Conservation and Land Management Regulations 2002

CALM land is the central spatial concept. It is defined broadly in regulation 2 to include land, land and waters, caves and parts of caves on or under that land, to which the Regulations apply (as specified by regulation 3). The definition incorporates section 5 land, section 8A land (agreement land), section 8C land (other managed land), and section 131 land (Crown land vested in the Executive Body). This is not a fixed category; it depends on the Act’s application provisions and any orders under section 8C(2)(b).

Restricted area and designated area are two distinct zoning tools. A restricted area (regulation 5) is declared by the CEO by Gazette notice for the purposes of one or more listed regulations (fishing, glass, cleaning fish, fires, access on foot, vehicles, bicycles, anchoring, vessel operation, launching/beaching). The notice must specify which activities are prohibited or restricted, and the nature of the restrictions. Signs must be erected where practicable. A restricted area operates as a prohibition or limitation zone. By contrast, a designated area (regulation 6) is declared for the purposes of permitting activities that would otherwise be unlawful: bringing dogs, horses, abseiling, vehicle use, bicycle riding, mooring, vessel operation in nature reserves, or camping. A designated area operates as a permission zone, subject to conditions.

Without lawful authority is the central fault element for most offences. Regulation 4(3) expressly declares that an act is done without lawful authority if it contravenes any term or condition of a contract, permit, lease, licence, notice or other authority under the Act or these Regulations, or under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007, the Fish Resources Management Act 1994, or any other written law. It also includes doing an act after entering land without lawful authority. This expansive definition means that a person who holds a licence but breaches a condition automatically loses lawful authority.

Take is defined in regulation 2 to include injure, destroy, interfere with, hunt (even if no fauna is taken), and attempt to take. This broad definition underpins the flora and fauna protection offences in Part 2 Division 1.

Authorised officer is defined to mean wildlife officer, forest officer, ranger, conservation and land management officer, and a person appointed to an honorary office under section 46 of the Act. These officers have extensive powers: to direct people to stop activities, remove animals, seize property, order vacating of camps, issue infringement notices, and require production of licences (e.g., regulations 14, 19, 27, 40, 46, 55, 63, 67, 70, 72, 76, 78).

Camp and camping area are separately defined. Camping (regulation 2) includes staying overnight between 9.00 pm and 6.00 am, or staying in a camping unit during the day. A camping area is either declared under regulation 6 or designated by sign. Unlawful camping outside a camping area is an offence under regulation 66(1), with exceptions for moored or anchored vessels.

Sign is defined broadly: any sign erected by authority of the CEO, including lines or markings on the ground, and taken to be a notice for the purposes of section 134 of the Act. Regulation 111 creates a presumption that any sign on CALM land was erected by authority of the CEO unless the contrary is shown. This presumption, combined with the offence provisions that refer to “contrary to any direction on a sign”, places significant weight on signage.

Mooring is defined to exclude a vessel’s own anchor retrieved when not in use. The Regulations distinguish between public moorings (regulation 60A), rental moorings (Division 4 of Part 7), temporary mooring areas (regulation 60B), and private moorings (Division 5 of Part 7). Each has a separate licensing regime, and unauthorised moorings are subject to removal and forfeiture (Part 6).

Apiary authority covers both apiary licences (granted under Part VIII Division 2 of the Act) and apiary permits (granted under Part VIII Division 1). The South‑west zone is defined by reference to a plan on the Department’s website (regulation 98A). Different fees apply inside and outside that zone (Schedule 1 Division 11).

Personal flotation device is defined for the purpose of the high-risk ocean rock location requirement at Salmon Holes (regulation 50A, Schedule 4). The definition adopts Australian Standards AS 4758 and ISO 12402.

Firearm, major firearm part, and ammunition are defined by cross‑reference to the Firearms Act 2024. The Regulations also define category A and category B firearms for the Part 10 exclusions (regulation 121(1), as amended by SL 2024/298).

The Regulations affect any person who enters, uses, or occupies CALM land. This includes recreational visitors, campers, hikers, cyclists, vehicle drivers, boaters, fishers, horse riders, abseilers, photographers, commercial operators, apiarists, scientific researchers, event organisers, and anyone who brings an animal onto the land. The Regulations also affect owners and operators of moorings, vessels, aircraft, and vehicles.

