act, “Authorities for new national park or national park (recovery)”, to replace the reference to section 35 with references to sections 35 and 35A • amended section 42AE of the NC Act, “Particular powers about permitted uses in national park (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal land)”, to allow for the authorisation of ecotourism facilities in these areas • inserted section 42AEA into the NC Act, “Particular powers about permitted uses for existing service facilities in national park (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal land)”, to provide a simpler process for authorising the use of pre-existing service facilities in these areas • amended section 42AO of the NC Act, “Particular powers about permitted uses on land in particular indigenous joint management areas”, to allow for the authorisation of ecotourism facilities in these areas • inserted section 42AOA into the NC Act, “Particular powers about permitted uses for existing service facilities on land in particular indigenous joint management areas”, to provide a simpler process for authorising the use of pre-existing service facilities in these areas • amended section 42AP of the NC Act, “Authorities for new national park or national park (recovery) that is an indigenous joint management area”, to include references to sections 42AO and 42AOA
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• amended section 141 of the NC Act, “Delegation by chief executive”, to include a reference to "a prescribed provision" and to define "prescribed provision" as sections 34–38, 42AD–42AEA, 42AO-42AP or 136 of the NC Act • amended the schedule of the NC Act, “Dictionary”, to include definitions of the terms “ecotourism facility” and “national park (recovery)”. The Vegetation Management Framework Amendment Act 2013 amended the NC Act to include section 173S “Permit for grazing stock in particular protected areas for emergency drought relief”. The amendments to the NC Act that are contained in the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 had not commenced as at 30 June 2013.
Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2006 The Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2006 contains the administrative matters applicable to the Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2006, the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006 and conservation plans made under the NC Act. The matters covered within the regulation include: • administrative matters relating to the grant, amendment, suspension, cancellation, surrender and replacement of relevant authorities (permits, licences and written permissions) • the requirements applicable to carrying out activities under a relevant authority • the review and appeal of particular decisions • procedures which apply once a thing is seized • the requirements for records required to be kept under the NC Act • the requirements for returns of operations required to be given to the chief executive under the NC Act • the requirements for commercial activity agreements • fees payable under the NC Act • general provisions including the way in which demerit points are accumulated and the period for which documents must be kept under the NC Act. The Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2006 was amended four times during 2012–13. The National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2012 amended the fees stipulated within schedule 3 of the regulation. The National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 2012 amended: • section 67 of the regulation, "Chief executive may enter into an agreement", to allow for a commercial activity agreement to be combined with a commercial activity agreement under the Marine Parks Act 2004 or the Recreation Areas Management Act 2006 • section 145 of the regulation, "When particular fees are payable", to provide for the invoicing of fees that are due for commercial activity permits under the Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2006 • schedule 3 of the regulation, which quantifies the fees payable, to define the family rate camping fee as four times the per person camping fee. The National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 3) 2012 amended section 34 of the regulation, "Relevant authority to be written", to allow a commercial activity permit to be combined with a commercial activity permit under the Forestry Act 1959 or Recreation Areas Management Act 2006. The Agriculture and Fisheries Legislation Amendment Regulation (No.1) 2012 amended schedule 3 of the regulation to increase the fees payable for wildlife demonstrator and wildlife exhibitor licences.
3 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Nature Conservation (Dugong) Conservation Plan 1999 The Nature Conservation (Dugong) Conservation Plan 1999 was repealed by the Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment and Repeal Regulation (No.1) 2013, made by the Governor in Council on 9 May 2013 and notified in the Queensland Government Gazette on 10 May 2013.
Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2007 The Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2007 was amended once during 2012–13 by the National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2012. This regulation amended paragraphs (a)-(b) of the definition of the term “crocodile charge” within the schedule, “Dictionary”.
Nature Conservation (Forest Reserves) Regulation 2000 The Nature Conservation (Forest Reserves) Regulation 2000 was not amended during 2012–13.
Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 The Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 was not amended during 2012–13.
Nature Conservation (Macropod) Conservation Plan 2005 The Nature Conservation (Macropod) Conservation Plan 2005 was not amended during 2012–13.
Nature Conservation (Macropod Harvest Period 2013) Notice 2012 The Nature Conservation (Macropod Harvest Period 2013) Notice 2012 replaced the repealed Nature Conservation (Macropod Harvest Period 2012) Notice 2011.
Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) Regulation 1994 The Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) Regulation 1994 contains schedules listing the names, former descriptions and current descriptions of State and private land declared as a protected area under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. This regulation was amended five times during 2012–13. The Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 2012 amended schedule 5 of the regulation, “Nature refuges”, to reference the increase in the area of the Cornubia Forest Nature Refuge, Mount Proserpine Nature Refuge and Old Hiddenvale Nature Refuge. The Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) Amendment Regulation (No. 3) 2012 amended schedule 3 of the regulation, “Conservation parks”, to include Wongaloo Conservation Park. The Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) Amendment Regulation (No. 4) 2012 amended schedule 2AA of the regulation, “National parks (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal land)”, to include Batavia National Park (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land). The Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2013 amended schedule 2AA of the regulation, “National parks (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal land)”, to include an entry for the Kutini- Payamu (Iron Range) National Park (Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land). The Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 2013 amended schedule 5 of the regulation, “Nature refuges”, to remove the reference to a “plan” in relation to Butterfly Bog, Cycadelic, Gumnut, Gumnut Park, Hells Gate, Jilumbar, Johnstone River, Witta, Yanigubam and Yarraden Nature Refuges and to insert the term “plan” in relation to the Scotney Nature Refuge.
Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2006 The Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2006 provides for the management and use of Queensland’s protected area estate.
