Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 (Northern Territory)

This Act establishes Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park as a statutory national park, sets out the land tenure framework (a long lease from the Jawoyn Aboriginal Land Trust to the Conservation Land Corporation), creates a statutory Board to control and manage the Park, and prescribes the relationship between the Board, the Parks and Wildlife Commission, the Jawoyn Association and the Land Council. The Act gives statutory effect to the Memorandum of Lease in Schedule 1 (see s 5 and Schedule 1) and treats the lease as approved on execution (s 5(2)). On lease commencement the Park is established by operation of s 6(1) and is to be used in accordance with the lease, the Act and, when in force, the plan of management (s 6(2)). The Act also allows additions to the Park by agreement between the Land Council and the Commission (s 7).

Mechanically the Act does the following specific things:

Creates a corporate Board, the Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Board, with defined composition, appointment and procedures (Part II, ss 9-15; s 10 prescribes 13 members with eight traditional Aboriginal owner appointees nominated by the Jawoyn Association).
Confers functions and powers on the Board and the Parks and Wildlife Commission, with the Commission acting on behalf of and subject to directions of the Board in relation to day-to-day control and management (ss 16-18).
Requires preparation, public consultation and Parliamentary consideration of a plan of management to govern the Park for up to 10 years (s 20-22). The Board must obtain the Jawoyn Association’s written consent before forwarding a plan to the Minister (s 20(9)).
Preserves, subject to the plan, the rights of traditional Aboriginal owners and Aboriginal persons entitled by Aboriginal tradition to use and occupy the Park (s 8; s 16(c) and (d)).

NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA NITMILUK (KATHERINE GORGE) NATIONAL PARK ACT 1989 As in force at 28 August 2013 Table of provisions Part I Preliminary 1 Short title ......................................................................................... 1 2 Commencement .............................................................................. 1 3 Interpretation ................................................................................... 1 4 Act binds Crown .............................................................................. 3 5 Lease ............................................................................................... 3 6 Establishment of national park......................................................... 3 7 Additions to Park ............................................................................. 3 8 Entitlement to use and occupation................................................... 4 Part II Establishment, composition and procedures of Board 9 Establishment of Board ................................................................... 4 10 Composition of Board ...................................................................... 5 11 Resignation of member ................................................................... 6 12 Appointment of new member ........................................................... 6 13 Chairman and Deputy Chairman ..................................................... 7 14 Calling of meetings, procedure, &c. ................................................. 7 15 Committees ..................................................................................... 9 Part III Functions and powers of Board and Commission 16 Functions of Board .......................................................................... 9 17 Functions of Commission .............................................................. 10 18 Powers........................................................................................... 10 19 Directions by Chief Minister ........................................................... 10 Part IV Plan of management and control of Park 20 Plan of management ..................................................................... 11 21 Consideration of plan of management by Assembly...................... 13 22 Amendment, &c., of plan of management ..................................... 15 23 Access to Park............................................................................... 15 24 Actions not to be taken except in accordance with Act, lease or plan of management .................................................................. 15

Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 ii Part V By-laws 25 By-laws .......................................................................................... 16 Part VI Financial arrangements 26 Audit, &c., provisions ..................................................................... 20 27 Park income................................................................................... 20 28 Park expenditure ........................................................................... 21 Part VII Miscellaneous 29 Territory Parks Act provisions to apply .......................................... 21 30 Reservations revoked .................................................................... 21 31 Existing arrangements ................................................................... 21 32 Future concessions and leases ..................................................... 22 33 Area to be surrendered from lease for Aboriginal cultural centre ............................................................................................ 22 Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Schedule 2 ENDNOTES

NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA

As in force at 28 August 2013

NITMILUK (KATHERINE GORGE) NATIONAL PARK ACT 1989 An Act to acknowledge and secure the right of Aboriginals who are the traditional Aboriginal owners of certain land in the Northern Territory of Australia, and certain other Aboriginals, to occupy and use that land, to establish a National park comprising that land to be known as the Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park, to provide for the management and control of that Park and certain other land, and for related purposes Part I Preliminary 1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989. 2 Commencement This Act shall come into operation on a date to be fixed by the Administrator by notice in the Gazette. 3 Interpretation (1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears: Aboriginal means a person who is a member of the Aboriginal race of Australia. Aboriginal tradition has the same meaning as in the Land Rights Act. aircraft has the same meaning as in the Territory Parks Act. animal has the same meaning as in the Territory Parks Act. Board means the Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Board established by section 9. Commission means the Commission within the meaning of the Parks and Wildlife Commission Act 1980.

Part I Preliminary Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 2 Corporation means the Conservation Land Corporation within the meaning of the Parks and Wildlife Commission Act 1980. Director of Parks and Wildlife means the Director within the meaning of the Parks and Wildlife Commission Act 1980. Jawoyn Association means the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation. Land Council means the Land Council for the area in which the Park is situated established under the Land Rights Act. Land Rights Act means the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 of the Commonwealth. Land Trust means the Jawoyn Aboriginal Land Trust established under the Land Rights Act. Park means: (a) the area the subject of the lease; and (b) the additional areas, if any, added under section 7 to the Park. plan of management means the plan of management for the Park prepared under section 20 by or on behalf of the Board. plant has the same meaning as in the Territory Parks Act. the lease means the lease referred to in section 5 and, if the lease is amended in accordance with its provisions, includes the lease as so amended from time to time. Territory Parks Act means the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976. traditional Aboriginal owners, in relation to the Park, has the same meaning as in the Land Rights Act. traffic sign has the same meaning as in the Territory Parks Act. vehicle has the same meaning as in the Territory Parks Act. vessel has the same meaning as in the Territory Parks Act. (2) Where in this Act provision is made for an act or thing that may be done or a function that may be performed by the Jawoyn Association, that act or thing may be done, or that function may be performed, with the consent in writing of the Jawoyn Association, by the Land Council.

Part I Preliminary Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 3 4 Act binds Crown This Act binds the Crown not only in right of the Territory but, so far as the legislative power of the Legislative Assembly permits, the Crown in all its capacities. 5 Lease (1) As soon as practicable after the area of land specified in Schedule 1 is granted under the Land Rights Act to the Land Trust, the Corporation shall accept a lease of the land from the Land Trust in the terms specified in the Memorandum of Lease in Schedule 1. (2) The lease, on its execution, is approved. (3) The implementation of the lease is authorized and ministers, departments, statutory corporations and authorities (including the Commission and the Corporation) shall do all things necessary or expedient to carry out their respective obligations under or in relation to, and give full effect to, the lease. (4) Where a provision of another law of the Territory is inconsistent with this Act, this Act shall prevail and the provision of the other law, to the extent of the inconsistency has no effect. (5) Notwithstanding subsection (4), the lease and any addition to the park under section 7, is not a subdivision or consolidation for the purposes of the Planning Act 1999. 6 Establishment of national park (1) On the commencement of the lease the Park is, by force of this section, established as a national park for the benefit and enjoyment of all people. (2) The Park shall be used in such manner and on such conditions as are provided by or under the lease, this Act and, when a plan of management is in force, the plan of management. 7 Additions to Park (1) Where the Land Council and the Commission agree that land vested in the Land Trust not included in the lease should be added to the Park, the Land Trust shall grant, and the Corporation shall accept, a lease of the additional area on the same terms and conditions as apply under the lease to the land the subject of the original lease, or on such other terms and conditions as are agreed.

Part II Establishment, composition and procedures of Board Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 4 (2) The Land Council and the Commission may, with the consent of all persons having an estate or interest registered under the Land Title Act 2000 in land not vested in the Land Trust, agree that the land should be added to the Park. (3) On: (a) the registration under the Land Title Act 2000 of: (i) a lease of an additional area granted and accepted in pursuance of subsection (1); or (ii) a lease granted in pursuance of an agreement and consent under subsection (2); or (b) where no lease is to be granted in pursuance of an agreement and consent under subsection (2), on the lodging with the Registrar-General under subsection (4) of a copy of the agreement and consent under subsection (2), the additional area, or the land the subject of the agreement, forms part of the Park and this Act, the By-laws and the plan of management applies to and in relation to it as part of the Park accordingly. (4) The Commission shall, as soon a practicable after an agreement and consent under subsection (2) is made and given, where the agreement does not provide for the granting of a lease of the land to which it relates, lodge with the Registrar-General a copy of the agreement and consent, and the Registrar-General shall make an appropriate entry in the record of administrative interests and information kept under section 38 of the Land Title Act 2000. 8 Entitlement to use and occupation Subject to this Act and to the plan of management, the Aboriginals who are, from time to time, Aboriginal traditional owners of the Park or Aboriginals entitled by Aboriginal tradition to the use or occupation of the Park are, at all times, entitled to use and occupy the Park. Part II Establishment, composition and procedures of Board 9 Establishment of Board (1) There is hereby established a Board to be known as the Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Board.

Part II Establishment, composition and procedures of Board Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 5 (2) The Board: (a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession; (b) shall have a common seal; and (c) subject to this Act, is capable, in its corporate name, of holding and disposing of real (including leasehold) and personal property and of suing and being sued. (3) All courts, judges and persons acting judicially shall take judicial notice of the common seal of the Board affixed to a document and shall assume that it was duly affixed. 10 Composition of Board (1) The Board shall consist of 13 members appointed by the Minister, of whom: (a) 8 shall be traditional Aboriginal owners of the Park appointed on the nomination of the Jawoyn Association; (b) at least one is to be a member of the permanent staff of the Commission appointed on the nomination of the Director of Parks and Wildlife; (ba) 2 are to each hold an appointment (whether as an employee or a Chief Executive Officer) under the Public Sector Employment and Management Act 1993 and are to be appointed on the nomination of the Director of Parks and Wildlife; (bb) one is to be the presiding member of the Kakadu National Park Board established under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975 of the Commonwealth or another Aboriginal member of the Kakadu National Park Board; and (c) one shall be a resident of the Katherine area appointed on the nomination of the Mayor of the municipality of Katherine. Note for subsection (1): The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975 (Cth) was repealed by the Environmental Reform (Consequential Provisions) Act 1999 (Cth). However, the Board for the Kakadu National Park continues in existence under Schedule 4, item 6(1)(c) to the Environmental Reform (Consequential Provisions) Act 1999 (Cth). (2) A person who is a member of the Legislative Assembly or of either house of the Parliament of the Commonwealth is not eligible to be appointed or to hold office as a member of the Board.