For recreational users, the most immediate impact is the requirement to pay entrance fees for motor vehicles (regulation 99), camping fees (regulation 103), and fees for specific attractions such as the Tree Top Walk (regulation 100), Crystal Cave and Calgardup/Giants Caves (regulation 100A), Danggu (Geikie Gorge) boat trip (regulation 101), and Monkey Mia Conservation Park (regulation 99C). Concession card holders and Companion Card companions receive exemptions or reduced fees (regulation 103A, Schedule 1). Persons entering on horseback must pay daily or annual fees (regulation 102). Abseilers must pay a daily fee in designated abseiling areas (regulation 102A).

Commercial operators , those selling goods or services or undertaking activities for a commercial purpose , require a commercial operations licence (regulation 94). This includes tour operators, guides, and any business conducting photography, film making, or events for profit. The licence may be granted for up to 20 years (regulation 96, as amended by SL 2025/79). Similarly, scientific purposes licences are required for taking flora or fauna (including fish and pearl oyster) in marine nature reserves, marine parks, or marine management areas (regulation 89). Apiarists require either a licence or permit under Part 8A, with annual site fees and conditions including fire reporting, water supply, and notification requirements (regulation 98G).

Mooring users are heavily regulated. Private moorings require a licence (regulation 98AK), are not transferable (regulation 98AO), and must be maintained with periodic inspection reports (regulation 98AT). Rental moorings are designated by the CEO and licensed for a specified vessel and period (regulations 98AB-98AH). Public moorings are designated by sign; any person may use them if they comply with the conditions (regulation 60A). Temporary mooring areas allow mooring in accordance with signs (regulation 60B).

Event organisers face particular obligations. Organising a meeting, function, or event likely to involve more than 100 persons requires authorisation (regulation 105). Car rallies, mountain bike events, cross‑country events, equestrian events, and vessel races are all prohibited without lawful authority (regulations 50, 53, 58). Even distributing printed matter or advertising for a commercial purpose is prohibited without authority (regulation 107).

The Regulations also affect persons who bring animals onto CALM land. Regulation 15 prohibits bringing an animal onto, or allowing an animal to enter or remain on, CALM land without lawful authority, subject to exceptions for dog areas and horse areas (regulations 16, 17). Owners or persons in charge of animals that are on CALM land in contravention must remove them when directed by an authorised officer (regulation 19). Authorised officers may seize and remove animals if the owner cannot be found (regulation 20).

A less obvious affected group is persons who use the land for customary Aboriginal purposes. Part 10 exclusions reference ceremonial fires and Aboriginal customary purposes (regulation 118(3)), and regulation 5(7) allows the CEO to declare restricted areas for access on foot in marine reserves for the purpose of protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage. The definition of “Aboriginal artefact” and “Aboriginal site” (regulation 2) also brings the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 into play, and damaging such sites is an offence under regulation 37(2).

The Regulations impose a wide array of duties on persons entering or using CALM land, and confer corresponding powers and rights on the CEO and authorised officers. The core duty is the requirement to act only with lawful authority for activities that are otherwise prohibited. This is not a general duty but is expressed through specific offence provisions that use the formula “must not, without lawful authority”. The concept of lawful authority is expansive (regulation 4(3)), so any breach of a licence condition, term, permit, or other authorisation automatically removes lawful authority.

Environmental protection duties. A person must not take flora or fauna (other than fish) from CALM land (regulation 8(1)), must not feed or entice fauna with food (regulation 10), must not approach certain marine fauna in a marine reserve in a way that herds, chases, or interferes with them (regulation 11), must not possess or discharge firearms, spears, or restricted devices without authority (regulation 12), must not plant or cultivate plants (regulation 13), must not take non‑indigenous animals (regulation 18), must not cause waste (regulation 21), paint or treat vessels (regulation 22), pollute water supply (regulation 23), deposit litter (regulation 24), place building materials (regulation 25), take glass into restricted areas (regulation 26), clean fish in restricted areas (regulation 28), or smoke or light fires in caves (regulation 29).

