2002 2003
NSW national Parks & Wildlife service
Annual report
Published by the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) PO Box 1967, Hurstville 2220
Since 24 September 2003 the National Parks and Wildlife Service has beenpart of the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW)
Copyright © Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) 2003ISSN 0158-0965
Coordinator/Editor: Rohan HillsDesign and layout: Harley & Jones designPrinted by: Bloxham & Chambers
Copies of this report are available from the National Parks Centre, 102 George St, The Rocks, Sydney, phone 1300 361 967; or NPWS Mail Order, PO Box 1967, Hurstville 2220, phone: 9585 6533.
This report can also be purchased online or downloaded for free from the NPWS website:www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Front cover photos (from left to right): Eremophylla sp. flowers, Nocoleche Nature Reserve (J Winter/NPWS); Plover Island, Yuraygir National Park (P Green/NPWS); Mutawintji Historic Site (C Smith/NPWS); Fringe lily, (Thysanotus sp.) Crowdy BayNational Park (P Green/NPWS); Bush stone-curlew (K Stepnell/NPWS); Royal National Park (D Grujovic/NPWS).
Back cover photos (from left to right): Royal National Park (C Smith/NPWS); Lawyer vine leaves, Sea Acres Nature Reserve (P Green/NPWS); Grave site, Montague Island Nature Reserve (S Cohen/NPWS); Green moray eel, Jervis Bay Marine Park (M Cufer/NPWS).
Inside front cover: Waratah Creek, South East Forest National Park (B Wrigley/NPWS)
Annual report 2002-2003
Working with people and communitiesto protect and conserve natural andcultural heritage in the NSW landscapeNPWS mission
NSW national Parks & Wildlife service
Contents
Director-General’s foreword 6
Overview
Mission statement 8
Role and functions 8
Customers, partners and stakeholders 8
Legal basis 8
Legislative change 10
Organisational structure 10
Lands managed for conservation 10
Organisational chart 12
Other protected areas 14
Key result areas 14
1 Conservation assessment 15
NSW Biodiversity Strategy 16
Regional assessments 16
Wilderness assessment 17
Vegetation surveys and mapping 18
Wetland and river system survey and research 18
Native fauna surveys and research 20
Threat management research 21
Cultural heritage research 22
Conservation research and assessment tools 24
2 Conservation planning 25
Biodiversity planning 26
Establishment of parks and reserves 26
Declaration of Aboriginal places 29
Plans of management 29
Threatened species planning 30
Cultural heritage planning 32
Marine park planning 33
Other conservation planning 34
3 Conservation management 35
Working with Aboriginal communities 36
Joint management of national parks 36
Aboriginal heritage 37
Outside the reserve system 39
Voluntary conservation agreements 39
Wildlife refuges 39
Land for wildlife 39
Biodiversity conservation programs 40
Wildlife management 40
Ecologically sustainable management 41
Energy management 41
Waste management 41
Sewage management 42
Managing built assets 43
Buildings and surrounds 43
Managing historic heritage sites 43
Roads and other access 44
Visitor facilities 45
Managing site use in protected areas 47
Policies and guidelines 47
Balancing site use and conservation 47
Contributing to communities 48
World Heritage 48
Contributing to sustainable rural andregional development 49
Tourism 49
Pest and weed management 50
Pest animal management 50
Weed management 53
Fire management 55
Prevention 55
Fire management training 55
Coordinated fire fighting 56
2002-03 bushfire season 57
Recovery and rehabilitation 58
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4 Conservation facilitation 59
Fostering commitment to natural andcultural heritage 60
Community programs network 60
Educational programs 60
NPWS library 62
Visitor centres 62
International liaison 63
Public affairs 64
Electronic service delivery 64
Increasing community involvement in conservation 65
Volunteer and community programs 65
Enhancing people’s enjoyment of NSW parks and reserves 66
Visitor and market research 66
Working with our culturally diverse community 67
Improving access and services for people with a disability 67
Supporting community conservationactivities 68
Information services 68
Conservation partnerships 68
Inter-agency and whole-of-government initiatives 69
5 Capacity building 73
Attracting, developing and retaining a skilled workforce 74
Performance management 74
Learning and organisational development 75
Management development 75
Workforce diversity 75
Employment and industrial relations 76
Occupational health and safety (OHS) 77