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The matters covered within the regulation include: • permitted activities of trustees of particular conservation parks and resources reserves • permitted uses of protected areas • restrictions on the grant of particular protected area authorities • activities authorised under each protected area authority • offences in protected areas • taking, using, keeping or interfering with the cultural or natural resources of a protected area • the seizure of things in protected areas • the powers of trustees • the conditions for taking fish in national parks • minimum flying heights over some national park areas. The Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2006 was amended four times in 2012–13. The National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2012 amended the royalty payable for quarry material as stipulated within section 28(1) of the regulation, “Royalty payable for quarry material”. The National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 2012 amended section 65 of the regulation, “Giving return of operations for particular permits”, to provide for the invoicing of fees that are due for commercial activity permits under the Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2006. The National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 3) 2012: • amended section 124 of the regulation, “Restriction on animals in protected areas”, to include a reference to “a support dog” and to define the term “support dog” in a way which is consistent with the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 • amended section 138, “Unauthorised use of generators, compressors or motors”, to allow a person to use a generator, compressor or motor in a protected area without written approval if it is used to operate a device for the treatment of a medical condition • amended schedule 9, "Dictionary", to omit the definition of the term "guide dog". The Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 2013 amended schedule 5 of the regulation, “Nature refuges”, to reference the increased area for Cornubia Forest Nature Refuge, Mount Proserpine Nature Refuge and Old Hiddenvale Nature Refuge.
Nature Conservation (Protected Plants) Conservation Plan 2000 The Nature Conservation (Protected Plans) Conservation Plan 2000 was amended once in 2012–13 by the Nature Conservation (Protected Plants) Amendment Conservation Plan (No. 1) 2012, which amended section 41 of the plan, “Exemption for requirement for clearing permit”, to define the terms “mining lease” and “petroleum lease”.
Nature Conservation (Protected Plants Harvest Period) Notice 2013 The Nature Conservation (Protected Plants Harvest Period) Notice 2013 replaced the Nature Conservation (Protected Plants Harvest Period) Notice 2012.
Nature Conservation (Whales and Dolphins) Conservation Plan 1997 The Nature Conservation (Whales and Dolphins) Conservation Plan 1997 was repealed by the Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment and Repeal Regulation (No. 1) 2013, made by the Governor in Council on 9 May 2013 and notified in the Queensland Government Gazette on 10 May 2013.
5 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 The Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 was amended once in 2012–13. The Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2012 amended: • schedule 2 of the regulation, “Endangered wildlife” • schedule 3 of the regulation, “Vulnerable wildlife” • schedule 5 of the regulation, “Near threatened wildlife”.
Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006 The Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006 was amended four times in 2012–13. The National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing Legislation Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2012 amended section 351 of the regulation, “Conservation value for protected wildlife”. The Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Amendment Regulation (No. 1) 2012: • replaced the chapter 3, part 4, division 2, subdivision 1 heading with “Subdivision 1 Purposes” • amended section 181 of the regulation, “Purpose of permit and div 2” • amended section 185 of the regulation, “Restriction on grant of permit for damage or loss” • amended section 187 of the regulation, “Taking particular animals authorised” • inserted section 187B into the regulation, “Killing dependent flying-fox authorised for particular permits” • amended schedule 4 of the regulation, “Dictionary”. The Queensland Rail Transit Authority Act 2013: • amended section 40(1)(b) of the regulation to replace “rail GOC” with “rail government entity” • replaced the definition of an “officer or employee of a rail GOC” within section 40(4) of the regulation, with the definition of an “officer or employee” • replaced “rail GOC or a subsidiary of a rail GOC” in paragraph (d) of the definition of “public land” within section 40(4) of the regulation with “rail government entity” • replaced “rail GOC or a subsidiary of a rail GOC” within section 40A(3) of the regulation with a reference to “rail government entity” • replaced the definition of “rail GOC” within schedule 4 of the regulation with the definition of “rail government entity”. The Nature Conservation and Other Legislation Amendment and Repeal Regulation (No. 1) 2013: • incorporated existing and amended provisions from the repealed Nature Conservation (Whales and Dolphins) Conservation Plan 1997 and the Nature Conservation (Dugong) Conservation Plan 1999 (the conservation plans) into a newly inserted section 43A, “Keeping and use of dead marine mammals” • inserted section 11A of the regulation, “General restriction on grant of wildlife authorities in dugong protection areas” • inserted section 60A, “Interacting with dolphins as part of Tin Can Bay dolphin feeding program”, into the regulation • inserted part 5A, “Marine mammals”, into chapter 7 of the regulation • inserted section 322A, “Procedure for accidental taking of marine turtle”, into the regulation • inserted a new part 5, “Special management declarations for marine mammals”, into chapter 8 of the regulation • inserted a new Schedule 2, “Special management declarations”, into the regulation • removed references to the conservation plans from sections 9, 58, 208, 220 and 262 • amended section 58 of the regulation, “Sick or injured protected marine mammals and turtles”
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• amended section 310 of the regulation, “General restrictions about movements for which permit may be granted” • amended section 322 of the regulation, “Procedure for accidental taking of marine mammal” • amended schedule 5 of the regulation, “Dictionary” • minor amendments were also made to sections 5, 70, 77, 92, 97, 110, 119, 126, 136, 152, 166, 302, and schedules 1–4 in accordance with legislative drafting conventions and to adjust for renumbering.
Protected areas The NC Act provides for areas to be dedicated or declared as protected areas in the interests of nature conservation. Table A details the changes made to the status of protected areas in 2012–13.
Protected area authorities (leases, agreements, licences, permits and other) Sections 34–38 of the NC Act deal with the granting of authorities for the use of national parks (scientific), national parks, national parks (recovery), conservation parks, and resources reserves. This includes granting authorities in relation to leases issued under the Land Act 1994 and authorised under the repealed National Parks and Wildlife Act 1975. Under the provisions of the legislation, leases and authorities can, under certain circumstances, be issued for reasons that include but are not restricted to grazing, tourism, communications and water extraction. The Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2006 provides for activities to be undertaken on protected areas by permit, authority or agreement for varying periods. The Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2006 outlines the administrative matters relating to the grant, amendment, suspension, cancellation, surrender and replacement of relevant authorities and the requirements applying to carrying out activities under a relevant authority provided for by the Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2006. A summary of authorities that are current and that were granted, refused, withdrawn, suspended or cancelled in 2012–13 is provided in Table B. A summary of internal and external appeals during 2012–13 is provided in Table C. Additional information relating to the administration of selected camping and commercial activity permits and agreements in 2012–13 is provided in Table D. Under section 39B of the NC Act, the chief executive may, before the interest is created, require a person seeking an interest in land in a protected area to give the chief executive an environmental impact statement for the use, or a stated use, of the land under the interest. Table E includes a summary of the environmental impact statements (EIS) requested or considered under this provision during 2012–13. This table includes only statements required in addition to environmental impact statements prepared under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Under section 174A of the NC Act, the chief executive may, by gazette notice, approve or make codes of practice for protected areas, forest reserves or protected wildlife. NPRSR has also developed Memorandums of Understanding with selected parties to facilitate the reduction of red tape in the administration of protected area permits. A summary of protected area codes of practice and memorandums of understanding is provided in Table F.