Landscape disturbance duties. A person must not take water, drain land, divert water (regulation 30), damage naturally occurring features (regulation 31), sandboard (regulation 32), abseil only in abseiling areas (regulation 33), erect structures (regulation 34), clear land (regulation 35), quarry or remove soil (regulation 35A), dump vehicles or machinery (regulation 36), damage property or Aboriginal artefacts (regulation 37), erect unauthorised signs (regulation 38), light campfires unlawfully (regulation 39), or cause offensive noise (regulation 74).

Access and movement duties. These include: not entering prohibited, temporary control, or plant disease management areas (regulation 41), not entering limited access areas except on foot or by vessel (regulation 42), not entering wilderness areas by vehicle, powered vessel, or animal (regulation 43), not entering closed areas (regulation 46), using only gates (regulation 47), not entering areas set aside for the CEO (regulation 48), and accessing restricted areas on foot only as permitted (regulation 49A). In high-risk ocean rock locations , currently only the Salmon Holes area , a person must wear a personal flotation device (regulation 50A). Vehicles must stay on roads or in designated areas (regulation 51); bicycles similarly (regulation 51A). Off‑road vehicles require a permit under the Control of Vehicles (Off‑road Areas) Act 1978 (regulation 52). Drivers must obey reasonable directions (regulation 55), obey signs (regulation 56), and not obstruct other vehicles or facilities (regulation 57).

Vessel duties. A person must not install an unauthorised mooring (regulation 59), must not anchor within 50 metres of a mooring (regulation 60(2A)), must not operate vessels in restricted areas except as permitted (regulation 61), must not operate vessels in nature reserves except in designated areas (regulation 61A), must obey speed limits (regulation 61B), must navigate safely and without nuisance (regulation 62), must obey reasonable directions (regulation 63), must not launch or beach vessels in restricted areas except as permitted (regulation 64), and must not use vessel storage facilities without authority (regulation 65A).

Camping duties. Camp only in camping areas or on a moored or anchored vessel (regulation 66(1)). Comply with camping area conditions (regulation 66(2)). Vacate on direction if camping unlawfully, exceeding stay limits (28 days, or 14 days during school holidays), or causing damage (regulation 67). Do not enter another person’s camping unit without consent (regulation 68). Do not construct dangerous or permanent camping units, position units so as to inconvenience others or damage flora, and maintain the site in a clean and sanitary condition (regulation 69). Obey directions about power generating devices (regulation 70). Collect firewood only where a sign authorises it (regulation 71).

Licence-related duties. Licence holders must comply with all conditions and restrictions; failure is an offence (e.g., regulations 93(5), 98(3), 98AF(3), 98AR(3)). They must produce the licence on request by an authorised officer (regulation 109). They must not give false or misleading information in relation to leases, licences, permits, or fee payments (regulation 110). Apiary authority holders have additional duties to report fires, cooperate with fire control, provide water, give notice before placing hives, take steps to prevent forest disease, and comply with various written laws (regulation 98G). Private mooring licence holders must maintain the mooring (regulation 98AT), provide inspection reports on request, and comply with requirements to repair, relocate, or remove (regulation 98AU). They must notify the CEO of any change of particulars within seven days (regulation 98AW).

Rights. Persons do have rights under the Regulations. A person aggrieved by a decision of the CEO may apply for written reasons (regulation 111A). A person who has property seized under Part 6 may claim it within six months and, if the authorised officer is satisfied the person is the owner, the property must be made available for collection within 21 days (regulation 79). A person who has paid a fee for a cave permit or abseiling fee may obtain a refund if they notify the CEO more than two weeks before the relevant period (regulations 49(3a), 102A(4)). A Companion Card holder’s companion is entitled to free entry (regulation 103A). The CEO has a discretion to waive or reduce fees (regulation 104). A person charged with an offence for being in a closed area may raise the defence that presence was necessary to prevent or mitigate injury or damage (regulation 46(4)). A person subject to a proposed licence cancellation or suspension has a right to make written representations within at least 21 days (cancellation) or 7 days (suspension) (regulation 87).

The Regulations create a two-tier penalty structure: penalties prescribed in the offence provisions themselves (maximum fines ranging from $500 to $2,000), and modified penalties specified in Schedule 2 for which an infringement notice may be issued under regulation 112. The modified penalties are generally lower than the maximum court‑imposed fine. For example, taking flora or fauna under regulation 8(1) carries a maximum fine of $2,000 but a modified penalty of $200 (Schedule 2 Division 2 item 1). Littering under regulation 24(1) carries a maximum $2,000 but a modified penalty of $200. The lowest modified penalty is $35 for failing to pay an entrance fee, camping fee, or abseiling fee (Schedule 2 Division 2 items 69-72). The highest modified penalty in Schedule 2 is $200 for many offences.