Working as a cohesive and informed team 77
Organisational efficiency and service delivery 78
Financial management 78
Risk management 78
Insurance 79
Staff Intranet 79
Information management and technology 80
Corporate governance 81
Enhancing and managing resources forconservation 83
Business planning 83
Grants and sponsorships 83
Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife 84
Property and leasing management 84
6 Appendices 85
A. NPWS-managed lands at 30 June 2002 86
B. Significant statutory bodies, committees and trusts 91
C. Infringements and prosecutions 94
D. Consultants engaged 95
E. Employee statistics 96
F. Performance statement: Director-General 99
G. Statement of Affairs, Freedom of Informationand Privacy 100
H. New NPWS publications 103
I. Papers published by NPWS staff 104
J. Overseas visits by NPWS staff 106
K. Disability action plan 107
L. Energy and waste management 108
M. Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement 108
N. Approved recovery plans 108
7 Financial statements 109
Notes to and forming part of financial statements 118
Other financial information 131
Index of statutory requirements 135
Contact information 136
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P Green/NPWSPlover Island, Yuraygir National Park.
The Hon. Bob DebusMinister for the EnvironmentParliament HouseMacquarie StreetSydney
Dear Minister,
It is my pleasure to forward to you for presentation to the New SouthWales Parliament the Annual Report of the National Parks and WildlifeService for the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.
I welcome the opportunities the new Department of Environment andConservation (NSW) will afford the environment, conservation andinteractions with the community in the year ahead. Consolidating thestaff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Resource NSW,Environment Protection Authority and Royal Botanic Gardens andDomain Trust into one Department will enable us to build on ourscientific knowledge, innovation, regulation and field experience toaddress environmental issues. I look forward to informing you ofour progress.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions ofthe Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 and the Annual Reports(Departments) Act 1985.
Yours sincerely
LISA CORBYNDirector GeneralOctober 2003
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My first annual report as Director-General of the National Parksand Wildlife Service (NPWS) in 1998 was produced during a majorreview process, resulting in a restructure and a refocus of the prioritiesof the agency. At this time a corporate plan was developed to guide theagency in its new direction. It seems fitting that this, my last annualreport as Director-General, sees the fulfilment of this corporate planand the beginning of a new one to take the NPWS into the nextchallenging phase.
Throughout the reporting year the NPWS has continued to move towarda comprehensive and representative reserve system. Some 140properties were purchased across the state, including crucial propertiesin the Riverina and far western New South Wales.
The continuing Regional Forests Agreement process resulted in theaddition of more than 144,000 hectares of land to the reserve system inthe north and south of the state and 12 new wilderness declarations,including some 12,000 hectares in the southern highlands.
Our commitment to community information and engagement wasenhanced with the launch of the new Internet site with improved detailson NSW national parks, native animals and Aboriginal sites and history.
We have had some encouraging results from pest control programs —particularly with wild dogs in the Brindabella region where collaborativework with local landholders and Rural Land Protection Boards has seena significant decrease in sheep kill numbers.
Similarly, the Fox Threat Abatement Plan was approved and is beingimplemented across the state to ensure control efforts are being targetedfor maximum effectiveness.
Much of our focus over the last 12 months was again on fire. Weexperienced the second extreme fire season in a row, beginninguncharacteristically early in July and continuing through until lateFebruary. NPWS staff and resources were deployed all over the state,with the ongoing ferocity of the fire in Kosciuszko National Park requiringfirefighters from all agencies to put in a marathon effort. All NPWS staff,Rural Fire Service volunteers and officers from the NSW Fire Brigadesshould be commended for their tireless efforts in what was an extremelylong and arduous season.