Part II Establishment, composition and procedures of Board Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 6 (3) As soon as practicable after an appointment under subsection (1) has been made, the Minister shall cause notice of that appointment to be published in the Gazette. (4) Subject to sections 11 and 12, a member of the Board holds office for a period of 3 years but is eligible for reappointment. (5) Where a member of the Board appointed under subsection (1)(a) is or is about to become unable, whether on account of illness or otherwise, to perform the duties of the member's office, the Jawoyn Association may appoint a traditional Aboriginal owner of the Park to act in the place of that member during the period during which that member is unable to perform those duties, unless the first- mentioned member has, under section 14(4), given to another member a general authority to vote for him or her at meetings of the Board during the first-mentioned member's inability to perform the duties of that office. (6) A person appointed to act in the place of a member of the Board has all the functions and powers of that member. (7) The performance of a function or the exercise of a power of the Board is not affected by reason only of there being a vacancy in the office of a member of the Board. 11 Resignation of member A member of the Board may resign office by writing signed by or with the authority of the member, delivered to the Minister. 12 Appointment of new member (1) The Minister shall, as soon as practicable after: (a) receiving the resignation of a member of the Board; (b) being advised in writing by the Jawoyn Association that, in its opinion, a member appointed on the nomination of the Jawoyn Association has failed properly to perform the duties of the member's office; or (c) becoming aware of a member's inability to continue as a member because of illness or for any other reason, terminate the appointment of the person as a member of the Board. (2) The Minister shall, as soon as practicable after: (a) becoming aware of the death of a member of the Board; or

Part II Establishment, composition and procedures of Board Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 7 (b) under subsection (1) terminating the appointment of a person as a member, appoint another person, with the same qualification for membership as the person in whose stead the person is appointed, to be a member of the Board. 13 Chairman and Deputy Chairman (1) The Minister shall, as soon as practicable after the establishment of the Board or at any time when the office of Chairman of the Board is vacant, convene a meeting of the Board for the purpose of electing a member of the Board as the Chairman of the Board. (2) The Minister shall appoint one of the members appointed under section 10(1)(a) to preside at a meeting referred to in subsection (1). (3) The Chairman of the Board shall be elected by the Board from among the members appointed under section 10(1)(a). (4) Where a member is elected as Chairman at a meeting referred to in subsection (1), the member shall preside at that meeting in place of the member appointed under subsection (2) by the Minister. (5) The Board shall, as soon as practicable after its establishment, elect one of its members appointed under section 10(1)(a) to be the Deputy Chairman of the Board and shall thereafter, whenever the position of Deputy Chairman is vacant, elect a member, with the same qualification for membership, to be the Deputy Chairman. (6) Subject to subsection (7), a member elected under this section as the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman, while the person remains a member of the Board, holds office for 3 years and is eligible for re-election. (7) The Board may at any time, by resolution, elect a new Chairman or Deputy Chairman having the qualification referred to in subsections (3) and (5) and, on the passing of such a resolution, the person who held that office immediately before that resolution was passed ceases to hold that office. 14 Calling of meetings, procedure, &c. (1) The Chairman or Deputy Chairman of the Board shall call such meetings of the Board as are necessary for the performance of its functions and the exercise of its powers.

Part II Establishment, composition and procedures of Board Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 8 (2) The Minister may, at any time, direct the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman to call a meeting of the Board and the Chairman or Deputy Chairman shall call a meeting accordingly. (3) At a meeting of the Board: (a) the Chairman, if present, or, if the Chairman is not present, the Deputy Chairman, shall preside or, if neither the Chairman nor Deputy Chairman is present, the members of the Board present shall elect one of their number to preside; (b) subject to subsection (4), 7 members, of whom 4 shall be members appointed under section 10(1)(a), constitute a quorum; (c) questions arising shall be determined by a majority of the votes of the members present and, in the event of an equality of votes, the person presiding shall have a casting vote as well as a deliberative vote; and (d) subject to this Act, the Board shall determine the procedures to be followed at or in connection with the meeting. (4) A member of the Board may, in writing under the member's hand or with the member's authority, give to another member a general authority to vote for the first-mentioned member at a meeting of the Board and the member given that authority may vote for the first- mentioned member at that meeting and shall, for the purposes of subsection (3)(b), be counted towards a quorum as though he or she were also the first-mentioned member. (5) The Board shall cause records of its meetings to be kept and, as soon as practicable after each meeting, shall cause a copy of the minutes of the meeting to be given to each member of the Board, to the Jawoyn Association, to the Minister and to the Land Council. (6) A member of the Board may require the Board to admit to a meeting of the Board such persons as the member considers necessary to advise the member on matters being considered at the meeting and may require the Board to allow such persons, or any of them, to address the meeting on the member's behalf, and the Board shall admit those persons and allow them to address the meeting accordingly. (7) A person admitted to a meeting of the Board pursuant to subsection (6) shall not vote on any matter at that meeting.

Part III Functions and powers of Board and Commission Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 9 15 Committees (1) The Board may appoint a planning committee consisting of such of its members and other persons as it thinks fit, to assist it in the preparation of plans of management. (2) The Board may appoint a committee or committees of its members to assist it in relation to the performance of such other of its functions as it thinks fit. (3) The Board may give such directions as it thinks fit about the procedure to be followed at, and in relation to, meetings of a planning committee appointed under subsection (1) or a committee appointed under subsection (2) and the committee shall comply with those directions. Part III Functions and powers of Board and Commission 16 Functions of Board The functions of the Board are: (a) to prepare plans of management for the control and management of the Park; (b) to make decisions, not inconsistent with this Act and the plan of management, in respect of the Park; (c) to protect and enforce the right of Aboriginals entitled by Aboriginal tradition to use and occupy the Park to use and occupy it; (d) to ensure adequate protection of sites of spiritual or other importance in accordance with Aboriginal tradition in the Park; (da) to enter into agreements with the traditional Aboriginal owners of the Park in relation to the control and management by the Board of land outside the Park in respect of which those owners are also the traditional Aboriginal owners; and (e) the other functions in relation to the Park or other land imposed on the Board by or under this Act, the lease, the plan of management or an agreement under paragraph (da).

Part III Functions and powers of Board and Commission Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 10 17 Functions of Commission The functions of the Commission in relation to the Park include, on behalf of and subject to the directions of the Board: (a) to facilitate the preparation of plans of management; and (b) to control and manage the Park in accordance with this Act and the plan of management. 18 Powers (1) Subject to this Act, the lease and the plan of management, the Board and the Commission have, in relation to the Park, the power to do all things that are necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with, or incidental to the performance of, their respective functions and the exercise of their respective powers. (2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the Board may: (a) employ staff; (b) obtain the advice and assistance of persons who are expert in any matter with which the Board is concerned; and (c) receive moneys due and payable to it and give a valid discharge for those moneys. 19 Directions by Chief Minister (1) The Board shall perform its functions and exercise its powers in accordance with such general directions as are given to it in writing by the Chief Minister. (2) Subsection (1) does not empower the Chief Minister to give directions relating to: (a) subject to section 20(7)(j), a function specified in section 16(a); (b) a function specified in section 16(c) or (d) or a decision referred to in section 16(b), so far as that decision relates to the protection and enforcement of rights referred to in section 16(c) or the protection of sites referred to in section 16(d); or (c) the contents of any advice, information or recommendation that may be given by the Board to a minister, Department or authority of the Territory, or to the Commonwealth or an authority of the Commonwealth, except for the purpose of

Part IV Plan of management and control of Park Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 11 protecting the confidentiality of information given to the Board by the Territory or an authority of the Territory. (3) Subject to subsection (4), the Chief Minister shall cause a copy of any direction given under subsection (1) to be laid before the Assembly within 6 sitting days of the Assembly after that direction was given. (4) A copy of a direction laid before the Assembly in accordance with subsection (3) shall not disclose a matter known to the Chief Minister to be required by Aboriginal tradition to be held sacred or kept secret. Part IV Plan of management and control of Park 20 Plan of management (1) As soon as practicable after the commencement of this Act or when a new plan of management is required under subsection (5) to be prepared, the Board shall cause to be prepared a draft plan of management for the Park. (2) When a draft plan of management has been prepared, the Board shall, by notice in the Gazette: (a) state that it has been prepared; (b) invite interested persons to make representations in connection with the draft plan of management by such date, being not earlier than one month after the date of publication of the notice in the Gazette, as is specified in the notice; (c) specify an address or addresses at which copies of the draft plan of management may be inspected or purchased; and (d) specify an address to which such representations may be forwarded. (3) A person may, not later than the date specified in the notice under subsection (2), make representations to the Board in connection with the draft plan of management and the Board shall give due consideration to all representations so made and, if it thinks fit, alter the draft plan of management as a result. (4) The plan of management shall specify a date, being not later than 10 years after the date on which the Park is established, as being the date on which the plan is to cease to have effect and it shall cease to have effect on the date so specified, unless it is sooner revoked.

Part IV Plan of management and control of Park Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 12 (5) The Board shall ensure, so far as is practicable, that on the date on which the plan of management ceases to have effect under subsection (4) or is revoked, or as soon as practicable thereafter, a new plan of management comes into operation and this section applies as if the proposed new plan of management were the first plan of management to be prepared after the commencement of this Act. (6) The plan of management prepared in pursuance of subsection (1) shall set out a detailed description of the manner in which it is proposed that the Park shall be managed and shall include a general description of all existing or proposed buildings, structures, facilities or other developments on the Park. (7) In the preparation of the plan of management, regard shall be had to: (a) the protection of areas and things of significance to Aboriginals; (b) the limitations, if any, imposed by Aboriginal tradition on the use of any part of the Park; (c) the encouragement and regulation of the appropriate use, appreciation and enjoyment of the Park; (d) the preservation of the Park in its natural condition and the protection of its special features, including objects and sites of spiritual, biological, historical, palaeontological, archaeological, geological and geographical interest; (e) the protection, conservation and management of native flora and fauna within the Park and the natural environment generally; (f) the protection of the Park against damage; (g) the employment and training of Aboriginals; (h) the functions of the Commission under other laws of the Territory; (j) such other matters as the Chief Minister directs; and (k) such other matters as the Board thinks fit. (8) Before forwarding the plan of management to the Minister, the Board shall satisfy itself that the objectives and proposed actions set out in the plan are consistent with subsection (7) and in accordance with priorities determined by the Board.