The infringement notice procedure is prescribed by regulation 112 and uses Forms 1 and 2 in Schedule 3. Form 1 advises that if the modified penalty is not paid within 28 days, the person may be prosecuted or enforcement action may be taken under the Fines, Penalties and Infringement Notices Enforcement Act 1994, including suspension of driver’s licence, vehicle licence, immobilisation, garnishment, and seizure of property. The person may also request court prosecution by lodging a request online or signing the notice.

Offences under the Act itself are also listed in Schedule 2 Division 1, with modified penalties: section 101C (taking flora/fauna in marine reserves) $200, section 103(1) (taking forest produce) $200, section 106 (unlawful occupation) $200, section 107(b)-(i) (damaging signs, buildings, dams, removing forest produce without payment) $200.

A distinctive enforcement feature is Part 6 - Removal and forfeiture of unauthorised property. An authorised officer who reasonably believes property is not authorised under a written law may order its removal (regulation 78(1)). Failure to comply is an offence with a $2,000 fine. If the property is not removed within a reasonable time, or if no person has possession or control, the officer may seize and remove it. The property is held at a Department office for six months. If no claimed owner is found within that time, the property is forfeited to the Crown and may be destroyed, sold, or otherwise disposed of (regulation 80). This regime applies to vehicles, caravans, vessels, moorings, platforms, tents, tarpaulins, tripods, locks, and other items - but not to things subject to section 108A(1) of the Act (e.g., forest produce).

Prosecution evidence is assisted by regulation 113, which allows an averment in the complaint that the place was within a restricted area, within a designated area, or that an act occurred without lawful authority - and that averment is taken to have been proved in the absence of evidence to the contrary. This shifts the evidential burden onto the defendant in those respects.

The CEO has extensive powers to cancel or suspend licences (regulation 86), not only for contraventions but also if the holder is no longer considered fit and proper, or if the CEO considers it in the interests of protection, management, or conservation. Before cancellation or suspension, the CEO must give notice and consider representations (regulation 87). A person who fails to return a cancelled, suspended, or non‑renewed licence when required commits an offence ($500 fine, regulation 88).

An important limitation on enforcement is regulation 40A: a person cannot be convicted of more than one offence arising from the same act or omission that contravenes two or more of section 104(1) of the Act (unlawful fire), regulation 29(2) (fire in cave), regulation 39(1) (unlawful campfire), or regulation 39(2) (unlawful fire near boundary). This prevents double punishment for a single fire‑related act.

The Regulations operate within a dense web of other legislation, which they recognise through direct cross‑references and saving provisions. The most significant interaction is with the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 itself. The Regulations implement sections of that Act, including section 55(1a) (purposes of reserves, regulation 81), section 62 (classification of land - prohibited areas, limited access areas, wilderness areas, refer regulations 41-43), section 101C (taking flora/fauna in marine reserves, regulation 8(2)), section 103A(3) (exclusion of operation, Part 10), section 104 (unlawful fires, overlap with regulations 29, 39, 40A), section 106 (unlawful occupation, regulation 8(1) and Schedule 2), section 114A (infringement notices, regulation 112), and section 134 (notices, definition of “sign” in regulation 2).

The Fish Resources Management Act 1994 is given priority over the Regulations in marine parks and marine management areas. Regulation 7 expressly provides that nothing in the Regulations imposes any restriction on taking fish (as defined in that Act) in accordance with that Act relating to aquaculture or commercial or recreational fishing, except incidental effects. Similarly, the Pearling Act 1990 prevails for pearl oyster. This means that a person who holds a fishing licence under the Fish Resources Management Act is generally not caught by regulation 8 (taking fauna) for fish, but may still be subject to other restrictions such as those on approaches to marine fauna (regulation 11) and safe navigation (regulation 62).

The Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and its regulations are referenced in the definition of “without lawful authority” (regulation 4(3)(b)) and as grounds for refusing or cancelling a licence (regulations 85, 86). A person who holds a licence under that Act for taking flora or fauna must still comply with the Regulations; contravention may lead to loss of lawful authority.