The United States also faced one its worst bushfire seasons in yearsand seven NPWS staff were assigned to camps in Oregon to assistsuppression efforts there.
Director-General’sForeword
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The cooperative hazard reduction program following the fire seasonhas progressed well, despite wet conditions through much of April, Mayand June.
The NPWS international program continued in 2002 as we hosted adelegation from the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (East Timor) tocontinue work on the action plan for the establishment of a protectedarea system in the new nation.
Within the reporting period the NPWS also celebrated the anniversaryof 30 years since the first Aboriginal person, Ray Kelly, was employed bythe Service. The occasion was marked by the announcement of a newscholarship for high achieving Aboriginal cadets — the Ray KellyScholarship.
We continue to work with Aboriginal communities across the state inco-management arrangements and other Indigenous cultural projects.The Repatriation Program returned many ancestral remains to fourNSW Aboriginal communities and five new Aboriginal Places weredeclared.
The NPWS executive team are now looking to the next three years —building on the foundations of the previous corporate plan.
In coming years one of the major areas of focus will be reporting onperformance in park management through the comprehensive State ofthe Parks system and the application of new objects and managementprinciples in the amended National Parks and Wildlife Act.
My five years leading the NPWS have been very challenging, managingsome very difficult issues. I have, however, derived considerablesatisfaction from what has been achieved in my time as Director-Generaland I believe that our team effort has laid a firm foundation forimproved management of natural and cultural heritage values in NSW.
It has been an honour for me to lead such a committed and capableteam of people.
Brian GilliganDirector-General
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Mission statementWorking with people and communities to protect and conserve natural and culturalheritage in the New South Wales landscape.
Role and functionsThe role of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is to lead the community
in the development of a system of ecologically sustainable and integrated landscape
management which conserves natural and cultural heritage and has as its centrepiece
the public reserve system.
The functions of the NPWS are:
to ensure the conservation of protected native animals and plants throughout NewSouth Wales
to protect and manage Aboriginal sites, objects and places of special significanceto Aboriginal people
to promote community awareness, understanding and appreciation of theconservation of nature and our cultural heritage
to investigate and acquire land for inclusion in a system of national parks andnature reserves to conserve a complete range of the natural environment of thestate
to manage historic places within the reserve system and to acquire historic placesof significance
to manage these areas and culturally significant features for enjoyment andconservation
to identify, protect and manage wilderness throughout New South Wales.
Customers, partners and stakeholdersThe NPWS interacts with a large and diverse group of individuals and organisationsthroughout New South Wales. They include park visitors, educators, neighbours, rurallandholders, industry, researchers, conservation groups, recreational groups,Aboriginal communities, volunteers, the media, government departments, and otheragencies such as local councils and tourism associations.
Legal basisThe basis for the powers, duties and functions of the NPWS is the National Parks andWildlife Act 1974, the Wilderness Act 1987 and the Threatened Species ConservationAct 1995.
Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act the Director-General of the National Parksand Wildlife Service is responsible for the care, control and management of all areasreserved or dedicated as national parks, historic sites, nature reserves and Aboriginalareas other than those by Aboriginal ownership provisions. State conservation areas,karst conservation reserves and regional parks are also administered under the Act.The Director-General is also responsible under this Act and certain provisions of theThreatened Species Conservation Act for the protection of native fauna and flora andAboriginal places and objects throughout New South Wales.
Under the Wilderness Act the NPWS is responsible for the investigation andmanagement of wilderness in New South Wales.
In addition the Marine Parks Act 1997 established the Marine Parks Authority, whichcomprises the Director-General of the Premier’s Department (Chairperson), theDirector-General of National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Director of NSWFisheries. The Authority reports to the Minister for the Environment and the Ministerfor Fisheries and undertakes functions imposed or conferred by the Marine Parks Act.
Overview
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The Authority is responsible for declaring and managing activities in marine parks forthe purposes of conserving marine biological diversity, maintaining the function ofmarine ecosystems and permitting ecologically sustainable use.
