61Installation of equipment

#### 61 Installation of equipment (1) The Chief of the Defence Force may authorise the installation, placement or construction of equipment (including a structure) for defence purposes within a defence area, including on the sea‑bed or in the subsoil beneath an area. (2) If entry to the area is not prohibited at all times, the Chief of the Defence Force must cause such notice to be given of the location of the equipment, and of activities that would be likely to interfere with the operation of the equipment, as is reasonably required having regard to: (a) the nature of the equipment; and (b) the risk of damage to the equipment; and (c) the risk of other interference with the operation of the equipment; and (d) the forms of communication available for notifying persons in reasonable proximity to the equipment. (3) A person commits an offence if the person interferes with the operation of equipment installed, placed or constructed in a defence area as authorised under this section. Penalty: 20 penalty units. (4) Subsection (3) does not apply if the person has permission from one of the following to engage in conduct that might or will interfere with the operation of the equipment: (a) a person authorised by the Chief of the Defence Force or the Secretary to grant permission; (b) an officer participating in a kind of activity for which the equipment was installed. > Note: See section 62 for requirements concerning permission.