The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 and the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 similarly appear in the lawful authority definition (regulation 4(3)(c)-(d)). This means that a person acting under a direction or authority under those Acts is not automatically acting with lawful authority for the purposes of the Regulations unless the specific permission aligns.

The Firearms Act 2024 is the source of definitions for “firearm”, “major firearm part”, and “ammunition” (regulation 2). The Regulations also draw on the categories of firearms (category A, category B) for the Part 10 exclusions relating to taking fauna (regulation 121). This interaction means that as the firearms legislation is updated (e.g., SL 2024/298), the meaning of those terms in the Regulations automatically updates.

Road traffic laws are incorporated through regulation 54, which makes it an offence to do an act on a road or track on CALM land that would be a breach of a “road law” as defined in the Road Traffic (Administration) Act 2008 section 4. This effectively applies the State’s traffic rules to internal park roads and tracks. The definition of “vehicle” also adopts the definition from that Act (regulation 2).

The Litter Act 1979 definition of “litter” is used in regulation 24(2), ensuring consistency with general litter laws. The Bush Fires Act 1954 is preserved - regulation 39(4) states that nothing in regulation 39 affects the application of section 25 of that Act. The Country Areas Water Supply Act 1947 and the Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage, and Drainage Act 1909 are relevant to licence decisions in public water catchment areas (regulation 84(1)(g)). The Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911 is listed as a written law with which apiary authority holders must comply (regulation 98G(2)(f)).

The Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 defines “Aboriginal artefact” and “Aboriginal site” (regulation 2). Damaging such sites is an offence under regulation 37(2). The School Education Act 1999 section 117 is used to determine school holidays for the purpose of camping duration limits (definition in regulation 2). The Land Administration Act 1997 provides the description of the South‑west zone and the definition of “townsite” (regulations 98A, 114).

The Regulations also interact with other subordinate legislation. The Forest Management Regulations 1993 Part 15 applies to firewood collection in public firewood areas (regulation 71(3)), and Schedule 2 Division 3 lists offences under those Regulations (relating to forest disease control) for which infringement notices may be issued. The Control of Vehicles (Off‑road Areas) Act 1978 permit requirement is adopted in regulation 52.

The Regulations were originally gazetted on 3 May 2002 and have been amended at least 30 times, as recorded in the compilation table. The first substantial rewrite was the Conservation and Land Management Amendment Regulations 2006 (gazetted 29 September 2006), which restructured many provisions, inserted new drafting for vehicles, vessels, and camping, added the “without lawful authority” definition, and introduced the designated area and restricted area systems in their current form. That amendment also inserted Part 9 (Miscellaneous) and Schedule 2 Division 2 (offences).

The Conservation and Land Management Amendment Regulations (No. 2) 2010 (3 September 2010) inserted Part 8A on apiary permits and licences, establishing a detailed regime for beekeeping on CALM and non‑CALM land, with site fees and conditions. The Conservation and Land Management Amendment Regulations (No. 3) 2010 (3 December 2010) made extensive changes to penalty amounts (increasing many from $500 to $1,000 or $2,000), updated fee schedules, and inserted new definitions and regulations for aircraft landing fees (99A, 99B), Monkey Mia entry fees (99C), and the Tree Top Walk fees.

The Conservation and Land Management Amendment Regulations 2012 (7 December 2012) inserted the critical Part 10 (Exclusion of operation of section 103A(3) of the Act). This was a significant policy change: it removed the application of the Act’s strict liability/reversed burden provision for a wide range of offences, including animal possession, vehicle use, vessel navigation, fire lighting, camping, unauthorised entry, and taking protected things. The amendment also added definitions of “recreational land”, “urban land”, “visitor area”, and “townsite”, and specified by reserve number the parks and nature reserves where exclusions apply.

The Conservation and Land Management Amendment Regulations 2015 (24 March 2015) overhauled the mooring provisions. It inserted Part 7 Division 4 (Rental mooring licence) and Division 5 (Private mooring licence), new regulations on public moorings (60A), temporary mooring areas (60B), anchoring distances (60(2A)), notice of unauthorised moorings (60AA), and vessel speed limits (61B). It also amended the definition of “mooring” and updated penalty provisions.