The complete list of legislation administered by the NPWS is as follows:
National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974
National Parks and Wildlife (Adjustment of Areas) Act 2001
National Parks Estate (Reservations) Act 2002
National Parks Estate (Southern Regions Reservations) Act 2000
Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995
Threatened Species Conservation Amendment Act 2002
Wilderness Act 1987
National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2002
Threatened Species Conservation Regulation 2002
Overview
9
Broken Hill
Cobar
Griffith
Bathurst
NarrabriArmidale
Alstonville
Grafton
Port Macquarie
Katoomba
Royal NP
Gosford
Nelson Bay
Bobbin Head
NowraTumut
Merimbula
Jindabyne
Northern PlainsUpper Darling
Far West
Central West
NorthernTablelands
NorthernRivers
NorthCoast
MidNorthCoast
Hunter
Riverina
South WestSlopes
SnowyMountains Far
SouthCoast
SouthCoast
Sydney South
Sydney North
Sydney
CentralCoastHunterRange
BlueMountains
Central
Northern
Western
Southern
directorate
region
regional office
NPWS directorates and regions
Legislative changeDuring the year most of the provisions of the National Parks and Wildlife AmendmentAct 2001 commenced. This Act involved a wide-ranging review of the NPW Actcovering matters including the insertion of explicit objects into the Act, a review ofreserve types, standardisation of the system of reservation, a consistent system ofmaking plans of management, the insertion of management principles, increases insome penalties, a review of leasing powers and updating of provisions in relation toAboriginal cultural heritage.
The Threatened Species Conservation Amendment Act 2002 also made a range ofamendments, including in relation to listing procedures, coordination with theFisheries Management Act 1994, recovery and threat abatement plans, and licensing.A regulation to protect critical habitat was also introduced.
The National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2002 amalgamated and updated theNational Parks and Wildlife (Land Management) Regulation 1995, the National Parksand Wildlife (Fauna Protection) Regulation 2001 and the National Parks and Wildlife(Administration) Regulation 1995.
In Scharer v State of NSW the Land and Environment Court considered how theability of the NPWS to restrict the use of a road running through a national park couldbe affected by the actions of another government agency that had previously managedthe road.
Organisational structureThe NPWS is a highly decentralised organisation with 80 per cent of its staff based inthe field. The NPWS structure comprises four corporate directorates located atHurstville — Policy and Science, Education and Community Programs, Legal Servicesand Corporate Services — and four field directorates — Northern, Southern, Centraland Western — which have their main centres in Grafton, Queanbeyan, Parramattaand Dubbo respectively.
The field directorates incorporate 19 regions, made up of more than 50 areas, withoffices located in local towns. There are also a number of visitor information centresand works depots strategically located to meet the needs of the community and tomanage protected areas.
Field directorates are responsible for achieving the conservation of natural, historicand Aboriginal heritage at a local and regional level, not only with respect to park andreserve planning and management, but across their geographic area of operation. Todo this, field directorates develop partnerships with the community and othergovernments and agencies and provide leadership and direction through conservationprograms in accordance with government initiatives and NPWS priorities.
Corporate directorates coordinate the development and review of agency-widepriorities, policies, standards, systems and procedures; provide policy advice to theexecutive and the Minister for the Environment; advise and support field directorateson policy, technical, educational, communications, public affairs, marketing andadministrative matters; and provide legal advice.
The NPWS organisational structure at 30 June 2003 is shown in the chart on page 12.
Lands managed for conservationUnder the National Parks and Wildlife Act there are seven categories of land managedfor conservation: national parks, nature reserves, historic sites, Aboriginal areas,karst conservation reserves, state conservation areas and regional parks.
National parks are relatively large areas of land set aside to protect and conserveareas containing outstanding or representative ecosystems, natural or culturalfeatures that provide opportunities for public appreciation and inspiration andsustainable visitor use and enjoyment. They are permanently reserved forconservation and for public education and recreation and apart from essentialmanagement are preserved in their natural state.