Forest reserves Any actions undertaken to transfer forest reserves to the protected area estate during 2012–13 are detailed in Table G.
7 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Trustees Section 31 of the NC Act provides that a conservation park or resources reserve may be placed under the management of trustees. Trustees are listed in schedules 1 and 2 of the Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2006.
Commercial activity agreements The Nature Conservation (Protected Areas Management) Regulation 2006 provides for authorised activities to be undertaken on protected areas for varying periods. Part 3 of the Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2006 outlines the process for consideration of commercial activity agreements for activities to be undertaken on protected areas. Commercial activity agreements over protected areas in force during 2012– 13 are listed in Table H.
Conservation plans Sections 112–119 of the NC Act detail the process for preparing conservation plans, including opportunities for public consultation. The status of conservation plans at 30 June 2013 is detailed in Table I.
Management plans Sections 111–119 of the NC Act outline the process of developing management plans for protected areas. The responsible Minister must give public notice and invite submissions on the plans. Management plans are documents that provide an important source of clear management direction and priority actions for QPWS managed areas. Management plans for protected areas are reviewed every 10 years. As at 30 June 2013, 83 protected area management plans covering 97 protected areas have been approved by the Governor in Council. Three protected areas previously covered by management plans have now been amalgamated with other protected areas. Approved protected area management plans in place as at 30 June 2013 are listed in Table J. All planning efforts have been directed into developing management instruments (i.e. management plan, management statement or recovery plan) and ensuring that all national parks had management instruments in place by 30 June 2013 and that remaining protected areas have such instruments in place by June 2015. As at 30 June 2013, 100 per cent of national parks (excluding joint management areas) had a management instrument enabling improved management (e.g. ecosystem health, fire, pest and visitor management) and providing direction on emerging and contemporary matters.
Declarations In 2012–13, predominantly white humpback whales, including ‘Migaloo’, were declared whales of special interest under the Nature Conservation (Whales and Dolphins) Conservation Plan 1997. Declarations were made to protect these whales from harassment and in the interests of public safety. The declarations increased the area of restriction around these whales from the general 100 metres to 500 metres for vessels and from 1000 foot to 2000 foot (304 metres and 609 metres) for fixed-wing aircraft. The maximum penalty for an offence was also increased from $12,000 to $16,500.
Conservation agreements Provision is made under section 45 of the NC Act for the State to enter into conservation agreements with landholders to assist in the conservation of land and wildlife. Table K lists the conservation agreements (nature refuges) executed during 2012–13.
8 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Critical habitat and areas of major interest No critical habitats or areas of major interest were determined during 2012–13.
Interim conservation orders No interim conservation orders were issued under sections 102–109 of the NC Act during 2012–13.
Wildlife licences, permits and other authorities Licences, permits or other authorities are required for the taking and use of protected wildlife. This ensures that such use is ecologically sustainable and wild populations are protected. The maximum duration of permits and licences varies from two months to five years. Scientific purposes permits were issued to research and assessment organisations including universities and government departments. Summaries of licences, permits and other authorities granted, not issued, suspended or cancelled for the taking and use of wildlife are detailed in Table L and Table M.
Conservation officers The responsible Ministers may appoint an employee of EHP, NPRSR or DAFF; an officer of the public service; a police officer; or another appropriately qualified person to be a conservation officer. Conservation officers possess a range of investigation, compliance and enforcement powers supporting the implementation of the objectives of the NC Act.
Offences and prosecutions Enforcement of the NC Act is a major activity for EHP and NPRSR. Such enforcement ensures the protection and conservation of Queensland’s natural environment. EHP’s Litigation Unit conducted six prosecutions in 2012–13 including three prosecutions on behalf of NPRSR. This resulted in fines totalling $35,750. Four additional referrals for prosecutions were received by the Litigation Unit in 2012; however these prosecutions did not proceed and were instead referred back to EHP's Compliance Unit to be dealt with at a local level. EHP and NPRSR staff issued 1208 penalty infringement notices (PINs) during 2012–13 for offences against the NC Act and associated regulations. Further details of prosecutions related to QPWS protected areas under the NC Act in 2012–13 are provided in Table N.