The Conservation and Land Management Amendment Regulations (No. 4) 2015 (4 December 2015) and (No. 5) 2015 (11 December 2015) dealt with infringement notice forms and minor procedural matters. The Conservation and Land Management Amendment Regulations (No. 4) 2018 (11 December 2018) inserted regulation 50A and Schedule 4 requiring personal flotation devices at high-risk ocean rock locations (Salmon Holes). Later amendments in 2022 and 2023 updated firearm definitions following the Firearms Act 2024, adjusted references to Aboriginal heritage (SL 2023/50, SL 2023/170), and amended fee schedules (SL 2023/141, which restructured Schedule 1 Divisions 1-10). The most recent amendment at the time of compilation is SL 2025/79, which increased the maximum duration of a commercial operations licence from 15 to 20 years.

The source text of the Regulations does not cite any court cases, and no litigation history is recorded in the regulations themselves. The compilation table and notes contain no references to judicial decisions, appeals, or interpretive rulings. This is unsurprising for subordinate legislation of this type; any significant litigation would be under the parent Act and would be recorded in case law databases rather than in the regulatory text. Practitioners should be aware that the meaning of key terms - such as “without lawful authority”, “take”, “camp”, and the operation of Part 10 exclusions - may have been the subject of judicial consideration in the Western Australian Magistrates Court, District Court, or Supreme Court, but such decisions are not included in the source. The absence of cited cases does not mean the Regulations are uncontroversial; prosecutions for offences such as unauthorised entry, taking flora, lighting fires, and breaching licence conditions are common, and defence arguments often turn on the interpretation of “lawful authority” and the sufficiency of signage. The averment provision in regulation 113 has likely been tested, as it shifts the evidential burden onto the defendant. However, because the user requires that we ground every claim in the source and do not invent cases, we can only confirm that the Regulations themselves do not name any litigation.

Several provisions create traps for the unwary. The most significant is the breadth of “without lawful authority”. Regulation 4(3) expands that concept to include contraventions of any term or condition of a contract, permit, lease, licence, notice or other authority under the Act or the Regulations, as well as under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007, and the Fish Resources Management Act 1994. This means that a person who holds a licence but breaches a condition (even a minor one) loses lawful authority and may be guilty of an offence. For example, a camper who stays two days longer than the maximum 28 consecutive days has lost lawful authority and may be directed to vacate (regulation 67(1)(b)). A person who brings a dog into a dog area but fails to control it according to sign conditions commits an offence (regulation 16(2)). Similarly, a commercial operator who sells goods not covered by the licence may be prosecuted for selling without lawful authority under regulation 106(1).

The presumption that signs are authorised (regulation 111) is a double‑edged sword. A person who parks contrary to a sign (regulation 56(1)) cannot argue that the sign was not properly authorised; the burden is on the defendant to show otherwise. Combined with the averment provision (regulation 113), this makes it difficult to challenge signage in court.

The Part 10 exclusions (regulations 114-123) are complex and location‑specific. They remove the operation of section 103A(3) of the Act for certain offences. That section normally provides a statutory defence or reverses the burden of proof. Its exclusion means that for those offences, the usual criminal onus on the prosecution applies. However, the exclusions are not blanket; they apply only in specific areas defined as “recreational land”, “urban land”, “townsite”, or particular named reserves. For example, bringing an animal onto CALM land without permission is excluded only if the land is in a poison risk area or is recreational/urban/townsite or one of three named parks (regulation 115). A person who inadvertently commits the same act outside those areas may not be able to rely on the exclusion. The definitions of “recreational land”, “visitor area”, and “urban land” in regulation 114 are detailed and require careful application - for instance, “visitor area” includes areas with tables, lookouts, toilets, bins, or interpretive information, but excludes walk trails and unsealed roads. Misclassifying a location could lead to an incorrect assumption about whether s103A(3) applies.

Camping limits are another trap. Regulation 67(1)(b) sets a maximum of 28 consecutive days in a camping area, but during school holidays the limit is 14 consecutive days (regulation 67(1)(c)). The school holidays are defined by reference to government school term dates under the School Education Act 1999. A camper who stays for three weeks during the July holidays may be in breach. Furthermore, a person who is directed to vacate may also be directed not to camp within the same park or reserve for up to 14 days (regulation 67(2A)).