Part IV Plan of management and control of Park Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 13 (9) When the plan of management has been prepared, the Board shall, with the consent in writing of the Jawoyn Association given by authority of a resolution of the Association, forward the plan to the Minister for tabling in the Legislative Assembly. (10) The Minister shall, as soon as practicable after receiving the plan of management forwarded under subsection (9), cause it to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly. 21 Consideration of plan of management by Assembly (1) For the purposes of this section and section 22, plan of management includes part of the plan of management, and where under this section a part only of the plan of management is disallowed, the plan of management with that part omitted shall come into operation as provided by subsection (3) and the part disallowed shall be dealt with in accordance with this section as a separate amending plan of management. (2) Subject to subsection (3), the Legislative Assembly may, in pursuance of a motion, notice of which is given within 5 sitting days of the Assembly after the plan of management has been tabled in the Assembly, pass a resolution disallowing the plan of management. (3) Subject to subsection (4), if no notice of a motion to disallow a plan of management is given within the time referred to in subsection (2) or the Legislative Assembly does not pass a resolution in accordance with that subsection disallowing the plan of management, the plan of management comes into operation on the day immediately following the fifth sitting day referred to or on the day immediately following the last day on which such a resolution could have been passed, as the case may be. (4) If, before the expiration of 5 sitting days after a plan of management has been tabled in the Legislative Assembly: (a) the Assembly expires or is prorogued; and (b) notice of motion for the disallowance of the plan of management has not been given, the plan of management shall, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to have been laid before the Legislative Assembly on the first sitting day of the Assembly after the expiration or prorogation. (5) If the Legislative Assembly passes a resolution, in accordance with subsection (2), disallowing a plan of management, the Minister shall direct the Board to prepare a fresh plan of management and the Board shall thereupon reconsider the matter and prepare a fresh

Part IV Plan of management and control of Park Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 14 plan of management or again forward to the Minister the same plan of management, and in relation to the preparation of or dealing with the fresh plan of management, or with the same plan of management again forwarded to the Minister, as the case may be, subsections (2), (3) and (4) and section 20 (other than subsections (2) and (3) of that section) apply as though the plan of management were the first plan of management prepared for the Park. (6) Where a plan of management disallowed by the Legislative Assembly is again forwarded under subsection (5) to the Minister and is again disallowed by the Legislative Assembly, the Minister shall forward it, at the Minister's option, to either an Aboriginal Land Commissioner appointed under the Land Rights Act or a panel of 3 persons appointed under subsection (7) who shall consider it and make recommendations to the Minister and the Board on possible ways of resolving the differences between the Legislative Assembly and the Board in relation to the plan of management and, if thought necessary, suggest amendments to the plan of management. (7) For the purposes of subsection (6), the Minister may appoint a panel of 3 persons, each of whom, in the opinion of the person or persons nominating the person, is suitably qualified and in a position to deal with the matter impartially, of whom: (a) one shall be appointed on the nomination of the Board; (b) one shall be appointed on the Minister's own nomination; and (c) one shall be appointed on the nomination of the persons appointed under paragraphs (a) and (b). (8) The Aboriginal Land Commissioner or members of the panel, in carrying out the function referred to in subsection (6), may obtain information, in whatever manner he, she or they thinks fit, about any fact he or she considers, or they consider, relevant to the consideration of the plan of management. (9) The Minister shall, at the request of the Board, table in the Legislative Assembly the recommendations made under subsection (6) and the tabling of those recommendations shall be deemed to be the tabling under section 20 of the plan of management to which the recommendations relate, amended in accordance with those recommendations, and this section applies as though it were the first plan of management prepared for the Park.

Part IV Plan of management and control of Park Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 15 (10) As soon as practicable after a plan of management has come into operation, the Minister shall publish a notice in the Gazette, and in such newspapers as the Minister thinks fit, stating that the plan of management has come into operation and giving an address where copies of the plan of management may be inspected or purchased. 22 Amendment, &c., of plan of management (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Board may at any time amend a plan of management, and sections 20(2) to (10) (inclusive) and 21 apply in relation to such an amendment in the same manner as they apply in relation to the plan of management. (2) A plan of management shall not be amended so as to extend the period of operation of the plan to a date later than the date specified under section 20(4). (3) A plan of management may not be revoked except by a new plan of management, but the revocation shall not take effect until the new plan of management comes into operation. 23 Access to Park (1) Except as prohibited, restricted or regulated by or under this Act, the plan of management or any other law in force in the Territory, any person may enter and remain in the Park. (2) The Aboriginal Land Act 1978 does not apply to or in relation to the Park. 24 Actions not to be taken except in accordance with Act, lease or plan of management (1) Where no plan of management is in force, the Board and the Commission may perform their respective functions in and in relation to the Park for the purposes of preserving, protecting and managing it. (2) While a plan of management is in force, the Board, the Commission and the Corporation shall perform their functions and exercise their powers in and in relation to the Park in accordance with the plan of management. (3) A person having a right to carry on business or do work in the Park by arrangement, agreement or contract with the Board or the Commission shall carry on that business or do that work in such manner as not to contravene the plan of management.

Part V By-laws Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 16 Part V By-laws 25 By-laws (1) The Board may make by-laws for the Park, not inconsistent with this Act, any other law of the Territory, the lease or the plan of management, prescribing all matters: (a) required or permitted by this Act or the plan of management to be prescribed by by-laws; or (b) necessary or convenient to be so prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to the functions and powers of the Board and the Commission. (2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), but subject to subsection (3), by-laws may be made: (a) providing for the regulation or the prohibition of fishing; (b) providing for the regulation or prohibition of the use of firearms; (c) providing for the regulation or prohibition of the setting of traps; (d) providing for the requiring of persons, on entering the Park, to declare all items of fishing equipment, firearms, ammunition and traps in their possession; (e) providing for the regulation or prohibition of the carrying of fishing equipment, firearms, ammunition and traps; (f) providing for the seizure of fishing equipment, firearms, ammunition and traps reasonably suspected of being carried or used in contravention of a by-law or the plan of management; (g) regulating or prohibiting the pollution of water; (h) providing for the protection and preservation of the Park and property and things in the Park; (j) providing opening times and closing times for access to the Park by persons who are not Aboriginal traditional owners or Aboriginals entitled by Aboriginal tradition to the use or occupation of the Park; (k) regulating or prohibiting access to the Park by persons or classes of persons;

Part V By-laws Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 17 (m) providing for the removal from the Park of persons who are believed, on reasonable grounds, to be trespassers or to have contravened or failed to comply with a provision of this Act, a by-law or the plan of management; (n) regulating or prohibiting camping; (p) providing for the safety of persons; (q) regulating or prohibiting the use of fire; (r) regulating the conduct of persons; (s) providing for the prevention or control of nuisances; (t) regulating or prohibiting the carrying on of trade or commerce; (u) providing for fees and charges to be imposed on persons, (who are not Aboriginal traditional owners or Aboriginals entitled by Aboriginal tradition to the use or occupation of the Park) entering, camping on or using the Park or using services or facilities provided by or on behalf of the Board; (w) regulating or prohibiting the use of vehicles and providing for signs and road markings for those purposes; (y) regulating or prohibiting, and providing for the imposition and collection of charges for: (i) the parking or stopping of vehicles; (ii) the mooring of vessels; (iii) the use of vehicles and vessels; and (iv) the landing of aircraft; (z) providing for the removal of vehicles, vessels or aircraft from places where they have been left in contravention of the By-laws or have been abandoned and for the impounding of such vehicles, vessels or aircraft; (za) making provision to the effect that, where a contravention of a provision of the By-laws relating to the parking or stopping of vehicles occurs in respect of a motor vehicle, the person who is to be regarded as the owner of the motor vehicle for the purposes of the By-laws (who may, in accordance with the By-laws, be or include a person in whose name the motor vehicle is registered under a law of the Territory) is to be deemed to have committed an offence against the provision

Part V By-laws Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 18 so contravened, whether or not that person in fact contravened that provision; (zb) enabling a person who is alleged to have contravened a provision of the By-laws relating to: (i) littering; (ii) the use of vehicles or vessels; (iii) the parking or stopping of vehicles; (iv) the mooring or landing of vessels; or (v) the landing, use or flying of aircraft, to pay to the Board, as an alternative to prosecution, a specified sum in lieu of the penalty by which a contravention of that provision is otherwise punishable; (zc) regulating or prohibiting the use of vessels on, and the passage of vessels through, the Park and the landing and use of aircraft in, and the flying of aircraft over, the Park; (zd) regulating or prohibiting the taking of animals or plants into or out of the Park and providing for the control of animals in the Park; (ze) providing for the impounding, removal, destruction or disposal of animals found straying in the Park; (zf) regulating or prohibiting the laying of baits and the use of explosives and poisons in the Park; (zg) providing for the collection of specimens and the pursuit of research for scientific purposes in the Park; (zh) regulating the consumption of alcoholic liquor in the Park; and (zj) providing for any matter incidental to or connected with any of the foregoing. (3) Subject to subsection (4), a by-law shall not prohibit or regulate the use by a traditional Aboriginal owner of the Park or an Aboriginal entitled by Aboriginal tradition to the use or occupation of the Park, or prohibit that person from having in the person's possession or using, any trap, net or fishing equipment used or intended to be used by the person (unless used or intended to be used for the taking of animals or fish for the purposes of sale) in connection with the exercise of the person's right to use and occupy the Park or a

Part V By-laws Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 19 part of the Park. (4) Where the Board is satisfied that a protected animal or plant is in danger of extinction, it may, for the purpose of protecting that animal or plant or its habitat, by by-law, regulate or prohibit the hunting or taking of that animal or plant and the use of the habitat of that animal or plant, by a traditional Aboriginal owner or an Aboriginal entitled by Aboriginal tradition to the use or occupation of the Park. (5) A provision of the By-laws regulating or prohibiting the flying of aircraft over the Park does not have any force or effect to the extent to which it is inconsistent with a law of the Commonwealth or the Territory, but such a provision shall not be taken for the purposes of this subsection to be inconsistent with such a law if it can be complied with without contravention of that law. (6) The power to make By-laws conferred by this Act may be exercised: (a) in relation to all cases to which the power extends, or in relation to all those cases subject to specified exceptions, or in relation to any specified cases or classes of cases; and (b) so as to make, in respect of cases in relation to which it is exercised, the same provision for all those cases or different provisions for different cases or classes of cases. (7) The power to make By-laws conferred by this Act shall not be taken, by implication, to exclude the power to make provision for or in relation to a matter by reason only of the fact that: (a) a provision is made by or under this Act in relation to that matter or another matter; or (b) power is expressly conferred by or under this Act to make provision by by-laws for or in relation to another matter. (8) The By-laws may provide, in respect of an offence against or under this Act or the By-laws, for the following: (a) a maximum penalty of, or of not more than an amount equal to, 40 penalty units; (b) a maximum penalty of, or of not more than an amount equal to, 8 penalty units for each day during which the offence continues.