9 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
TABLES
Table A—Changes to the status of protected areas during 2012–13
Type Date Action Gazetted area (ha) Progressive (rounded) total area (ha)
National park (scientific) 1/07/2012 - - 53,189
- 30/06/2013 - - 53,189
National park 1/07/2012 - - 6,911,877
- 30/06/2013 - - 6,911,877
National park (recovery) 1/07/2012 - - 37,231
- 30/06/2013 - - 37,231
National park (Cape York 1/07/2012 - - 1,253,500 Peninsula Aboriginal land)
Batavia NP (CYPAL) 23/11/2012 New 56,037 1,309,537
Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) NP 24/05/2013 Addition 2 1,309,539 (CYPAL)
- 30/06/2013 - - 1,309,539
Conservation park 1/07/2012 - - 68,232
Wongaloo CP 12/10/2012 New 1664 69,896
- 30/06/2013 - - 69,896
Resources reserve 1/07/2012 - - 340,972
- 30/06/2013 - - 340,972
Nature refuge 01/07/2012 - - 2,914,222
Bobbie Sattler Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 40 2,914,262
Buderim Forest Park Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 28 2,914,290
Bulloo Downs Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 246,374 3,160,664
Bungawarrah Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 170 3,160,834
Cooroibah Environmental Reserve 14/09/2012 New 33 3,160,867 Nature Refuge
Cornubia Forest Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 Extension 173 3,161,040
Frizzos Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 20 3,161,060
Henderson Reserve Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 46 3,161,106
Jill Chamberlain Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 32 3,161,138
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Type Date Action Gazetted area (ha) Progressive (rounded) total area (ha)
Kenilworth Bluff Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 60 3,161,198
Kingsgate Drive Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 2 3,161,200
Leslie Parade Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 6 3,161,206
Marist Brothers Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 20 3,161,226
Mountain Creek Conservation Area 14/09/2012 New 84 3,161,310 Nature Refuge
Murray's Environmental Nature 14/09/2012 New 3 3,161,313 Refuge
Newcastle Range-The Oaks Nature 14/09/2012 New 3256 3,164,569 Refuge
Nungabana Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 5 3,164,574
Pattens Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 5 3,164,579
Policeman Spur Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 40 3,164,619
Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve Nature 14/09/2012 New 125,904 3,290,523 Refuge
Symplocos Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 38 3,290,561
Tanawha Tall Gums Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 28 3,290,589
Verrierdale Rise Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 24 3,290,613
Whiteside Road Park Koala Nature 14/09/2012 New 4 3,290,617 Refuge
Yuukingga Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 32,200 3,322,817
Bally Mountain Conservation Area 14/09/2012 New 368 3,323,185 Nature Refuge
Bellbird Stud Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 68 3,323,253
Doonan Wetlands Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 44 3,323,297
Egernia Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 57 3,323,354
Rosevale Nature Refuge 14/09/2012 New 32,474 3,355,828
Gilberton Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 Extension 2884 3,358,712
Koala Walk Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 New 3 3,358,715
Harper Creek Guala Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 New 6 3,358,721
Lyola Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 New 17 3,358,738
Jamduh Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 New 3 3,358,741
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Type Date Action Gazetted area (ha) Progressive (rounded) total area (ha)
Cainbable Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 New 111 3,358,852
Hoop Pine Valley Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 New 5 3,358,857
Koolewong Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 New 43 3,358,900
Mount Molangul Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 New 1096 3,359,996
Australian Prawn Farms Nature 31/05/2013 New 227 3,360,223 Refuge
Batavia Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 New 79,157 3,439,380
Angel Place Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 New 84 3,439,464
Five Acre Rock Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 New 53 3,439,517
Rivendell Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 New 15 3,439,532
Granite Creek Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 New 944 3,440,476
Mount Quincan Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 New 43 3,440,519
The Crossing Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 Revocation (4) 3,440,515
Southernwood Nature Refuge 31/05/2013 Revocation (1550) 3,438,965
- 30/06/2013 - - 3,438,965
Coordinated conservation area 1/07/2012 - - 2121
- 30/06/2013 - - 2121
12 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Table B—Summary of information regarding protected area authorities during 2012–13
Category Number Number granted Number Number withdrawn, current 2012–13 refused suspended or at 30 June cancelled 2013
Authorities under the Nature Conservation Act 1992:
Section 34 Leases over protected areas 48 11 0 0
Section 35 Authorities
1 Service facility 95 44 0 0
2 Ecotourism facility 0 0 0 0
Section 35A Authorities (pre-existing 0 0 0 0 service facilities on new National Parks (NP) or NP (recovery)
3 Section 36 Previous use authority n/a 7 0 0
Section 38 Lease under the Land Act 1994 0 0 0 0 on land reserved for public purposes
Section 173S(1) Stock grazing on protected 0 0 0 0 4 areas for drought relief
Section 184 Beekeeping in particular former 0 0 0 0 forest reserves
Authorities under the Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2006:
Section 9(1)(a) a permit to take, use, keep or interfere with cultural or natural resources
Scientific purposes 377 0 0 0
Educational purposes 35 0 0 0
Other purposes5 0 1 0 0
Section 9(1)(b) apiary permit 271 260 0 0
Section 9(2)(a) Aboriginal tradition authority 0 0 0 0
Section 9(2)(b) Island custom authority 0 0 0 0
Section 10 Permit for conducting other activities in a protected area
Camping permit6 n/a 143,539 n/a n/a
Restricted access area permit 0 0 0 0
Stock grazing permit n/a 8 0 0
Stock mustering permit n/a 68 1 2
Travelling stock permit n/a 0 0 0
13 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Category Number Number granted Number Number withdrawn, current 2012–13 refused suspended or at 30 June cancelled 2013
Permit to enter NP (scientific) 0 13 0 0
Commercial activity permit6 459 261 5 1
Permit to solicit donations or information 1 1 0 0
Group activity permit6,7 n/a 144 1 0
Permit to use recreational craft 0 4 0 0
Special activity permit 2 3 0 0
Section 67 Commercial activity agreement 82 11 0 1
1. Service facilities include communications towers or cables, aircraft or vessel navigation devices, transmission grids or electricity supply networks, pipelines for oil or gas, and pipelines and facilities for water supply or sewerage treatment. 2. This is a new category in the NC Act which was given effect by amendments passed on 18 April 2013. Ecotourism facilities include facilities designed and managed to facilitate the presentation, appreciation and conservation of the land’s natural condition and cultural resources and values. 3. Previous use authorities within section 36 of the NC Act include permits for occupation, stock grazing, apiary, and sales issued under the Forestry Act 1959 and leases under the Land Act 1994, for approved uses prior to gazettal. Data for section 36 authorities is not centrally maintained. 4. This is a new, temporary category in the NC Act, given effect by amendments passed on 21 May 2013. 5. Resources permits are generally associated with service facilities or leases, for example for the removal or trimming of trees associated with a section 34 or section 35 application. 6. These figures are estimates. They include permits issued under the Recreation Areas Management Act 2006 for activities in Green Island National Park, Great Sandy National Park in the Fraser Island Recreation Area, Moreton Island National Park in the Moreton Island Recreation Area and Bribie Island National Park in the Bribie Island Recreation Area. 7. Group activity permits (GAPs) are being phased out in favour of more streamlined permitting options and in 2012–13 over 60% of GAPs were replaced by a simple notification form.
Table C—Summary of appeals related to protected area authority decisions during 2012–13
Category Number of Number of decisions Number of Number of appeals 2012– confirmed 2012–13 decisions decisions 13 amended pending at 30 2012–13 June 2013
Internal appeals1 1 1 (partial) 1 (partial) 0
Queensland Civil and Administrative 1 1 0 0 Tribunal appeals
1. The internal appeal consisted of 12 requests to amend elements of the original decision. On 15 April 2013, the delegate confirmed and upheld seven decision elements and amended five elements (two of these were in the applicant’s favour).