The firewood collection rule (regulation 71) is narrow. A person may collect firewood only from the immediate vicinity of a camping area if a sign authorises it, and only dead wood lying on the ground - not from trees or shrubs. If there is no sign, collecting firewood is an offence with a modified penalty of $100 (Schedule 2 Division 2 item 64a). The reference to Part 15 of the Forest Management Regulations 1993 for public firewood areas adds another layer.

High-risk ocean rock locations currently only cover the Salmon Holes area in Torndirrup National Park (Schedule 4). A person who enters or remains there without wearing a personal flotation device commits an offence with a $1,000 fine (regulation 50A(2)). The definition of “wearing” requires all closing or fastening devices to be correctly secured as specified by the manufacturer - a partially fastened lifejacket may not satisfy the requirement.

The mooring regime contains several hidden obligations. A private mooring licence is not transferable (regulation 98AO), so selling a boat with an existing mooring does not transfer the right; the new owner must apply for a new licence. The licence holder must notify the CEO of any change of address or telephone number within seven days (regulation 98AW) - a requirement easily overlooked. The CEO may require the licence holder to provide a current inspection report (valid for 12 months, regulation 98AI(2)), and failure to do so is an offence as well as a ground for cancellation (regulation 98AV(1)(b)). Damage to a rental mooring (regulation 98AH) creates a debt due to the State unless the licence holder can prove the loss was caused by another and could not have been prevented. The mooring is presumed to have been damaged during the licence period if it is found damaged at the end of the period and not reported.

Unauthorised moorings are subject to a notice procedure (regulation 60AA): the CEO must give notice specifying a reasonable time to provide evidence, apply for a licence, or remove the mooring. Proceedings for the offence of allowing an unauthorised mooring to remain (regulation 59(1)(b)) cannot be commenced unless the notice has been given and either the person failed to comply or applied for a licence and was refused. This provides a procedural safeguard but also means that enforcement may be delayed.

The offence provisions for vessels include a prohibition on anchoring within 50 metres of a mooring (regulation 60(2A)), regardless of whether the mooring is in use. This is a strict distance requirement. The defence for anchoring to avoid danger (regulation 60(2)) is narrow: only to avoid or mitigate danger to human life or significant damage to property.

Finally, the fees provisions require careful attention. Entrance fees are payable only if the CEO has erected signs stating that fees are payable and specifying the amount and manner of payment (regulation 99(3)). However, once those signs exist, the obligation to pay arises. Failure to pay is an offence with a $200 fine (or a $35 modified penalty). The extended pass system (Schedule 1 Division 2) provides discounts for frequent visitors but does not exempt from all fees - for example, the annual pass does not cover Monkey Mia Conservation Park, which has its own fee regime (Schedule 1 Division 10). Concession card holders are entitled to reduced fees, but the card must be held by the person entering; a driver with a pensioner card who carries other adults without cards must pay the standard fee for the vehicle.

Compliance with the Regulations begins with awareness of land status and signage. Before entering any CALM land, a person should check whether the area is a national park, State forest, nature reserve, marine reserve, or other classification, as different rules may apply. The CEO’s Gazette notices under regulations 5 and 6 are publicly available and define restricted and designated areas. In practice, compliance is driven by signs: the Regulations rely heavily on signs to indicate where activities are permitted or prohibited, fee arrangements, conditions for camping, dog walking, horse riding, abseiling, and mooring. A person should read all signs at entrances, camping areas, parking areas, and at specific sites such as caves and abseiling cliffs.

For recreational visitors, the core compliance steps are: pay the appropriate entrance fee (motor vehicle or occupant fee) in the manner specified on the sign; camp only in a camping area and not exceed the duration limits (28 days, or 14 days during school holidays); keep a clean campsite; do not feed fauna; do not take any flora or fauna (including flowers, shells, or dead wood) unless covered by a licence; do not bring dogs or horses except in designated dog/horse areas, and keep them under control; do not light fires except in accordance with regulation 39, which means checking the Bureau of Meteorology fire danger forecast - a fire is unlawful if the forecast is “high”, “extreme”, or “catastrophic” (regulation 39(1)(e)). Off‑road vehicles require a permit under the Control of Vehicles (Off‑road Areas) Act 1978 (regulation 52). Bicycles may be ridden only on roads, bicycle paths, or in designated areas (regulation 51A). Vehicles must stay on roads unless a designated area permits off‑road driving (regulation 51). All drivers must obey signs and any reasonable direction from an authorised officer. Boaters must comply with any speed limits (regulation 61B), not anchor within 50 metres of a mooring (regulation 60(2A)), and use only authorised moorings (public, rental, or private with a licence). At Salmon Holes, a personal flotation device must be worn (regulation 50A).