Part VI Financial arrangements Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 20 (9) In proceedings for an offence against a by-law, an averment of the prosecutor, contained in the information or complaint that, at a specified time a person was in the Park or a particular part of the Park to which the by-law relates, is prima facie evidence of that fact. (10) A prosecution for an offence against a by-law shall not be commenced except with the written authority of the Board or its Chairman, or the Director of Parks and Wildlife. Part VI Financial arrangements 26 Audit, &c., provisions (1) The Board shall, within the period of 6 months immediately following the end of the financial year or such other period as the Minister determines, prepare a report on its operations during the financial year and forward it to the Minister. (2) The Minister shall table the report under subsection (1), together with the financial statement and report of the Auditor-General on the financial statement required pursuant to subsection (3), in the Legislative Assembly within 6 sitting days of the Assembly after the delivery of the later of the reports to the Minister. (3) Subject to subsection (2), section 10 of the Financial Management Act 1995 applies to and in relation to the Board as if its activities were a Government Business Division within the meaning of that Act. (4) For the purposes of the application of section 10 of the Financial Management Act 1995 as referred to in subsection (3), the Board shall nominate an employee of the Commission to be its Accountable Officer. 27 Park income Money received by the Board or the Corporation in respect of: (a) the use or occupation of the Park; (b) the carrying out of an activity in the Park; or (c) the carrying on of any business or works in the Park, shall be paid to the Commission and, together with moneys otherwise paid to the Commission in respect of any of those purposes, shall be held by the Commission on behalf of the Board.

Part VII Miscellaneous Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 21 28 Park expenditure (1) Money payable by the Board or the Corporation in relation to the Park or the administration of the Board shall be advanced by the Commission. (2) The Board shall not expend money to meet its administrative costs otherwise than in accordance with estimates of expenditure approved by the Minister. Part VII Miscellaneous 29 Territory Parks Act provisions to apply (1) Parts IV and VIII and sections 113, 115, 118, 119, 120 and 121 of the Territory Parks Act apply to and in relation to the Park as though it were a park within the meaning of that Act. (2) Regulations and By-laws made under the Territory Parks Act apply to and in relation to the Park as though it were a park within the meaning of that Act, to the extent that they are not inconsistent with the plan of management or a by-law made under this Act. 30 Reservations revoked (1) All reservations under the Crown Lands Act 1992 relating to the Park or a part of the Park and in force immediately before the commencement of this Act are, on the commencement of the lease, revoked. (2) Where a reservation referred to in subsection (1) was for historic interest or historic purposes, all buildings, structures, foundations, walls, excavations, objects or things on the land the subject of the reservation shall be protected and preserved as though the land continued to be subject to a reservation for historic interest or historic purposes, and the plan of management shall, accordingly, provide for such protection and preservation. 31 Existing arrangements (1) All arrangements, agreements and contracts referred to in Schedule 2, whether or not the rights, liabilities or obligations under them could be assigned, shall have effect as if the Board were a party to or affected by them instead of the Commission and shall continue in force and apply according to their tenor, except to the extent that they are inconsistent with this Act.

Part VII Miscellaneous Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 22 (2) Any renewal of an arrangement, agreement or contract referred to in subsection (1), or any arrangement, agreement or contract pursuant to which concessions are given or businesses or activities may be carried on in or concerning any part of the Park, shall, subject to section 32, be made with the Board. (3) An arrangement, agreement or contract referred to in subsection (1) shall not be renewed, whether pursuant to an option contained in such arrangement, agreement or contract or otherwise, otherwise than pursuant to powers given by or under this Act. 32 Future concessions and leases Where the plan of management so provides, the Board, subject to the Land Rights Act, may instruct the Commission or the Corporation to grant an estate or interest or issue a licence in respect of activities on land in the Park in accordance with the plan of management and, subject to that Act, the Commission or the Corporation, as the case may be, shall grant that estate or interest or issue that licence accordingly. 33 Area to be surrendered from lease for Aboriginal cultural centre (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Corporation, on receiving a notice in writing from the Land Council requiring it to do so, shall surrender such area of land within the Park as is specified in the notice and is reasonably necessary for the purposes of the erection or development of an Aboriginal cultural centre. (2) An Aboriginal cultural centre to be erected or developed on the area referred to in subsection (1) shall be provided for in, and developed and managed in accordance with, the plan of management.

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 23 Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease section 5(1) THE NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA MEMORANDUM OF LEASE TABLE OF PROVISIONS Clause RECITALS Part I Reservations

Reservation of Right of Entry and Inspection
Reservation of Traditional Rights to Use and Occupy
Reservation of Requirement to Surrender Area for Cultural Centre Part II Provisions
Commencement
Term
Financial Arrangements
Rent Review Part III Covenants and conditions
Lease Conditional upon Act
Amendment of Act Constitutes Breach
Park to be Managed in Accordance with the Act
Lessee's Covenants
Quiet Enjoyment
Lessee's indemnity
Termination

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 24 15. Variation 16. Parties to Negotiate 5 Years Before Expiry 17. Training and Employment 18. Funding 19. Staffing 20. Research and Information 21. Disposal of Park Equipment 22. Developments in the Park 23. Service of Notices, &c. 24. Governing Law 25. Northern Territory of Australia, Conservation Commission and Land Council agree to be bound 26. Definitions THE NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA MEMORANDUM OF LEASE JAWOYN ABORIGINAL LAND TRUST being A Land Trust established pursuant to subsection 4(1) of the Land Rights Act (the Lessor) BEING the proprietor of an estate in fee simple in ALL THAT piece or parcel of land in the Northern Territory of Australia containing an area of A square kilometres more or less being Portion B more particularly shown on Compiled Plan C and being all that land described in the Deed of Grant in the Register Book Volume D, Folio E (the Land) AND having received written directions from the Land Council pursuant to the provisions of the Land Rights Act, those written directions having been given by the Land Council on its being satisfied that: A. the traditional Aboriginal owners of the Land understand the nature and purpose of this lease, and as a group, consent to it; B. the Aboriginal communities and groups which may be affected by this lease have been consulted and have had adequate opportunity to express their views to the Northern Land Council; and C. the terms and conditions of this lease are reasonable.

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 25 HEREBY GRANTS to the CONSERVATION LAND CORPORATION (the Lessee) care of Conservation Commission, Baywood Building, Mansfield Place, Palmerston, in the Northern Territory of Australia, a lease of that part of the land being the land described in the annexure to this lease and shown and delineated on the plan forming part of that annexure (the park), TO BE HELD by the Lessee for the purpose of the Act and subject to and in accordance with the following encumbrances, reservations, provisions, covenants and conditions: Part I Reservations Reservation of Right of Entry and Inspection

The Lessor reserves a right in favour of the Chairman of the Lessor or any person authorized in writing by the Land Council, at all reasonable times and in any reasonable manner, to enter upon the park or any part of it and to inspect the park and any improvements on the park, subject to such reasonable constraints as may be contained in the plan of management for reasons of safety, security, privacy, or protection of the park. Reservation of Traditional Rights to Use and Occupy
(1) An Aboriginal or group of Aboriginals is entitled to enter upon the park to the extent that that entry, occupation or use is in accordance with Aboriginal tradition governing the rights of that Aboriginal or group of Aboriginals with respect to that land, whether or not those rights are qualified as to place, time, circumstance, purpose, permission or any other factor. (2) Without limiting the generality of clause 2(1) the Lessor reserves in favour of relevant Aboriginals and groups of relevant Aboriginals the following rights, which shall operate subject to the directions or decisions of the Board with respect to health, safety or privacy, (a) the right to use any area of the park for hunting or food gathering (otherwise than for purposes of sale); (b) the right to use any area of the park for ceremonial and religious purposes; and (c) the right to reside within the park at such locations as may be specified in the plan of management, together with rights of access and residence for their families, employees, staff, invitees and agents.

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 26 Reservation of Requirement to Surrender Area for Cultural Centre 3. The Lessor reserves the right subject to clause 11(b) to require the Lessee, upon notice in writing given by the Land Council to the Lessee, to surrender such area of land within the park as is specified in the notice and is reasonably necessary for the purpose of development of an Aboriginal cultural centre. Part II Provisions Commencement 4. The lease shall commence on the date on which it is executed. Term 5. The lease shall be for a term of ninety nine (99) years. Financial Arrangements 6. (1) The Commission, on behalf of the Lessee, shall pay to the Land Council on behalf of the Lessor: (a) an annual rent of $100,000.00 which amount shall be payable in advance; and (b) 50% of park revenue which amount shall be payable quarterly calculated by reference to the revenue obtained in respect of the previous 3 months. (2) In this clause park revenue includes: (a) receipts from any fees or charges, for entering, camping on or using the park, or using the services or facilities provided by or on behalf of the Board, imposed pursuant to subsection 21(2)(u) of the Act; and (b) monies received by the Board, the Lessee or by the Commission or by the Northern Territory, pursuant to the grant of any estate or interest in the park dependent on the Lessee's interest or pursuant to any licence, concession, permit or other authority granted by the Board, the Lessee or the Commission within the park.

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 27 Rent Review 7. (1) The annual rent to be paid under clause 6(a) shall be renegotiated in accordance with this clause on the third anniversary of the commencement date and thereafter at three yearly intervals during the term of this lease (the review dates). (2) Negotiations for each review referred to in subclause (1) shall be commenced within 3 months before the relevant review date. (3) If the Lessor and the Lessee fail to agree upon the annual rent to be paid on and from a review date (the new rent) the disagreement will be referred to arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Act 1985 of the Northern Territory by a person appointed jointly by the parties, being a person suitably qualified and in a position to deal with the matter impartially. (4) Subject to subclause (5), the arbitrator shall determine a new rent that is fair and reasonable and that in the arbitrator's opinion should have been negotiated between the parties in commercial arms length negotiations conducted in good faith and shall take into account all relevant factors including but not limited to: (a) movements in the Consumer Price Index for Darwin (all groups) published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics; (b) visitation rates and other indicators of park usage; and (c) park revenue, but not including capital improvements within the Park or directly associated with the park. (5) Notwithstanding anything in this clause: (a) a new rent shall be not less than: (i) an amount calculated by multiplying the annual rate payable at the commencement of this lease (the base rental) by the fraction N1/B1 where, N1 refers to the Consumer Price Index for Darwin (all groups) published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (the Bureau) in respect of the quarter immediately preceding the particular review date; and B1 is the Consumer Price Index for Darwin (all groups) published by the Bureau in respect of the quarter immediately proceeding the commencement of the lease; or

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 28 (ii) where there is a change in the basis of assessment of the Consumer Price Index for Darwin (all groups) or if its calculation has been suspended or discontinued, an amount calculated to provide as nearly as practicable the same adjustments as if the Consumer Price Index referred to in subclause (1) has been continued without variation (Consumer Price Index equivalent) and the determination shall be final and binding upon the parties; and (b) the Lessee shall not be entitled to any reduction in rent in the event of a decrease in the Consumer Price Index or Consumer Price Index equivalent since the previous review date. (6) In the event that a new rent has not been agreed or determined in accordance with this clause prior to the date for payment of the new rent, the Lessee shall, in the interim, pay on account of rent an amount equal to the rent paid for the previous year and upon agreement or determination of the new rent the Lessee shall forthwith pay any adjustment required in relation to the new rent. Part III Covenants and conditions Lease Conditional upon Act 8. This Lease is conditional upon the commencement of the Act. Amendment of Act Constitutes Breach 9. (1) The Lessor and Lessee agree that the enactment of any amendment to the Act, or the enactment of any Act or the making of any regulations inconsistent with this lease, where such Act is or such regulations are applicable to the park and substantially detrimental to the interests of the lessor or relevant Aboriginals as regards the administration, management or control of the park shall be deemed to be a breach of this lease for which the lease, on one hundred and eighty (180) days notice in writing given by the Lessor to the Lessee, may be terminated. (2) Where a notice is given as provided in clause 9(1) the Lessor and representatives of the Land Council, and the Lessee and representatives of the Commission shall within the period of notice, enter into bona fide negotiations with a view to the grant of a new lease.