14 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Table D—Details of selected protected area authorities (permits and agreements) granted during 2012–13
Camping information1 Number
Camping permits 143,539
Average group size2 3
Number of people camping1 431,028
Average stay (nights) 2.67
Camper nights 1,151,408
4 Activities supported through commercial activity agreements during Number 2012–131,3
Filming 6
Competitive sporting and community events 5
Tourism and recreation (e.g. guided tours, tag-along, scenic flight) 59
Commercial rubbish collection 1
Transport (e.g. barge operations) 5
Vending (e.g. food, recreation equipment) 9
Other 0
Commercial activity permits1,3 Number current Number granted 2012–13
Commercial tourism 435 227
Commercial film/photography 24 34
Commercial (other) 0 0
Total commercial activity permits 459 261
1. These figures are estimates. They include permits and authorities issued under the Recreation Areas Management Act 2006 for activities in national parks in the Great Sandy, Moreton Island and Bribie Island Recreation Areas. 2. Camping estimates exclude children aged under five years. 3. These figures do not include permits and agreements solely under the Forestry Act 1959. 4. The selected figures do not add up to the total number of agreements (82 at 30 June 2013), as some agreements cover multiple activities.
15 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Table E—Summary information for protected area environmental impact statements (EIS) submitted to the chief executive during 2012–131
Category Number required under section Number considered under section 39C 38B 2012–13 2012–13
EIS for section 34 0 0
EIS for section 35 0 0
EIS for section 36 0 0
1. The chief executive may require an EIS if a proposed activity is expected to occur on or near a protected area under the NC Act and it is not subject to an EIS under another Act.
Table F—List of protected area codes of practice1 and memorandums of understanding2 2012–13
Title Date endorsed Expiry date
Code of Practice for Maintenance of Electricity Corridors in 12/03/2010 No expiry date, but Queensland’s Parks and Forests three-yearly review of (Chief executive) code
Memorandum of Understanding between Four Wheel Drive 04/04/2011 04/04/2016 Queensland (Inc) and QPWS (Deputy Director-General QPWS)
Memorandum of Understanding between Bushwalking 26/08/2011 26/08/2016 Queensland (Inc) and QPWS (Deputy Director-General QPWS)
1. Under section 174A of the NC Act, the chief executive may, by gazette notice, approve or make codes of practice for protected areas or forest reserves. 2. A memorandum of understanding is not legally binding but supports red tape reduction and improved access by allowing the parties to the agreement to undertake certain activities without requiring an individual permit for each activity or occasion.
Table G—Changes to the status of forest reserves during 2012–13
Gazetted Total Total Type Date Action area (ha) number area (ha)
Forest reserve 1/07/2012 - - - 192,698
- 30/06/2013 - - - 192,698
16 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Table H—Commercial activity agreements in force during 2012–131
Legal entity Protected area Section Activity Expiry date
Commercial FNQ Promotion Bureau Green Island filming trading as Tourism Tropical Cairns 4 December 2014 Recreation Area North Queensland Competitive events
Various Great Cairns/ Commercial FNQ Promotion Bureau Barrier Reef World Cooktown filming trading as Tourism Tropical Heritage Area 4 December 2014 Management North Queensland islands north of Competitive Area Mission Beach events
Whitsunday Islands Commercial National Park, Molle Whitsunday collection and Ecobarge Clean Seas Inc 1 September 2021 Islands National Islands removal of Park rubbish
Whitsunday Islands Whitsunday Commercial AP Vessel Management Pty National Park, Molle Ngaro Sea camping, guided 31 May 2020 Ltd Islands National Trail tours Park
Whitsunday Islands Whitsunday Australian Tallship Cruises Pty National Park, Molle Ngaro Sea Guided tours 8 March 2020 Ltd Islands National Trail Park
Whitsunday Islands Whitsunday National Park, Molle Coral Sea Sailing Pty Ltd Ngaro Sea Guided tours 9 March 2020 Islands National Trail Park
Delaware North Australia Capricornia Cays Heron Island Resort lease 30 December 2011 Parks & Resorts Pty Ltd National Park
Hinchinbrook Island Hinchinbrook Passenger Eastcom Pty Ltd 19 January 2016 National Park Island transport service
Whitsunday Islands National Park Molle Hamilton Island Enterprises Whitsunday Islands National Commercial Ltd trading as Whitsunday Sea Ngaro Sea 1 July 2017 Park, Gloster camping Kayaking Trail Islands National Park
Whitehaven Hattersea trading as Hamilton Whitsunday Islands Beach Conduct of 21 April 2021 Island Weddings National Park Henning Island weddings Northern Spit
Whitsunday Islands Whitsunday National Park, Molle Luxury Yacht Charters Pty Ltd Ngaro Sea Guided tours 8 July 2020 Islands National Trail Park
Whitsunday Islands Whitsunday National Park, Molle Maxim Plumbing Pty Ltd Ngaro Sea Guided tours 11 March 2020 Islands National Trail Park
17 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Legal entity Protected area Section Activity Expiry date
Whitsunday Islands Whitsunday Commercial National Park, Molle Neill and Hayley Kennedy Ngaro Sea camping, guided 7 March 2020 Islands National Trail tours Park
Whitsunday Islands Whitsunday Ocean Safaris Australia Pty National Park, Molle Ngaro Sea Guided tours 9 March 2020 Ltd Islands National Trail Park
Whitsunday Islands Whitsunday Commercial Outdoor Pursuits Australia Pty National Park, Molle Ngaro Sea camping, guided 30 March 2020 Ltd Islands National Trail tours Park
Whitsunday Islands Whitsunday Commercial National Park, Molle Plan B Fitness Pty Ltd Ngaro Sea camping, guided 17 May 2020 Islands National Trail tours Park
Whitsunday Islands Whitsunday Southern Cross Sailing National Park, Molle Ngaro Sea Guided tours 9 March 2020 Adventures Pty Ltd Islands National Trail Park
Whitsunday Islands Whitsunday Commercial National Park, Molle Tallship Adventures Pty Ltd Ngaro Sea camping, guided 11 April 2020 Islands National Trail tours Park
Whitsunday Islands Whitsunday National Park, Molle Voetstoets Pty Ltd Ngaro Sea Guided tours 14 March 2020 Islands National Trail Park
Whitsunday Islands Whitsunday Whitsunday Island Camping National Park, Molle Ngaro Sea Guided tours 17 May 2020 Connections Pty Ltd Islands National Trail Park
Wooroonooran MaMu Canopy Middledank Pty Ltd Guided tour 31 December 2013 National Park Walk
