Page 4018 - Week 13 - Thursday, 10 November 1994
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It is proposed to enhance management of environmental threats by introducing a process for the declaration of plants and animals of concern and the prescribing of controls over relevant activities. A number of administrative processes in the principal Act make only a limited contribution to nature conservation objectives. This is particularly the case with controls over the importation of animal products and commercial dealing in plants that are not of nature conservation significance. It is proposed to remove or relax controls where relevant. Native species threatened with extinction or migratory species subject to international agreement for their conservation are declared as having "special protection status" and are subject to more stringent controls. It is proposed to allow amendment to aspects of these controls by disallowable instrument, to allow greater flexibility in their application without lessening the Government's ability to fulfil its nature conservation responsibilities.
A range of criteria are prescribed in the principal Act to guide administration of controlled activities. These criteria have been reviewed to retain primary intent but allow detailed or secondary considerations to be developed outside the principal Act as a disallowable instrument. This amendment enhances access by affected parties to the decision making process and allows policy development to respond more readily to changing circumstances.
Other amendments that improve administrative efficiencies address timeframes for compliance, introduction of a system of on-the-spot fines for prescribed offences of a routine nature, and control of movement of vehicles in a reserved area. A number of minor amendments are introduced to correct anomalies or clarify meaning and scope. A provision has been introduced for management agreements to be developed between the Conservator of Wildlife and agencies or organisations that operate utilities on unleased land that is managed primarily for environmental conservation. The objective is to allow essential activities to proceed with a minimum of conflict with land management objectives.
Madam Speaker, this Bill enhances the Government's ability to meet current and future nature conservation responsibilities in an effective way through increased efficiencies, provisions which more adequately take account of current developments and issues, and increased flexibility in policy development. I commend the Bill to the Assembly, and I present the explanatory memorandum.
Debate (on motion by Mr Stefaniak) adjourned.
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