A.6 Social and economic impactsA.6 Social and economic impacts

A.6 Social and economic impacts

Whilst the known localities of Asplenium listeri are outside areas of current economic activity, there is some potential for the presence of the species to constrain economic activity or development. However, this arises from the listing of the species under the EPBC Act, which invokes a range of protective provisions and offences where a population is to be affected, rather than from the provisions of this plan. This necessitates careful attention to inclusion of Asplenium listeri in environmental assessments and management standards across the island, regardless of specific tenure.

The magnitude of any potential constraint cannot be estimated, as it will vary with the location, size and extent of an affected population, and the nature and extent of the activity, proposed or current.

Actions arising from this plan that may have some potential to constrain economic activity or development include:

• possible future addition of areas to the Christmas Island National Park specifically to protect an occurrence of Asplenium listeri
• possible identification of Asplenium listeri as an element in the heritage values or attributes of a place on the Register of the National Estate or a future heritage listing under the EPBC Act; and
• possible future addition of areas to the Register of Critical Habitat established under the EPBC Act, affording an additional layer of protection under that Act in Commonwealth areas.