Wooroonooran MaMu Canopy Mungalli Pty Ltd Guided tour 31 December 2013 National Park Walk
Undara Volcanic Dutana Pty Ltd - Guided tour 11 March 2019 National Park
Malanda Falls Tablelands Regional Council - Guided tour 12 December 2015 Conservation Park
Tully Falls National Telfox Pty Ltd - Guided tour 14 August 2017 Park
Mount Peter Temperley Family Trust - Guided tour 26 July 2017 Conservation Park
Undara Volcanic Two Jayze Pty Ltd - Guided tour 11 March 2019 National Park
18 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Legal entity Protected area Section Activity Expiry date
Island national parks (17), Graham Steele - Guided tour 15 May 2018 Mainland national parks (20)
Tully Gorge National Park, Graham Maifredi Wooroonooran - Guided tour 31 January 2018 National Park, Tully Falls National Park
Establishing, Bowling Green Bay Cape operating and Boundy, Ray and Sue 31 July 2025 National Park Cleveland maintaining a tourism facility
Eco Concept Development Pty Eungella National Broken River Operation of kiosk 28 January 2017 Ltd Park
Down Under Tours (Australia) Wooroonooran MaMu Canopy Guided tours 31 December 2013 Pty Ltd National Park Walk
Wooroonooran MaMu Canopy AAT Kings Pty Ltd Guided tours 31 December 2013 National Park Walk
Wooroonooran Safari Tours Wooroonooran MaMu Canopy Guided tours 31 December 2013 Pty Ltd National Park Walk
Tully Gorge Ingan Pty Ltd Echo Creek Guided tours 31 December 2015 National Park
Eurimbula National NKM Holdings Pty Ltd trading Park, Eurimbula - Guided tour 13 November 2015 as 1770 Environmental Tours Resources Reserve
J.W. Hayes and B.J Needs Fraser Island trading as A1 Fraser Roving - Tag-along 30 November 2013 Recreation Area Backpackers
Gold Coast Hinterland Great The Sun Stand Pty Ltd trading Walk, Springbrook Guided tour 28 February 2020 as Adventure Seekers National Park, Green Lamington National Mountains Park section
Gletch Enterprises Pty Ltd Fraser Island - Scenic flights 23 April 2018 trading as Air Fraser Island Recreation Area
Moreton Island Amity Trader Pty Ltd - Barge landing 24 November 2013 National Park
Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, Springbrook Auswalk Pty Ltd Guided tour 28 February 2020 National Park, Green Lamington National Mountains Park section
19 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Legal entity Protected area Section Activity Expiry date
Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, Springbrook Binna Burra Lodge Ltd Guided tour 28 February 2020 National Park, Green Lamington National Mountains Park section
Cooloola Brian Thomas Mays - Operate facilities 30 June 2036 Recreation Area
Castle Meadow Pty Ltd trading Fraser Island - Tag-along 30 November 2013 as Palace Adventures Recreation Area
Main Range Goomburra Christopher Burns Vending 30 November 2013 National Park section
Chanison Pty Ltd trading as Moreton Island Bulwer Barge landing 16 September 2015 Reality Cruises Recreation Area
Chews Place Consulting Pty Cooloola - Vending 15 September 2013 Ltd Recreation Area
Gold Coast Hinterland Great National Trust of Queensland Walk, Springbrook trading as Currumbin Wildlife Guided tour 28 February 2020 National Park, Green Sanctuary Lamington National Mountains Park section
Cooloola Iceworx Pty Ltd trading as Recreation Area, Mobile food - 30 June 2013 Deans Ice Worx Inskip Peninsula vending Recreation Area
D McKill Pty Ltd ATF McKill Family Trust & Gurree Pty Ltd Fraser Island ATF Robinson Family Trust - Tag-along 30 November 2013 Recreation Area trading as Dropbear Adventures
Elanda Point Pty Ltd trading as Cooloola Elanda Point Canoe Company - Canoe tours 30 November 2015 Recreation Area - Boats Tours and Camping
Fraser Island Fraser Island Barge Transport Recreation Area, Hook Point Barge landing 29 June 2021 Pty Ltd Inskip Peninsula Inskip Point Recreation Area
NHMS Pty Ltd trading as Fraser Island - Tag-along 30 November 2013 Fraser Magic 4WD Hire Recreation Area
Go Tours Holiday Shop Pty Springbrook Natural Bridge Guided tour 31 December 2026 Ltd trading as Go Tours Travel National Park
Great Adventures 4x4 Hire Pty Fraser Island - Tag-along 30 November 2013 Ltd Recreation Area
Springbrook Gregory Whiteman Natural Bridge Guided tours 31 December 2026 National Park
20 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Legal entity Protected area Section Activity Expiry date
Gold Coast Hinterland Great International Park Tours Pty Walk, Springbrook Guided tour 28 February 2020 Ltd National Park, Green Lamington National Mountains Park section
D'Aguilar National Park, Nerang Conservation Park Kokoda Challenge Association Nerang National Trail running and 4 April 2015 Pty Ltd Park, Springbrook Austinville walking events Conservation Park, section Springbrook Numinbah National Park section
Eurimbula National Scenic flights and Low Flyer Investments Pty Ltd - 31 March 2014 Park camping
Inskip Peninsula Mark Jason Alexander - Food vending 30 June 2014 Recreation Area
Moreton Island Moreton Island Ferries Pty Ltd Wrecks Bulwer Barge landing 30 June 2016 Recreation Area
National Tour Company Pty Springbrook Natural Bridge Guided tour 31 December 2026 Limited National Park
All Protected Areas, All Recreation Network Ten Pty Limited - Filming 30 June 2015 Areas, All Forest Areas
D'Aguilar National Trail running and Oxfam Australia - 31 December 2014 Park walking events
Fraser Island Pippies Beachhouse Pty Ltd - Tag-along 30 November 2013 Recreation Area
Queensland Japanese Springbrook Natural Bridge Guided tours 31 December 2026 Services Pty Ltd National Park
Queensland Living History Fort Lytton National - Festival Event 1 June 2018 Federation Inc. Park
Rainbow Beach Adventure Co. Fraser Island - Tag-along 30 November 2013 Pty Ltd Recreation Area
Ahead In Glass & Aluminium Inskip Peninsula Camp equipment Pty Ltd trading as Rainbow - 26 July 2015 Recreation Area hire Beach Hire-A-Camp
Cooloola Ice Worx Pty Ltd trading as Recreation Area, Mobile food - 30 June 2013 Rainbow Beach Ice and Bait Peninsula vending Recreation Area
Jean-Luc Lejaille trading as Cooloola - Paragliding 31 December 2013 Rainbow Paragliding Recreation Area
21 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Legal entity Protected area Section Activity Expiry date
Robert Tasman Pitman trading Mon Repos - Food vending 31 October 2014 as Rob's Vantastic Food Conservation Park
DWR Holdings Pty Ltd trading Fraser Island - Tag-along 30 November 2013 as Safari 4WD Hire Recreation Area
Sunshine Coast Diving Centre Ex-HMAS Brisbane Pty Ltd trading as Scuba - Scuba diving 30 July 2017 Conservation Park World