Nature reserves are areas of special scientific interest for their outstanding, uniqueor representative ecosystems, species, communities or natural features. Managementpractices aim at maximising the value of the area for scientific investigation andeducational purposes.
Historic sites are areas of national importance that are preserved and includebuildings, objects, monuments or landscapes.
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Aboriginal areas are places of natural or cultural significance to Aboriginal people,or of importance in improving public understanding of Aboriginal culture and itsdevelopment and transitions.
Karst conservation reserves are areas managed to protect significant surface andunderground land formations in karst regions.
State conservation areas are permanently reserved areas that contain significant orrepresentative ecosystems, landforms or natural phenomena or places of culturalsignificance, and that are capable of providing opportunities for sustainable visitoruse and enjoyment.
Regional parks are areas in a natural or modified landscape that are suitable forpublic recreation and enjoyment.
National parks and historic sites are managed in such a way that their natural andcultural features are conserved while still allowing visitors to use and enjoy them.State conservation areas and regional parks are managed to maximise theirrecreational potential while preserving and protecting their natural features. Becausenature reserves and Aboriginal Areas are conserved for scientific and cultural valuesand are small in area, public access is often limited.
At 30 June 2003, 5,899,882 hectares of New South Wales were reserved underthe National Parks and Wildlife Act, approximately 7.36 per cent of the state’s totalland area.
Summary of land reserved as at 30 June 2003No. Category Area (ha)
15 Historic sites 3065
11 Aboriginal areas 11,643
169 National parks 4,804,260
376 Nature reserves 830,661
68 State conservation areas 240,693
10 Regional parks 5151
4 Karst conservation reserves 4409
5,899,882
A full list of lands managed for conservation and other NPWS lands appears atAppendix A.
Overview
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Members of the NPWS Executive. Standing from left: Bob Conroy, Director Central; Arthur Diakos, Director Corporate Services;Jason Ardler, Director Cultural Heritage; Terry Korn, Director Western; Tony Fleming, Director Southern; John O’Gorman,Director Northern; Michael Wright, Director Policy and Science. Seated: Brian Gilligan, Director-General; Vivienne Ingram,Director Legal Services; Chris Perkins, Director Education and Community Programs.
C Sh
ain
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Organisational chartStructure of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service as at 30 June 2003
Acting Manager ConservationPrograms & Planning DivisionAnne-Louise Ewins
UnitsConservation Assessment & Data Conservation PlanningThreatened SpeciesCommunity Programs
Manager Blue Mountains RegionGeoff Luscombe
AreasHawkesburyKanangraMudgeeUpper Mountains
UnitOperations Coordination & Support
Manager Central CoastHunter Range RegionTom Bagnat
AreasGosfordHunter RangeThe LakesYango
UnitOperations Coordination & Support
Acting Manager Sydney Region Gary Dunnett
AreasCumberland NorthCumberland SouthHarbour NorthHarbour South
UnitOperations Coordination & Support
Manager Sydney North RegionChris McIntosh
AreasLane Cove RiverLower Hawkesbury Northern Beaches
UnitOperations Coordination & Support
Manager Sydney South RegionMike Patrick
AreasBotany BayIllawarraRoyalNattai
UnitOperations Coordination & Support
Directorate UnitsCentral Directorate Operations Coordination & Support
Director-GeneralBRIAN GILLIGAN
MINISTER FOR THEENVIRONMENT
Manager Strategic &Executive Services Unit
Dawn Easton
Manager Conservation Programs &Planning DivisionGary Davey
UnitsConservation Assessment & DataConservation PlanningThreatened SpeciesCommunity Programs
Manager Hunter RegionRobert Quirk
AreasBarrington TopsGreat LakesHunter CoastUpper Hunter
UnitOperations Coordination & Support
Manager Mid North Coast RegionGreg Croft
AreasHastingsMacleayManning
UnitOperations Coordination & Support
Manager North Coast Region Alan Jeffery
AreasClarence NorthClarence SouthCoffs CoastDorrigo Plateau
UnitOperations Coordination & Support