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 29 (3) Where, within twenty eight (28) days after the enactment of any Act or the making of any regulations as referred to in clause 9(1), a notice is not given as provided in that subclause, then the Lessor, representatives of the Land Council and the Lessee shall meet to discuss whether to vary any provisions of this lease including the rent. Park to be Managed in Accordance with the Act 10. (1) The park shall be subject to administration, management and control in accordance with the Act and with the plan of management that is and by laws that are from time to time in force in relation to the park pursuant to the Act. (2) The Lessee and the Commission, to the extent of their respective powers and functions shall use their best endeavours to ensure that the flora, fauna, cultural heritage and natural environment of the park shall be preserved, managed and maintained according to the best comparable management practices established for national parks anywhere in the world. Lessee's Covenants 11. The Lessee and the Commission, to the extent of their respective powers and functions, covenant: (a) to take all practicable steps to ensure compliance by all persons with the Act, regulations under the Act, this lease and the plan of management; (b) not to transfer, assign, sublet or part with the possession of the park, or any part of the park without the consent in writing of the Lessor and except in accordance with the plan of management; (c) to pay the Land Council's and the Land Trust's reasonable costs of and incidental to the preparation, execution, registration and stamping of this lease agreed and assessed at $30,000.00, and in addition, to pay all registration fees and stamp duty payable in connection with this lease; (d) to pay all rates and taxes which may at any time become due in respect of the park; (e) to carry all of the risk as self-insurer in respect of the timely reinstatement to full value of any of the improvements in the park which may be damaged or destroyed without the consent of the Lessor, being improvements existing at the date of the commencement of this lease and such other improvements as may be made, except such improvements in respect of which

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 30 there exists a contract of insurance insuring the risk to the extent of liability imposed upon the Lessee under paragraph (c); (f) to carry all of the risk as self-insurer as occupier of the park as regards any liability to any third person; (g) as far as is practicable, to make good any damage to the park (other than improvements) being damage caused by the Lessee or by the Commission or by their respective servants, agents or invitees except where the damage to the park was occasioned with the consent of the Lessor or of the Board; (h) to comply with all Acts, regulations and other laws otherwise applicable to the park; (i) to have regard in the performance of their respective functions in relation to the park, to such priorities in allocating financial and other resources as are provided in the plan of management or determined from time to time by the Board; (j) to promote and protect the interests of relevant Aboriginals as a group; (k) to promote the protection of sacred sites and other areas and things of significance to relevant Aboriginals; (l) to encourage the maintenance of the Aboriginal tradition of relevant Aboriginals; (m) to take all practicable steps to promote Aboriginal involvement in the administration, management and control of the park; (n) subject to the plan of management, to engage as many relevant Aboriginals as is practicable to provide services in and in relation to the park; (o) to utilize without limiting the generality of the foregoing the traditional skills of Aboriginal individuals and groups in the management of the park; (p) subject to the plan of management, to encourage Aboriginal business and commercial initiatives and enterprises within the park; (q) to regularly consult and liaise with the Jawoyn Association or with such agents or representatives of the Jawoyn traditional Aboriginal owners as may be nominated by the Jawoyn Association, in connection with the control and management of the park;

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 31 (r) to consult with and have regard to the views of the Jawoyn Association or such agents or representatives of the Jawoyn traditional Aboriginal owners as may be nominated by the Jawoyn Association in respect of the formulation of any educational and interpretive policy in relation to the park; (s) as far as practicable and subject to the plan of management, to provide such capital equipment and machinery as is reasonably required for the adequate maintenance of roads and all other facilities and improvements constructed by or on behalf of the Board or the Commission; (t) after consultation with and having regard to the views of the Jawoyn Association and such agents or representatives of the Jawoyn traditional Aboriginal owners as may be nominated by the Jawoyn Association, and subject to the plan of management, to implement a licencing and induction scheme for tour operators and other persons carrying on commercial activities in the park; (u) subject to the plan of management and the Act, to use their best endeavours to collect fees or charges, if and when imposed for entering and camping on the park, or using the services or facilities provided by or on behalf of the Board and to ensure such fees and charges are properly accounted for on an audited basis; (v) subject to the plan of management, to permit an officer or officers of the Land Council to enter and move freely in the park for the purpose of performing on behalf of the Land Council the statutory powers or functions of the Land Council; and (w) to use their best endeavours to promote among visitors to the park and residents of Katherine a knowledge and understanding of and respect for the traditional languages, culture, customs and skills of relevant Aboriginals and to arrange for appropriate instruction in connection with such matters to be given, to the extent that it is reasonably practicable, by Aboriginals engaged for the purpose. Quiet Enjoyment 12. The Lessee paying the rent hereby reserved and observing and performing the covenants on its part and the conditions contained in this lease, subject to this lease, shall during the whole of the term quietly enjoy the park without any interruption or disturbance by the Lessor or any person claiming by, from, under or in trust for the Lessor.

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 32 Lessee's Indemnity 13. The Lessee and the Commission shall indemnify the Lessor, its servants, agents or invitees (to the extent that the Lessor, its servants, agents or invitees is not or are not negligent) against all actions and claims whatsoever that may be brought, made or prosecuted against the Lessor, its servants, agents or invitees in respect of any action or claim arising out of any action or omission (whether negligent or otherwise) of the Lessee, its servants, agents or invitees in or in relation to the park. Termination 14. The lease may be terminated: (a) in writing at any time with the agreement of both the Lessor and the Lessee; or (b) pursuant to clause 9, but not otherwise. Variation 15. (1) The Lessor and the Lessee may from time to time by agreement in writing add to, substitute for, cancel or vary any of the provisions of this lease. (2) The Lessee shall at least once every five (5) years meet with the representatives of the Lessor and the Land Council to review the provisions of the lease excepting the term, and if the Lessor and the Lessee agree upon any variation of the lease, the Land Council shall direct the Lessor to execute any or all documents necessary or desirable to give full effect to the variation. Parties to Negotiate 5 years Before Expiry 16. The Lessor and the Lessee agree that they will negotiate for the renewal or extension of the term of this lease not later than five (5) years before it expires. Training and Employment 17. The Lessee and the Commission agree subject to decisions of the Board: (a) to implement an Aboriginal training programme the broad objectives of which are agreed with the Jawoyn Association or such agents or representatives of the Jawoyn traditional Aboriginal owners as may be nominated by the Jawoyn

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 33 Association, comprising training in skills relevant to the administration, planning, management and control of the park; (b) to employ persons in the park in appropriate positions having regard to qualifications acquired in participation in the Aboriginal training programme; (c) to employ training officers in the park wherever necessary, and to give due consideration in the employment of such officers to suitably qualified Aboriginal persons having regard to the objective of the parties to maximize Aboriginal employment in the park; (d) to provide appropriate and reasonable resources (including staff, training facilities and accommodation) for Aboriginal trainees; (e) in the Aboriginal training programme and in the management of the park to emphasise Jawoyn social and cultural values and land management practices; (f) to take all practicable steps to make provision for traditional obligations in determining working hours and conditions; (g) to give preference to Aboriginal people, companies and organizations when issuing leases, licences, contracts, or making available casual or temporary employment subject to any law in force in the Northern Territory; (h) notwithstanding any other paragraph of this clause but subject to the Board being satisfied that it is attainable, the Commission shall within five (5) years of the commencement of this lease employ Aboriginal people in at least 25% of positions in the park; and (i) to actively seek to achieve that at the earliest practicable opportunity during the term of this lease the majority of permanent employment positions in the park are held by suitably qualified Aboriginals. Funding 18. (1) Subject to the Act the Commission shall from moneys lawfully available to the Commission pay to the Board such moneys as are reasonably required for the administration of the Board and, for the payment of any expenses incurred by members of the Board in the performance of their duties (the administrative costs of the Board).

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 34 (2) This clause does not have operation to the extent that the administrative costs of the Board are met from another source or sources, including an appropriation by the Northern Territory. Staffing 19. (1) The Lessee and the Commission will at all times use their best endeavours to maintain staff within the park at the level and designations of staff requirements provided for in the plan of management. (2) The Lessee and the Commission agree to consult with and have regard to the views of the Jawoyn Association, or such agents or representatives of the Jawoyn traditional Aboriginal owners as may be nominated by the Jawoyn Association, concerning the procedures for and the selection and appointment of any permanent staff where the duties and functions of such staff will involve substantial involvement with day to day administration, management or control of the park and in particular shall include a person nominated by the Jawoyn Association on any selection panel appointed in relation to such appointments. (3) Notwithstanding clause 19(2) employment of all persons having day to day responsibility in the administration and management of the park shall be subject to the approval of the Board. (4) The Commission agrees to ensure that from time to time (but no later than six (6) months after commencement of duties of any member of the park staff) each member of the park staff involved in administration, planning, management and control of the park attends a cross-cultural course the broad objectives of which are agreed with the Jawoyn Association or such agents or representatives of the Jawoyn traditional Aboriginal owners as may be nominated by the Jawoyn Association. Research and Information 20. (1) The Lessee and the Commission agree to permit and direct persons from time to time chosen by the Commission, after consultation with the Jawoyn Association or such agents or representatives of the Jawoyn traditional Aboriginal owners as may be nominated by the Jawoyn Association, being persons employed by the Commission or under its authority, to assist the Jawoyn Association or such agent or representative of the Jawoyn traditional Aboriginal owners as may be nominated by the Jawoyn Association in respect of any reasonable programme involving the identification and recording of Aboriginal sacred sites within the park.