All Protected Areas, Seven Network (Operations) All Recreation - Filming 4 November 2013 Limited Areas, All Forest Areas
Hart Corporation Pty Ltd Ex-HMAS Brisbane trading as Sunreef Scuba - Scuba diving 31 July 2015 Conservation Park Diving Services
Sunshine Coast Hang Gliding Cooloola - Hang gliding 31 December 2013 Pty Ltd Recreation Area
Jonathan Allen trading as Cooloola Sunshine State Paragliding - Paragliding 31 December 2013 Recreation Area Centre
Benarkin State Topp Contracting Pty Ltd - Vending 29 August 2013 Forest
Springbrook Tour Gold Coast Pty Ltd Natural Bridge Guided tour 31 December 2026 National Park
All Protected Areas, All Recreation Tourism Queensland - Filming 31 October 2016 Areas, All Forest Areas
Fraser Island Unique Fraser Pty Ltd - Tag-along 30 November 2013 Recreation Area
All Protected Areas, Nigel Walker trading as Wild All Recreation - Filming 18 April 2013 Films Areas, All Forest Areas
L Trevanion & M.A Trevanion & M.W Trevanion & P.A Cooloola Mobile food - 20 February 2014 Trevanion trading as Yum Recreation Area Vending Yum's Food Service
1. Details above include commercial activity agreements entered into under the NC Act, and commercial activity agreements entered into under the Recreation Areas Management Act 2006 (which covers activities in protected areas). The details above do not include commercial activity agreements entered into under the Forestry Act 1959 or the Marine Parks Act 2004.
22 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Table I—Status of conservation plans as at 30 June 2013
Conservation plans in force1
Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2007
Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006
Nature Conservation (Macropod) Conservation Plan 2005
Nature Conservation (Protected Plants) Conservation Plan 2000
1. Conservation plans are approved by the Governor in Council under section 119 of the NC Act.
Table J—Approved protected area management plans as at 30 June 2013
Auburn River National Park Management Plan
Bakers Creek Conservation Park Management Plan
Barnard Island Group National Park Management Plan
Blackwood National Park Management Plan
Bowling Green Bay National Park Management Plan
Brook Islands National Park and Goold Island National Park Management Plan
Buckleys Hole Conservation Park Management Plan
Bullock Creek Conservation Park Management Plan
Burleigh Head National Park Management Plan
Byfield Area Management Plan1
Cape Hillsborough, Pioneer Peaks, Mount Ossa, Mount Martin and Reliance Creek National Parks and adjoining State Waters Management Plan
Capricorn Coast National Park Management Plan
Capricornia Cays National Park and Capricornia Cays National Park (Scientific) Management Plan
Carbrook Wetlands Conservation Park Serpentine Creek Conservation Park Management Plan
Carnarvon National Park Management Plan
Coalstoun Lakes National Park Management Plan
Cressbrook Conservation Park Management Plan
Culgoa Floodplain National Park Management Plan
Currawinya National Park Management Plan
D'Aguilar National Park Management Plan
Dalrymple National Park Management Plan
Dipperu National Park (Scientific) Management Plan
23 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Djilgarin and Jalum Conservation Parks Management Plan
Dwyers Scrub Conservation Park Management Plan
Epping Forest National Park (Scientific) Management Plan
Family Islands National Park Management Plan
Fitzroy Island National Park and Marine Management Area Management Plan
Forest Den National Park Management Plan
Frankland Group National Park Management Plan
Girraween National Park Management Plan
Glass House Mountains National Park Management Plan
Great Sandy Conservation Park Management Plan
Green Island Recreation Area incorporating Green Island National Park, part of the Cairns Marine Park (State) and part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Commonwealth) and Green Island National Park Management Plans
Hinchinbrook Island National Park Management Plan
Holbourne Island National Park and adjoining State Waters Management Plan
Hope Islands National Park Management Plan
Horseshoe Lagoon Conservation Park Management Plan
Idalia National Park Management Plan
Indooroopilly Island Conservation Park Management Plan
Keppel Bay Islands National Park (Scientific) Management Plan
King Island Conservation Park Management Plan
Kondalilla National Park Management Plan
Lamington National Park Management Plan
Littabella National Park Management Plan
Lochern National Park Management Plan
Mariala National Park Management Plan
Maroochy River Conservation Park Management Plan
Mazeppa National Park Management Plan
Michaelmas and Upolu Cays National Park Management Plan
Minerva Hills National Park Management Plan
Mooloolah River National Park Management Plan
24 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Moorrinya National Park Management Plan
Moreton Island National Park, Cape Moreton Conservation Park and Moreton Island Recreation Area Management Plan
Mount Aberdeen National Park Management Plan
Mount Bauple National Park (Scientific) Management Plan
Mount Blarney Conservation Park Management Plan
Mount Coolum National Park Management Plan
Mount Hector Conservation Park Management Plan
Mount Scoria Conservation Park Management Plan
Narrien Range National Park Management Plan
Nicoll Scrub National Park Management Plan
Noosa National Park Management Plan
Orpheus Island National Park Management Plan
Pipeclay National Park Management Plan
Poona National Park Management Plan
Porcupine Gorge National Park Management Plan
Protected areas in the Agnes Water/1770 area Management Plan
Rundle Range National Park and Rundle Range Resources Reserve Management Plan
Sheep Station Creek Conservation Park Management Plan
Southwood National Park Management Plan
Tarong National Park Management Plan
Taunton National Park (Scientific) Management Plan
Three Islands Group National Park Management Plan
Tregole National Park Management Plan
Triunia National Park Management Plan
Turtle Group National Park Management Plan
Undara Volcanic and Forty Mile Scrub National Parks Management Plan
Venman Bushland National Park Management Plan
Welford National Park Management Plan
White Blow Conservation Park Management Plan
Wondul Range National Park Management Plan
25 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
1. The Byfield Area Management Plan includes Byfield National Park, Byfield Conservation Park, Byfield State Forest managed by QPWS, the Departmental and Official Purposes Reserve at Stockyard Point, Corio Bay and beaches of the State marine park, adjacent to these areas.