Manager Northern Rivers RegionMark Johnston
AreasKyogleRichmond RiverTweedByron Bay
UnitOperations Coordination & Support
Manager Northern Tablelands RegionBob Friederich
AreasArmidaleGlen Innes EastGlen Innes WestWalcha
UnitOperations Coordination & Support
Directorate UnitNorthern Directorate Operations Coordination & Support
Manager Conservation Programs & Planning Division Ian Pulsford
UnitsConservation Assessment & DataConservation PlanningThreatened SpeciesCommunity ProgramsReserve Conservation
Manager Far South Coast Region Tim Shepherd
AreasBombalaCentralMerimbulaNorth
UnitOperations Coordination & Support
Acting Manager Resorts Division Simon Lyas
UnitsCommercial PropertyHealth & BuildingMunicipal ServicesPlanning & Environment
Manager South Coast RegionDiane Garrood
AreasHighlandsNowra/Jervis BayUlladulla
UnitOperations Coordination & Support
Manager South-West Slopes RegionSteve Horsley
AreasMurrumbidgeeQueanbeyanRiverina-Highlands
UnitOperations Coordination & Support
Manager Snowy Mountains RegionDave Darlington
AreasAlpineSnowy RiverUpper Murray
UnitsOperations Coordination & SupportBusiness ManagementRoads
Directorate UnitsSouthern Directorate Operations Coordination & SupportKosciuszko Plan of Management Review
Manager Conservation Programs &Planning DivisionJoshua Gilroy
UnitsConservation Assessment & PlanningThreatened SpeciesCommunity ProgramsWestern Regional AssessmentsKangaroo Management
Manager Central West RegionNick Rigby
AreasLachlanMacquarie
Manager Far West RegionSteve Millington
AreasBroken HillLower DarlingTibooburra
Manager Northern Plains RegionWayne Dornbusch
AreasCoonabarabranNarrabri
Manager Riverina Region Ross McDonnell
AreaGriffith
Manager Upper Darling Region Stephen Wolter
AreaBourke
Cobar
Directorate UnitsWestern Directorate Operations Coordination & Support
Director NorthernJOHN O’GORMAN
Director CentralBOB CONROY
Director SouthernTONY FLEMING
Director WesternTERRY KORN
Overview
13
Director Cultural HeritageJason Ardler
UnitsCultural Heritage Policy & PlanningCultural Heritage InformationSystemsCultural Heritage Research Operations Support & Coordination Central Aboriginal HeritageNorthern Aboriginal Heritage Southern Aboriginal HeritageWestern Aboriginal Heritage
Manager Biodiversity Research & Management Division Caroline Lemerle
UnitsBiodiversity Research Group Biodiversity Management Pest Management CoordinationWildlife Management CoordinationScientific Committee/BDAC
Acting Manager Strategic Policy DivisionIan Hunter
UnitsConservation Economics GroupPolicy Development Group
Manager Geographic InformationSystems Group Malcolm Stephens
Acting Manager Landscape Conservation Division Mark Conlon
UnitsConservation Assessment & PrioritiesConservation Management Conservation Planning Fire Management
Acting Manager Major Programs GroupMiranda Gott
Manager Education & Community Involvement Unit Lynn Webber
Manager Marketing & Information DivisionAndrew Mitchell
UnitsLibraryNational Parks Centre PublicationsVisitor & Tourism Marketing
Acting Manager Ministerial Liaison UnitNaomi Walters
Manager Public Affairs DivisionKylie Cochrane
Manager International Programs UnitCarl Solomon
Directorate UnitDirectorate Management Support
Manager Business Development DivisionDavid Roman
UnitsBusiness AnalysisBusiness OperationsNew Business Projects
Manager Finance DivisionClarel Castagnet
UnitsAdministrative Services Corporate FinanceManagement Accounting System SupportFinance Service Centres
Manager Information Management & Technology Division Muhammad Khan
UnitsInformation SystemsOperations & SupportUser SupportIT Assets and Administration GroupRecords Management
Manager Workforce Services Division Helen Anderson
UnitsEmployee Relations & ConditionsHuman Resource Information SystemsOccupational Health & SafetyWorkforce Development Workforce PlanningHuman Resources Service Centres
Manager Asset Services UnitDon McQueen
UnitsLegal OperationsPolicy & Law
Director Education and Community Programs
CHRIS PERKINS
Director Corporate ServicesARTHUR DIAKOS
Director Legal ServicesVIVIENNE INGRAM
Director Policy and ScienceMICHAEL WRIGHT
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Other protected areasFive other types of areas are identified for protection under the provisions of theNational Parks and Wildlife Act or Wilderness Act.