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 35 (2) The Commission shall provide reasonable equipment and facilities for persons who are in accordance with subclause (1) permitted and directed to assist in the identification and recording of Aboriginal sacred sites within the park. (3) The Lessee and the Commission agree to make available to the Chairman of the Jawoyn Association, or any person authorized in writing by the Jawoyn Association, access to all information relating to the park including research reports sponsored, procured or supported by the Lessee or the Commission that is in the possession of the Lessee or the Commission other than information that would be privileged from production in litigation and information the disclosure of which would, in the opinion of the Lessee, involve an unreasonable invasion of the privacy of an individual. Disposal of Park Equipment 21. (1) Subject to any lawful obligation imposed upon the Lessee by a Law of the Northern Territory, if at any time during the term hereof the Lessee is desirous of disposing of its interest in any property or equipment of the Lessee used in the operation of the park, the Lessee shall give to the Lessor for the benefit of the Lessor, the Land Council or its nominee, any relevant Aboriginal association and any other incorporated body the membership of which is limited to relevant Aboriginals or groups of relevant Aboriginals (in this clause referred to as the permitted Aboriginal purchaser) the right of the first refusal to purchase the said property or equipment or any part thereof subject to the following terms and conditions – (a) the Lessee shall give notice in writing to the Land Council of the Lessee's intention to dispose of any such property or equipment. The notice shall constitute an offer by the Lessee to sell any such property or equipment to a permitted Aboriginal purchaser for the purchase of the Lessee's interest therein, which consideration shall not impose any more onerous obligation or duty upon the permitted Aboriginal purchaser or require the permitted Aboriginal purchaser to pay any greater pecuniary sum than the Lessee would impose upon or require from a purchaser other than a permitted Aboriginal purchaser; (b) within twenty eight (28) days after giving of the notice a permitted Aboriginal purchaser may give notice in writing to the Lessee of acceptance or rejection of the Lessee's offer to sell;

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 36 (c) in the event of the giving of a notice of acceptance there shall be deemed to be a binding contract for sale by the Lessee and purchase by the permitted Aboriginal purchaser of the Lessee's interest in the said property or equipment for the consideration stated in the Lessee's notice; (d) the purchase price shall be paid within twenty eight (28) days from the date on which the notice of acceptance is given to the Lessee or within such other period or upon such terms as may be agreed between the parties to the contract for sale; and (e) in the event that a notice of acceptance is not given, the Lessee shall then be at liberty to sell the said property or equipment by private contract to any other person for a sum being not less than that specified in the notice in writing given pursuant to clause 21(1)(a) or by public auction. (2) In this clause Lessee means the Lessee or the Commission, as the case may be. Developments in the Park 22. (1) Subject to decisions of the Board the Lessor and the Lessee agree that the Commission and the Jawoyn Association or such agents or representatives of the Jawoyn traditional Aboriginal owners as may be nominated by the Jawoyn Association shall meet from time to time to formulate written policy in respect of environmental evaluation of proposed developments in the Park. (2) A proposed development shall not take place except in accordance with the policy formulated under this clause. Service of Notices, &c. 23. (1) Any notice, request, consent, approval or other communication (in this clause called a communication) to be given under this lease shall be in writing addressed as follows: If to the Lessor: Jawoyn Aboriginal Land Trust C/– Northern Land Council 47 Stuart Highway STUART PARK NT 0820 Telex: NLC AA85042 Facsimile: (089) 816-899

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 37 If to the Lessee: Conservation Land Corporation C/- Conservation Commission of the N.T. P.O. Box 496 PALMERSTON NT 0831 Telex: AA81191 Facsimile: If to the Commission: Conservation Commission of the N.T. Bayward Building Mansfield Place PALMERSTON NT 0831 Telex: Facsimile: If to the Northern Territory of Australia: Minister for Conservation Chan Building Mitchell Street DARWIN NT 0800 Telex: AA85253 Facsimile: If to the Northern Land Council: Chairman Northern Land Council 47 Stuart Highway STUART PARK NT 0820 Telex: NLC AA85042 Facsimile: (089) 816-899 If to the Board: As notified in writing by the Board, If to the Jawoyn Association: As notified in writing by the Jawoyn Association, or to such other address as the relevant party or body may nominate by notice to each other party or body.

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 38 (2) Each communication shall be delivered by hand, or mailed by pre- paid registered post, or sent by telex, telegram or facsimile transmission, to the address of the party or body to which it is being given and shall be deemed to have given: (a) if received before 4.00 pm on a business day – when it is received; and (b) if received at any other time – on the business day next following the day of receipt. Governing Law 24. (1) This lease shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws in force in the Northern Territory of Australia. (2) The parties agree that, except as provided in clause 7, the Commercial Arbitration Act 1985 does not apply to this lease and that this lease (except for clause 7) is not an arbitration agreement for the purposes of that Act. Northern Territory of Australia, Conservation Commission and Land Council agree to be bound 25. The Northern Territory of Australia, the Commission and the Land Council agree to be bound by the terms of this lease. Definitions (1) In this lease and in the recitals: Aboriginal means a person who is a member of the Aboriginal race of Australia. Aboriginal tradition has the same meaning as in the Land Rights Act. the Act means the Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989. the Board means the Nitmiluk National Park Board established by section 9 of the Act. Commission means the Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory established by the Conservation Commission Act 1980. Jawoyn Association means the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation.

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 39 Land Council means the Northern Land Council, or if the boundaries of the Northern Land Council are varied so as to exclude the park from its area, then the Land Council for the area of the park established under the Land Rights Act. Land Rights Act means the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 of the Commonwealth. Land Trust means an Aboriginal Land Trust constituted under section 4 of the Land Rights Act. person includes a body corporate and any other entity recognized by law. plan of management means the plan of management for the park prepared in accordance with the Act as in force from time to time. relevant Aboriginals means all the traditional Aboriginal owners of the park and the Aboriginals entitled to enter upon or use or occupy the park in accordance with Aboriginal tradition governing the rights of that Aboriginal or group of Aboriginals with respect to the park whether or not those rights are qualified as to place, time, circumstances, purpose, permission or any other factor and the Aboriginals permitted by them to reside in the park. relevant Aboriginal Association means the Jawoyn Association and any other incorporated Aboriginal Association or group whose members are relevant Aboriginals. sacred sites has the same meaning as in the Land Rights Act. and traditional Aboriginal owner has the same meaning as in the Land Rights Act. (2) Unless the contrary intention appears this lease shall be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of the Interpretation Act 1978 of the Northern Territory where applicable, as if this lease were an Act. MEMORANDUM OF ENCUMBRANCES Nil. IN WITNESS the parties have executed this lease on this day of 1989. The CONSERVATION LAND CORPORATION accepts this lease subject to the reservations, provisions, covenants and conditions set out above.

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 40 The Common Seal of the ) CONSERVATION LAND CORPORATION ) was affixed by authority of a ) resolution of the Corporation in ) the presence of: ) ....................…………………………. ....................…………………………. The Common Seal of the JAWOYN ) ABORIGINAL LAND TRUST was ) affixed to this lease by the ) authority of the Chairman and ) 2 members of the JAWOYN ) ABORIGINAL LAND TRUST in the ) presence of: ) ....................……………………….. Chairman ....................………………………. Member ....................……………………… Member ....................……………………… The Common Seal of the ) NORTHERN LAND COUNCIL was ) affixed to this lease by the ) authority of a resolution of ) the Land Council in the ) presence of: ) ...................…………………….. Chairman ..................…………………….. Member .........……………………........... Member

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 41 The Common Seal of the ) CONSERVATION COMMISSION was ) affixed to this lease by ) authority of a resolution of ) the Commission in the ) presence of: ) ...………………….................... SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED this day of 1989 by the Minister for Conservation, in witness of the agreement of the Northern Territory of Australia to be bound by this lease. ...…………………..................…. Minister for Conservation The Common Seal of ) the JAWOYN ASSOCIATION ) ABORIGINAL CORPORATION was ) affixed to this lease by ) authority of a resolution ) of the Association in the ) presence of: ) ...………………….................... ...………………….................... Annexure ALL THOSE parcels of land around Katherine Gorge National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia FIRSTLY commencing at the southwestern corner of Northern Territory Portion 3470; thence easterly by the southern boundary of that Portion to the western boundary of Pastoral Lease 705 (Eva Valley); thence southerly, westerly, generally southerly and easterly by western, northern, western and southerly boundaries of that Pastoral Lease to its intersection with the meridian of East Longitude 132 degrees 46 minutes 50 seconds; thence south to the parallel of South Latitude 14 degrees 22 minutes 40 seconds; thence southwesterly to the intersection of the meridian of East Longitude 132 degrees 45 minutes 45 seconds with the parallel of South Latitude 14 degrees 24 minutes 20 seconds; thence west to meridian of East Longitude 132 degrees 34 minutes 15 seconds; thence south to the parallel of South Latitude 14 degrees 25 minutes; thence west to the meridian of East Longitude 132 degrees 30 minutes; thence north to the parallel of South Latitude 14 degrees 24 minutes; thence northwesterly to the intersection of the parallel of South Latitude 14 degrees 23 minutes 30 seconds with the meridian of East Longitude 132 degrees 29 minutes 30 seconds; thence north to a southern boundary of Northern Territory Portion 781 (Katherine Gorge National Park);

Schedule 1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Lease Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 42 thence westerly and northwesterly by southern and southwestern boundaries of that Portion to its intersection with the right bank of the Katherine River; thence generally southerly and westerly by that right bank to its intersection with the meridian of East Longitude 132 degrees 23 minutes; thence north to the parallel of South Latitude 14 degrees 15 minutes; thence westerly to the intersection of the meridian of East Longitude 132 degrees 15 minutes with the parallel of South Latitude 14 degrees 13 minutes 40 seconds; thence west to an eastern boundary of Northern Territory Portion 3469; thence northerly and northeasterly by eastern and southeastern boundaries of that Portion to the point of commencement. (See hard copy for plan of annexure)

Schedule 2 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 43 Schedule 2 Section 31 Arrangements with the Commission in force immediately before the commencement of the lease