Table K—Conservation agreements entered into under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 during 2012–13
Nature refuge name Execution Total area under Local government date agreement (ha) (rounded)
Bally Mountain Conservation Area Nature Refuge 8/08/2012 368 Gold Coast City
Bellbird Stud Nature Refuge 8/08/2012 68 Sunshine Coast Regional
Doonan Wetlands Nature Refuge1 8/08/2012 44 Sunshine Coast Regional
Egernia Nature Refuge 8/08/2012 57 Southern Downs Regional
Rosevale Nature Refuge 8/08/2012 32,474 Paroo Shire
Koala Walk Nature Refuge 25/09/2012 3 Sunshine Coast Regional
Harper Creek Guala Nature Refuge 4/10/2012 6 Sunshine Coast Regional
Lyola Nature Refuge 4/10/2012 17 Sunshine Coast Regional
Batavia Nature Refuge 21/11/2012 79,157 Cook Shire
Jamduh Nature Refuge 6/12/2012 3 Moreton Bay Regional
Cainbable Nature Refuge 14/12/2012 111 Scenic Rim Regional
Gilberton Nature Refuge2 14/12/2012 2884 Etheridge Shire
Hoop Pine Valley Nature Refuge 21/12/2012 5 Moreton Bay Regional
Koolewong Nature Refuge 29/01/2013 43 Sunshine Coast Regional
Mount Molangul Nature Refuge 21/02/2013 1096 Bundaberg Regional
Australian Prawn Farms Nature Refuge 5/03/2013 227 Isaac Regional
Angel Place Nature Refuge 18/03/2013 84 Scenic Rim Regional
Five Acre Rock Nature Refuge 26/03/2013 53 Southern Downs Regional
Granite Creek Nature Refuge 9/04/2013 944 Etheridge Shire
Rivendell Nature Refuge 9/04/2013 15 Sunshine Coast Regional
Mount Quincan Nature Refuge 16/04/2013 43 Tablelands Regional
Danroben Nature Refuge 30/04/2013 4 Ipswich City
Koallaby Nature Refuge 30/04/2013 10 Redland City
Koolena Nature Refuge 30/05/2013 5 Logan City
1. Doonan Wetlands Nature Refuge, which was included in the 2011–12 report, was gazetted on 17/02/2012. An error was found prior to gazettal and was subsequently corrected via Deed of Variation, which was then executed on 08/08/2012 and gazetted on 14/09/2012.
26 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
2. Gilberton Nature Refuge, an existing nature refuge, was extended by 2066 hectares.
Table L—Summary of information relating to wildlife licences 2012–13
Category Current Issued Suspended Cancelled Refused Withdrawn Surrendered Invalid as at 30/6/13
Commercial 114 121 ------wildlife
Commercial 91 94 ------wildlife (macropods)
Recreational 40755 8396 ------wildlife
Commercial 20 27 ------wildlife harvesting
Commercial 1072 1123 ------wildlife harvesting (macropods)
Recreational 17 21 ------wildlife harvesting
Wildlife 46 11 ------demonstrator
Wildlife 47 2 ------exhibitor
Wildlife 23 20 ------farming
Museum 2 0 ------
Herbarium 0 0 ------
27 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Table M—Summary of information relating to wildlife permits 2012–13
Category Current Issued Suspended Cancelled Refused Withdrawn Surrendered Invalid as at 30/6/13
Educational 119 14 - - - 2 - - purposes
Keep 19 7 - - - 1 - 1 protected wildlife
Keep 361 188 - - - - - 1 prohibited wildlife
Scientific 15 182 - - - 1 - - purposes
Wildlife 184 ------movement
Commercial 51 122 - - - 9 2 1 whale watching
Clearing 259 189 ------
Take, use, 119 14 - - - 2 - - keep or interfere (scientific purpose)
Take, use, 13 21 ------keep or interfere (educational purpose)
Authorisation 15 10 - - - 2 - - to cultivate
Authorisation 321 116 ------to propagate
Collection 2 1 ------authority (dead protected wildlife)
Damage 339 719 - 1 1 12 1 6 mitigation
Rehabilitation 480 286 1 - - 24 1 3
28 Report on the administration of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (1 July 2012–30 June 2013)
Table N—Protected areas enforcement information for QPWS managed protected areas 1 July 2012– 30 June 2013
Category Number
Penalty infringement notices Number issued 288
Number withdrawn 21
Number of Court elects 2
Number of reviews 9
Formal investigations Number completed 36
Litigations Number progressed in 2012–13 8
Number matters finalised in 2012–13 3
NC Act Prosecution results 1 July 2012–30 June 2013:
Party Statute Brief description Court result
Court date Penalty Costs
CYMCA Pty Ltd Nature Conservation Providing false or misleading 27 February 2013 $14,000 - Act 1992 and Nature information to conservation Conservation officer and breach conditions (Administration) of authority (commercial Regulation 2006 activities permit)
Wang Nature Conservation Executive officer failing to 2 May 2013 $10,000 - Act 1992 and Nature ensure corporation complies Conservation with the Act and unlawfully (Protected Areas conducting commercial Management) activity in a protected area Regulation 2006
Richard Cowen Nature Conservation Riding a motor bike in a 27 May 2013 $250 $76.80 (Protected Areas protected area not in Management) compliance with the Regulation 2006 Queensland Road Rules
Total $24,250 $76.80
29