Aboriginal places are areas of significance to Aboriginal culture which, aftergazettal, have the full protection of the National Parks and Wildlife Act.
Conservation areas may cover privately or publicly owned land with the consent ofthe owner and in accord with the conservation agreement for the area, and mayprotect natural or cultural features, wilderness or areas of special scientific interest.Conservation agreements are registered and run with the title of the land.
Protected archaeological areas contain significant Aboriginal objects and aredeclared with the consent of the owner or occupier of the land on which they occur.They may be opened for public inspection with the owner’s consent and in accordancewith the wishes of the Aboriginal community under conditions designed to protect theAboriginal objects they contain.
Wilderness protection agreement areas under the Wilderness Act may cover landowned or controlled by a statutory authority or government department to protect andprovide for management of wilderness outside the park and reserve system.
Wildlife refuges are declared over Crown and privately owned land with the owner’sconsent to preserve, conserve, propagate and study wildlife and to conserve, studyand simulate natural environments.
Key result areasIn late 1999 the NPWS developed a new corporate plan for the period 2000-03.This plan was firmly based on the long and proud history of the NPWS in naturaland cultural heritage conservation in New South Wales, and incorporated someimportant changes — working towards adopting a holistic approach to conservationwhich integrates natural, cultural and community values. This approach toconservation is described as ‘landscape conservation’ and involves working to achieveconservation outcomes across all lands, not only those managed by the NPWS.
Achievement of landscape conservation is dependent on outcomes in four key areas:assessment, planning, management and facilitation. A fifth key result area, capacitybuilding, is an essential pre-requisite. These five key result areas provide theframework for the planning and programming of activities, for annual budgetsubmissions to Treasury and for the evaluation of NPWS performance.
Conservation assessment covers the gathering of knowledge and the developmentand application of tools and techniques for assessing and monitoring both natural andcultural heritage across the landscape and community conservation attitudes andvalues.
Conservation planning covers the making of judgements about what to conserve(priorities for conservation) and how best to do this, plus the development ofprocesses by which this is done.
Conservation management covers the management of natural and cultural heritagevalues across the state, incorporating:
conservation incentives, education and advice
regulation and enforcement
the nurture and rehabilitation of the natural and cultural heritage landscape,including protected areas and beyond
the establishment of appropriate reserves
the ecologically sustainable and culturally appropriate use of protected areas.
Conservation facilitation covers the encouragement and support of communitystewardship of the natural and cultural heritage across the landscape, and the sharingin appreciation and enjoyment of this heritage.
Capacity building covers the development and retention of committed and skilledstaff, and the development and implementation of policies, systems and procedures toensure that the NPWS is an effective organisation focused on the achievement ofconservation outcomes for New South Wales.
TARGET: Increase in the resources allocated to protectingconservation values on NPWS-managed lands andsupporting conservation outside those areas.
Initial Recurrent Allocation perhectare of NPWS-managed lands
CORPORATE PERFORMANCE INDICATOR
Allocation of resources tokey result areas
Net cost of services in relation to capacity building is subsumedunder other key result areas.
Conservation Facilitation44%
Conservation Management33%
Conservation Planning11%
Conservation Assessment12%
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