Nature of Concession: Helicopter joy flights Date entered into: 23 March 1989 Date of expiry: 31 December 1989 Concessionaire: Lynakirst Pty. Ltd.
Nature of Concession: Canoe hire Date entered into: 30 March 1989 Date of expiry: 31 December 1989 Concessionaire: Kookaburra Canoe Hire Pty. Ltd.
Nature of Concession: Launch tour Date entered into: 14 March 1989 Date of expiry: 31 December 1989 Concessionaire: March Motors Tours Pty. Ltd.
Nature of Concession: Launch tour Date entered into: 14 March 1989 Date of expiry: 31 December 1989 Concessionaire: Gorge Caravan Park Pty. Ltd.
Nature of Concession: Takeaway food operation Date entered into: 1 April 1989 Date of expiry: 31 December 1989 Concessionaire: R and H Gillespie

ENDNOTES Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 44 ENDNOTES 1 KEY Key to abbreviations amd = amended od = order app = appendix om = omitted bl = by-law pt = Part ch = Chapter r = regulation/rule cl = clause rem = remainder div = Division renum = renumbered exp = expires/expired rep = repealed f = forms s = section Gaz = Gazette sch = Schedule hdg = heading sdiv = Subdivision ins = inserted SL = Subordinate Legislation lt = long title sub = substituted nc = not commenced 2 LIST OF LEGISLATION Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 (Act No. 33, 1989) Assent date 4 July 1989 Commenced 1 August 1989 (Gaz S38, 1 August 1989) Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Amendment Act 1993 (Act No. 87, 1993) Assent date 31 December 1993 Commenced 31 December 1993 Planning (Consequential Amendments) Act 1993 (Act No. 86, 1993) Assent date 31 December 1993 Commenced 18 April 1994 (s 2, s 2 Planning Act 1993 (Act No. 85, 1993) And Gaz S28, 18 April 1994) Financial Management (Consequential Amendments) Act 1995 (Act No. 5, 1995) Assent date 21 March 1995 Commenced 1 April 1995 (s 2, s 2 Financial Management Act 1992 (Act No. 4, 1995) and Gaz S13, 31 March 1995) Parks and Wildlife Commission (Consequential Amendments) Act 1995 (Act No. 46, 1995) Assent date 15 November 1995 Commenced 29 November 1995 (s 2, s 2 Conservation Commission Amendment Act 1995 (Act No. 43, 1995) and Gaz S42, 29 November 1995) Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Amendment Act 1999 (Act No. 64, 1999) Assent date 14 December 1999 Commenced 7 June 2000 (Gaz G22, 7 June 2000, p 2) Land Title (Consequential Amendments) Act 2000 (Act No. 45, 2000) Assent date 12 September 2000 Commenced 1 December 2000 (s 2, s 2 Land Title Act 2000 (Act No. 2, 2000) and Gaz G38, 27 September 2000, p 2)

ENDNOTES Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 45 Statute Law Revision Act 2005 (Act No. 44, 2005) Assent date 14 December 2005 Commenced 14 December 2005 Penalties Amendment (Miscellaneous) Act 2013 (Act No. 23, 2013) Assent date 12 July 2013 Commenced 28 August 2013 (Gaz G35, 28 August 2013, p 2) 3 SAVINGS AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS s 7 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Amendment Act 1999 (Act No. 64, 1999) 4 GENERAL AMENDMENTS General amendments of a formal nature (which are not referred to in the table of amendments to this reprint) are made by the Interpretation Legislation Amendment Act 2018 (Act No. 22, 2018) to: ss 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 23, 26 and 30 and sch 1. 5 LIST OF AMENDMENTS lt amd No. 64, 1999, s 4 s 3 amd No. 46, 1995, s 3; No. 44, 2005, s 29 s 5 amd No. 86, 1993, s 3 s 7 sub No. 87, 1993, s 2 amd No. 45, 2000, s 11 s 10 amd No. 64, 1999, s 5; No. 44, 2005, s 29 s 16 amd No. 64, 1999, s 6 s 25 amd No. 44, 2005, s 29; No. 23, 2013, s 18 s 26 sub No. 5, 1995, s 19

1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989

Key definitional and structural concepts in the Act shape rights, duties and decision-making.

Definitions and role of Aboriginal rights

Aboriginal, traditional Aboriginal owners, and Aboriginal tradition are defined by reference to the Land Rights Act (s 3). The Act explicitly preserves the entitlement of Aboriginal traditional owners and Aboriginals entitled by Aboriginal tradition to use and occupy the Park subject to the Act and any plan of management (s 8). The Board has a specific function to protect and enforce those rights and to ensure protection of sites of spiritual or other importance under Aboriginal tradition (s 16(c)-(d)).

Lease and land tenure

The statutory lease in Schedule 1 is incorporated into the Act. The Corporation (Conservation Land Corporation) must accept the lease when the land is granted under the Land Rights Act and the lease is approved on execution (s 5(1)-(3)). The lease is for 99 years (Schedule 1 cl 5) and contains detailed covenants about revenue sharing (50% of park revenue to the Land Council and annual rent, Schedule 1 cl 6), employment and training obligations (cl 17), consultation and engagement with the Jawoyn Association (cl 11(q)-(s)), cultural site protection (Schedule 1 cl 11(k)), and rights to surrender an area for a cultural centre (cl 3).

Board and Commission

The Nitmiluk Board is a corporate body (s 9). Composition and appointment are prescriptive: 13 members, of whom eight are traditional Aboriginal owners nominated by the Jawoyn Association; additional nominations come from the Director of Parks and Wildlife and from the Mayor of Katherine (s 10). The Board’s functions are to prepare plans of management, make decisions consistent with the Act and plan, protect Aboriginal rights and sites, promote Aboriginal employment and training, and enter into agreements about management of land outside the Park where traditional owners are the same (s 16).
The Parks and Wildlife Commission performs functions in relation to the Park on behalf of and subject to directions of the Board, including facilitating preparation of plans of management and controlling and managing the Park in accordance with the Act and the plan of management (s 17).

Plan of management

The Act requires a plan of management prepared by or on behalf of the Board (s 20). The plan is the primary instrument for Park governance while in force; while a plan is in effect Board, Commission and Corporation must act in accordance with it (s 24(2)). The plan must include descriptions of proposed uses, developments and facilities (s 20(6)), have regard to specified matters including protection of areas and things of significance to Aboriginals, encouragement of appropriate use and enjoyment, protection of native flora and fauna, Aboriginal employment and training, and the Commission’s functions under other Territory laws (s 20(7)). The plan may operate for up to 10 years (s 20(4)) and requires the Jawoyn Association’s written consent before being forwarded to the Minister for tabling (s 20(9)).

By-laws and regulatory scope

The Board may make by-laws for the Park (s 25(1)). The Act lists many subject matters that may be regulated: fishing, firearms, traps, declaration on entry, seizure of prohibited items, pollution, opening and closing times for non-Aboriginal access, removal of trespassers, camping, vehicles, parking charges, mooring and vessel charges, aircraft landing and use, impounding of vehicles/vessels/aircraft, licensing of commercial operators, fees for non-Aboriginal users, and provisions to permit payment in lieu of prosecution for certain offences (s 25(2), (zb), (z), (y)). By-laws must not regulate traditional Aboriginal owners’ uses (s 25(3)), except where the Board is satisfied protection of a species or habitat requires it (s 25(4)). By-laws can set maximum penalties (s 25(8)) and evidence provisions are provided (prima facie evidence that someone was in the Park at a specified time, s 25(9)). Prosecutions require written authority from the Board or its Chairman, or the Director of Parks and Wildlife (s 25(10)).

Financial architecture

Park income (fees, concessions, licences, receipts from use) paid to the Board or the Corporation are to be paid to the Commission and held by the Commission on behalf of the Board (s 27). The Commission advances money payable by the Board or Corporation in relation to the Park and the Board’s administrative costs must be expended only in accordance with Minister-approved estimates (s 28). The Board must prepare an annual report within six months of the financial year end and the Minister must table the report together with the Auditor-General’s report within six sitting days after delivery (s 26(1)-(3)). The Board nominates an employee of the Commission to be its Accountable Officer for purposes of the Financial Management Act application (s 26(4)).

Interaction with other Territory and Commonwealth law

The Act binds the Crown (s 4) and prevails over inconsistent Territory laws (s 5(4)). Selected parts of the Territory Parks Act apply to the Park as if it were a park within that Act (s 29(1)), and regulations and by-laws under the Territory Parks Act also apply to the extent they are not inconsistent with this Act, the Park’s plan of management or a by-law under this Act (s 29(2)). The Aboriginal Land Act 1978 does not apply to the Park (s 23(2)). Provisions relating to aircraft must operate consistently with Commonwealth and Territory law (s 25(5)).

Dispute and oversight mechanisms

The Legislative Assembly may disallow a plan of management within five sitting days of tabling (s 21(2)). If disallowed and then re-submitted and again disallowed, the Minister must refer the matter to an Aboriginal Land Commissioner or a three person panel to make recommendations (s 21(6)-(9)). Rent review under the lease is to be renegotiated every three years with arbitration as the fallback (Schedule 1 cl 7(1)-(3)). The Chief Minister may give general directions to the Board, but not in relation to certain Aboriginal-rights-protecting functions (s 19(1)-(2)).

Together these concepts create a layered legal regime: statutory lease plus statutory Board plus plan of management plus by-laws plus delegated operational management by the Commission, all built around a statutory protection of Aboriginal occupancy rights and consultation mechanisms with the Jawoyn Association and the Land Council.

The Act establishes a set of actors with particular roles, financial stakes and decision-making powers. Identify who pays, who decides, and who has rights.

Primary Aboriginal stakeholders

Jawoyn Association: has the statutory role of nominating eight traditional Aboriginal owner members of the Board (s 10(1)(a)), must give written consent to the Board forwarding a plan of management to the Minister (s 20(9)), and is named in Schedule 1 as the relevant Aboriginal Association and a consultation party throughout the lease covenants (Schedule 1 cll 11(q)-(s), 17, 19, 20). Economically and politically the Jawoyn Association is central: it supplies Board nominations, controls consent for plans, and is a beneficiary group under training, employment and disposal-of-equipment provisions in the lease (Schedule 1 cll 17, 21).
Land Council and Land Trust: the Land Council (Northern Land Council or successor Land Council for the area) directed the grant of the land to the Land Trust under the Land Rights Act and performs functions in relation to additions to the Park (s 7). The Land Trust is the legal lessor under the lease (Schedule 1 recitals). The Land Council has rights to require surrender of land for a cultural centre under the lease (Schedule 1 cl 3; s 33).