For commercial operators and organisers of events, the key step is to obtain a commercial operations licence (regulation 94) or write to the CEO seeking authorisation for meetings or events with more than 100 persons (regulation 105). The licence process requires a formal application (regulation 83), payment of the fee (Schedule 1 Division 8), and the licence may be granted for up to 20 years. The licence holder must strictly adhere to the endorsed conditions. Any change in goods, services, or location requires a variation or new licence. Photography or filming for commercial purposes also requires authorisation (regulation 108). Advertising goods or services on CALM land without a licence is an offence (regulation 106(2)).

For apiarists, compliance involves obtaining an apiary permit or licence under Part 8A, paying application fees (Schedule 1 Division 11), and paying an annual site fee. The apiarist must comply with the conditions in regulation 98G: report fires immediately, cooperate with fire control, ensure adequate water on the site, give notice before placing hives (to the local departmental office and the lessee or tenement holder of the land), and take steps to prevent forest disease. The apiarist must also comply with the Bush Fires Act 1954, the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911, water catchment laws, and the Act itself. If the apiary site is not on CALM land, selected regulations (e.g., waste, litter, naturally occurring features, structures, clearing, dumping, signs) still apply as if it were (regulation 98H).

For mooring owners and users, compliance is detailed. A private mooring requires a licence (regulation 98AK), which is not transferable. The applicant must provide the location, vessel particulars, and contact details for a natural person (if the applicant is a body corporate). The CEO must be satisfied that the mooring is suitable and does not interfere with navigation or other uses (regulation 98AN). The licence holder must maintain the mooring in good condition, provide a current inspection report on request, and comply with any requirement to repair, relocate, or remove the mooring (regulations 98AT, 98AU). Change of address or telephone must be notified within seven days (regulation 98AW). Rental mooring users must have a licence that specifies the vessel and period, and must pay any charges (regulation 98AF). Public mooring users must comply with the conditions on the sign attached to the mooring (regulation 60A). Temporary mooring areas allow mooring in accordance with signs (regulation 60B). No person may install a mooring without lawful authority (regulation 59(1)); if in doubt, apply to the CEO for a licence before installing.

For researchers, a scientific purposes licence (regulation 89) is needed to take flora or fauna (including fish and pearl oyster) in marine nature reserves, parks, or management areas. The application must specify the species and numbers proposed to be taken (regulation 90). The licence is subject to conditions (regulation 93), and contravention is an offence. Note that fishing regulated under the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 is not restricted by the Regulations (regulation 7), but taking for scientific purposes in a marine reserve may still require a licence under the Act.

General compliance tips: always carry your licence, permit, or authorisation and produce it on request by an authorised officer (regulation 109). If you are directed by an authorised officer to do something (e.g., cease a behaviour, extinguish a fire, vacate a camp, remove a vehicle, leave a closed area), comply immediately - failure is an offence with fines up to $2,000. If you believe a direction is unreasonable, seek reasons under regulation 111A and then challenge through appropriate channels rather than refusing to comply. Never give false or misleading information in any application or to an authorised officer (regulation 110). Keep proof of fee payment (parking tickets, camping receipts) displayed as required. If you discover unauthorised property on CALM land (e.g., an abandoned vehicle or mooring), report it; do not take it, as doing so may be an offence.

Finally, for those relying on Part 10 exclusions (e.g., for camping on recreational land, or bringing an animal into a townsite), note that the exclusions only apply if the person does not have written permission from the CEO. This means that a person who acts without permission is not automatically protected; the exclusion simply means section 103A(3) of the Act does not apply, so the ordinary criminal burden of proof remains on the prosecution. However, the person may still be prosecuted and convicted if the elements of the offence are proved beyond reasonable doubt. The exclusions do not create a defence; they merely preserve the usual evidentiary regime.