Question regarding the establishment, costs, staffing, and consultation process for the Abrolhos Islands National Park. The answer provides timelines, cost information, legislative processes, and consultation details.

AnsweredQoN 1869Legislative Council
Asked
12 February 2019
Portfolio
Environment; Disability Services; Electoral Affairs

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the establishment of the Abrolhos Islands National Park announced by the Government on 6 October 2017, and I ask: (a) when will the park be established; (b) what is the cost of establishing the park; (c) what is the ongoing annual costs of operating the park; (d) how many employees by FTE will be required to operate the park and undertake the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) functions at the islands; (e) will the DBCA be required to purchase marine vessels, aircraft or motor vehicles to service the park once established; (f) if yes to (e), please detail the vessels, aircraft and vehicles required and their respective costs; (g) what is the process involved for establishing a national park; and (h) what consultation has occurred with local stakeholders in relation to the establishment of the national park and who has led that consultation?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
19 March 2019
Responded by
Minister for Environment; Disability Services; Electoral Affairs
Response time
9 days
(a) It is anticipated that the national park will be created by July 2019.
(b) Minimal costs are incurred as the park will be established through administrative provisions outlined in sections 41 to 44 of the Land Administration Act 1997 .
(c)-(f) A business case for the management of the park is being considered by Government through normal budgetary processes.
(g) For the Abrolhos Islands National Park, due to the area being an existing class A reserve, the Minister for Lands must first excise land from the existing reserve via section 42(4)(a) of the Land Administration Act. The Minister must advertise his intention to act in a newspaper circulating throughout the State for not less than 30 days and then lay the proposal before each House of Parliament for 14 sitting days. The Minister may then by order classify the land as a class A national park.
(h) Consultation for the creation of the proposed national park commenced in May 2018 in Geraldton and there has been regular workshops, meetings, site visits, and phone calls to interested and affected parties. Consultation has been led by staff from the Departments of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and Primary Industries and Regional Development located in the Mid West and Perth.

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