Risky business targeted under proposed changes

Published Tuesday, 20 August, 2013 at 12:49 PM

Minister for National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing
The Honourable Steve Dickson

Risky and reckless behaviour in National Parks has been targeted in proposed changes to the Nature Conservation Act, announced in Parliament today.

National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said the amendments would provide the State Government with civil immunity coverage from individuals who chose to ignore warning signs and participate in risky behaviour.

“The Government wants to encourage the public to use our parks but we are also being exposed to record levels of personal injury claims, so this is a practical response,” Mr Dickson said.

“Of course, in undertaking management responsibilities like controlled burns and structure management, the State’s exposure to claims of negligence will remain unchanged.”

Mr Dickson said other amendments to the Act will slash red tape, improve national park management, and make it easier to visit national parks.

“Stage two of our reforms focus on our national parks and other areas being managed more effectively,” he said.

Most protected areas will now be required to have a simple and effective management statement rather than costly and time-consuming management plans.

“It will make it easier, faster and less costly to respond to change when it occurs.”

Mr Dickson said the NCA is focused on the ‘conservation of nature’, but will now recognise that the Act already provides for a broad variety of uses of protected areas.

“These amendments introduce three new objects to the Act - the involvement of Indigenous people in the management of protected areas, the use and enjoyment of protected areas by the community and the social, cultural and commercial use of protected areas,” he said.

“These amendments preserve the “Cardinal Principle” of national park management – to ensure the preservation of the area, and protection of its cultural resources and values - as well as bring park management and park enjoyments in line with current community expectations.

“The changes will also cut red tape and reduce confusion by reducing the number of tenure categories, some of which have never been used, to two main categories– national parks and regional parks.

“Conservation of natural and cultural resources will continue to guide park management, however the amendments will acknowledge educational, recreational and ecotourism opportunities too.

Mining and logging on national parks will remain strictly prohibited to ensure that these places are preserved forever.

“These amendments represent another step in our commitment to streamline legislation and improve access to our national parks so Queenslanders and visitors alike can appreciate all that our spectacular national parks have to offer.

“While this represents the most significant changes to the management of national parks since the introduction of the Nature Conservation Act in 1992, the Act will retain its conservation focus.”

[ENDS] 20 August 2013

Media contact: Michelle Buckworth 0477 340 974