Subdiv 5Functions of boards (general)

Subdivision 5—Functions of boards (general) 25—Functions of boards (general) (1) The functions of a regional landscape board are— (a) to undertake, promote and integrate the management of natural resources within its region, with particular reference to land management, water resource management and pest animal and plant control, to build resilience in the face of change and to facilitate integrated landscape management and biodiversity conservation; and (b) — (i) to prepare a regional landscape plan and (where relevant) water allocation plans, landscapes affecting activities control policies and water affecting activities control policies, in accordance with this Act; and (ii) to facilitate the implementation of those plans and policies; and (iii) to monitor, evaluate and report on the extent of success of those plans and policies in achieving their objectives; and (c) to promote public awareness and understanding of the importance of integrated and sustainable natural resources management within its region, to undertake or support educational initiatives with respect to natural resources management, and to provide mechanisms to increase the capacity of people to implement programs or to take other steps to improve the management of natural resources; and (d) to provide advice with respect to the assessment of various activities or proposals referred to the board under this or any other Act; and (e) to undertake an active role in ensuring, insofar as is reasonably practicable, that the board's regional landscape plan, water allocation plans and water affecting activities control policies, and the Planning and Design Code under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, form a coherent set of policies and, in so doing, when an amendment to that Code that is relevant to the activities of the board is under consideration under that Act, to work with the entity or entities engaged in undertaking the amendment under that Act; and (f) to undertake an active role in ensuring, insofar as is reasonably practicable, that the board’s regional landscape plan, landscape affecting activities control policies, water allocation plans and water affecting activities control policies, advance the objects of the Native Vegetation Act 1991 and promote the conservation of wildlife as envisaged under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972; and (g) at the request of the Minister, or on its own initiative, to provide advice on any matter relevant to the condition of landscapes within its region or on the management of those landscapes, or to provide any other advice or report that may be appropriate in the circumstances; and (h) to facilitate an understanding of, and to provide information to landowners on, land management, water management and pest animal and plant control, and other issues, relevant to landscape activities and, where necessary, to take action under this Act to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Act; and (i) to assist in the management of any native animals that adversely affect the natural or built environments, people or primary production or other industries, or to facilitate action to mitigate or manage the impact of those native animals, by— (i) supporting educational initiatives; or (ii) identifying or promoting mechanisms to increase the capacity of people to implement programs to manage the native animals; or (iii) supporting other steps or action to improve the management of native animals; or (iv) providing information about the management of native animals in these circumstances; or (v) taking any other action prescribed by the regulations; and (j) such other functions assigned to the board by the Minister or by or under this or any other Act. (2) To avoid doubt, a regional landscape board may act with respect to a particular matter despite the fact that the matter may not fall within the scope of its regional landscape plan. (3) In performing its functions, a regional landscape board should— (a) set and adopt clear strategies; and (b) create strong strategic and funding partnerships and pursue appropriate and cost-effective opportunities to deliver its work programs through partnerships or other arrangements with other entities, agencies or authorities; and (c) work to support programs and projects involving State and local government agencies and authorities, academic and other leaders in relevant fields, non-government organisations and bodies, and the community. (4) A regional landscape board should also seek to work collaboratively with— (a) the other regional landscape boards; and (b) the constituent councils for the region, and other councils as may be relevant; and (c) relevant sections and cross-sections of the community, including Aboriginal people; and (d) persons who own and occupy land within the region of the board (insofar as may be relevant). (5) A regional landscape board will, with respect to the performance of its functions, report to the Minister. (6) Without limiting subsection (5), a regional landscape board must provide to the Minister (in a form specified by the Minister) such information relating to any aspect of the functions or operations of the board as the Minister may from time to time require.