Statutory entities and officials

The Board: is the statutory decision-maker for plans of management and other Park decisions (ss 9, 16). The Board also makes by-laws, engages in employment decisions, and carries fiduciary responsibilities in its corporate name (s 9(2)). The Board’s composition is weighted toward traditional Aboriginal owners nominated by the Jawoyn Association (s 10(1)(a)). The Board exercises delegated powers but is subject to Chief Minister directions on some matters (s 19).
The Parks and Wildlife Commission: carries out management, day-to-day control and facilitation of plan preparation on behalf of the Board (s 17). Financially the Commission handles Park income and advances funds for Park expenditure (ss 27-28). The Commission also employs staff who may be Board members (s 10(1)(b)) and supplies an Accountable Officer for financial reporting (s 26(4)). The Commission is therefore the operational agency that funds, administers and executes Park management.
Conservation Land Corporation / Lessee: Schedule 1 names the Conservation Land Corporation as the Lessee required to accept the lease (Schedule 1 recitals; s 5(1)). The Lessee and the Commission have covenants in the lease about revenue collection, employment, training, cultural site protection, consultation with the Jawoyn Association, and preferential rights for permitted Aboriginal purchasers for disposal of Park equipment (Schedule 1 cll 11, 17, 21).

Territory Government

The Minister: appoints Board members (s 10) and must table the plan and the Board’s annual report in the Legislative Assembly (ss 20(10), 26(2)). The Minister, and through the Chief Minister, may give directions to the Board (s 19). The Board’s administrative expenditure must be in accordance with estimates approved by the Minister (s 28(2)). Hence the Territory retains appointment, budgetary and tabling oversight.
Chief Minister: can give general directions to the Board (s 19(1)), but cannot direct certain functions protecting Aboriginal rights and the content of Board advice except for confidentiality reasons (s 19(2)).

Local community and commercial interests

Residents of the Katherine area: one Board member is to be a Katherine resident appointed on nomination of the Mayor (s 10(1)(c)). The lease and plan emphasise community engagement and promotion of local Aboriginal business and employment (Schedule 1 cll 11(p), 17).
Concessionaires and commercial operators: existing concessions listed in Schedule 2 continue and, subject to s 31 and s 32, new concessions, licences and leases are to be negotiated with the Board where the plan of management so provides (s 31(1)-(3), s 32). The lease requires the Lessee and the Commission to implement licensing and induction arrangements for tour operators and commercial activities, and to collect and account for fees where imposed (Schedule 1 cl 11(t), (u)).

Visitors and the public

Any person may enter and remain in the Park except as prohibited, restricted or regulated by the Act, the plan of management or any other law in force in the Territory (s 23(1)). The Aboriginal Land Act 1978 does not apply to the Park (s 23(2)). By-laws may set opening and closing times for non-Aboriginal access (s 25(2)(j)) and permit fees to be charged for non-Aboriginal users (s 25(2)(w)).

Who pays

The Commission pays rent and revenue shares under the lease: the Commission on behalf of the Lessee pays an annual rent of $100,000 and 50 percent of park revenue to the Land Council (Schedule 1 cl 6(1)). Park income collected by the Board or Lessee goes to the Commission and is held by the Commission on behalf of the Board (s 27). The Commission advances money payable by the Board or Corporation in relation to the Park (s 28(1)). The Board’s administrative costs are to be provided by the Commission from lawfully available funds unless otherwise financed (Schedule 1 cl 18(1) and s 28).

Who decides

Day-to-day operational decisions are made by the Commission under Board directions (s 17). Strategic decisions about the Park and the plan of management, and by-laws, are the Board’s responsibility (s 16, s 25). The Minister appoints Board members (s 10) and has financial oversight over the Board’s administrative expenditure (s 28(2)). The Jawoyn Association controls nominations for the majority of Board seats and must consent to the plan before it is forwarded to the Minister (s 10(1)(a); s 20(9)), giving the Jawoyn Association significant influence over governance outcomes.

Secondary or indirect effects

Third party contractors and potential investors are affected by the lease’s covenants requiring engagement, licensing, training and a share of revenue terms that will influence business models for tour operators and other commercial activities in the Park (Schedule 1 cll 6, 11, 17, 22). Statutory protections for traditional owner access limit the Board’s scope to exclude such users, except as regulated for conservation reasons (s 25(3)-(4)). The Legislative Assembly’s ability to disallow plans (s 21) introduces a Parliamentary check that may affect planning certainty for those investing in infrastructure or long-term concession arrangements.

In sum, the Act places traditional owners and their representative Jawoyn Association at the centre of governance through Board nominations and plan consent; it places operational and financial responsibility on the Commission; it positions the Territory executive to appoint and finance the Board; and it binds commercial actors to lease and by-law frameworks that allocate revenue and require licensing and training. Financial flows and operational control are concentrated in the Commission acting for the Board while the Jawoyn Association retains formal protective levers.

The Act sets out statutory duties for the Board, Commission, Lessee and the Territory; it guarantees certain rights to traditional Aboriginal owners and prescribes constraints on executive directions.

Statutory duties and powers of the Board

Prepare plans of management for control and management of the Park and make decisions not inconsistent with the Act and the plan (s 16(a)-(b)). The Board must ensure the protection and enforcement of Aboriginal rights to use and occupy the Park and protect sites of spiritual or other importance under Aboriginal tradition (s 16(c)-(d)).
Employ staff, obtain expert advice, receive moneys and discharge them (s 18(2)). The Board may make by-laws for a wide range of matters necessary to give effect to its functions and the plan of management (s 25(1)).
The Board must give copies of minutes of meetings to each member, the Jawoyn Association, the Minister and the Land Council (s 14(5)). It must cause records of meetings to be kept (s 14(5)). It must prepare an annual operations report and forward it to the Minister within six months of the financial year end (s 26(1)).

Statutory duties and powers of the Commission

Facilitate preparation of plans of management and control and manage the Park in accordance with the Act and the plan of management on behalf of and subject to directions of the Board (s 17).
Receive and hold Park income on behalf of the Board (s 27) and advance money payable by the Board or the Corporation in relation to the Park (s 28(1)). The Commission supplies an Accountable Officer nominated by the Board for Financial Management Act purposes (s 26(4)).

Lessee’s obligations under the lease (Schedule 1)

Pay annual rent ($100,000) and 50 percent of park revenue to the Land Council (Schedule 1 cl 6(1)).
Collect and account for fees and charges where imposed, subject to the plan (Schedule 1 cl 11(u)). Implement a licensing and induction scheme for tour operators in consultation with the Jawoyn Association and subject to the plan (cl 11(t)).
Take practical steps to ensure compliance with the Act, regulations, the lease and the plan (cl 11(a)); promote and protect interests of relevant Aboriginals and sacred sites, encourage maintenance of Aboriginal tradition and promote Aboriginal training and employment (cl 11(j)-(o)).
Provide cross-cultural training for staff and give preference to Aboriginal people, companies and organisations for leases, licences and employment where practicable and subject to law (cl 17(g), (h), (i)).

Rights preserved for Aboriginal people

Traditional Aboriginal owners and Aboriginals entitled by Aboriginal tradition have a statutorily preserved right to use and occupy the Park at all times subject to this Act and the plan of management (s 8). The lease expressly reserves traditional rights for hunting, food gathering (not for sale), ceremonial and religious use, and the right to reside at locations specified in the plan of management together with access for families and invitees (Schedule 1 cl 2). By-laws may not prohibit or regulate use by traditional Aboriginal owners or their possession of customary fishing equipment unless the Board is protecting a species or habitat under s 25(4).

Planning and consent rights

The Board must ensure that a plan of management is prepared and in doing so must have regard to protection of Aboriginal significant areas, limitations imposed by Aboriginal tradition, employment and training of Aboriginals and other matters listed in s 20(7). The Board must secure the Jawoyn Association’s written consent before forwarding the plan to the Minister for tabling (s 20(9)), which gives the Jawoyn Association a veto at that stage unless it waives consent.

Executive direction and limits

The Chief Minister may give general written directions to the Board, but the Chief Minister may not give directions relating to certain functions: the preparation of plans (subject to s 20(7)(j)), protection and enforcement of Aboriginal rights under s 16(c)-(d), or the content of Board advice except for confidentiality reasons (s 19(1)-(2)). Directions given must be laid before the Assembly within six sitting days, except where they would disclose matters required by Aboriginal tradition to be held sacred or secret (s 19(3)-(4)).

By-law powers and enforcement duties

The Board may make by-laws to regulate access, conduct, safety, vehicles, vessels and aircraft, fees for non-Aboriginal users, seizure and impounding of property, and to allow specified contraventions to be dealt with by payment in lieu of prosecution (s 25(2), (zb), (z), (y)). By-laws may provide maximum penalties up to 40 penalty units and daily penalties up to 8 penalty units for continuing offences (s 25(8)). In prosecutions for a by-law offence an averment that at a specified time a person was in the Park is prima facie evidence of that fact (s 25(9)). A prosecution cannot be commenced without written authority of the Board or its Chairman, or the Director of Parks and Wildlife (s 25(10)).

Financial duties and constraints

The Board must operate within Financial Management Act procedures applied to it (s 26(3)) and the Board’s administrative costs must be expended only according to Minister-approved estimates (s 28(2)). Money payable by the Board must be advanced by the Commission (s 28(1)). The Board must forward its annual report, and financial statements must be audited and tabled (s 26(1)-(3)). The Board’s financial autonomy is therefore limited by Commission control of cash flows and Ministerial oversight of estimates.

Lease dispute and termination rights

The lease provides an express commercial mechanism for rent review with arbitration as fall-back (Schedule 1 cl 7). It also contains a clause that the enactment of an amendment to the Act, or regulations or other Acts inconsistent with the lease and substantially detrimental to the Lessor or relevant Aboriginals, can be treated as a breach allowing the lessor to terminate the lease on 180 days’ notice (Schedule 1 cl 9). The lease may otherwise be terminated by agreement (cl 14(a)).

Duties of consultation and training

The Lessee and the Commission covenant to consult regularly with the Jawoyn Association, to provide training programmes and cross-cultural courses for staff, to aim for significant Aboriginal employment targets (25% of positions within five years and to seek majority Aboriginal occupancy of permanent positions at the earliest practicable opportunity), and to prioritise Aboriginal businesses in licensing and contracting subject to law (Schedule 1 cll 17, 19). These are operational duties that link Park employment and commercial opportunity to the Jawoyn community.

In short, the Act allocates decision-making across the Board, Commission and Minister, embeds statutory protections and usage rights for traditional Aboriginal owners, constrains Ministerial direction on certain cultural-protection functions, imposes revenue and employment obligations on the Lessee and Commission, and creates regulatory enforcement tools via by-laws and penalty structures.

The Act and its By-laws regime create a mixed enforcement architecture combining administrative sanctions, civil-type seizure powers and criminal penalties available under by-laws. Enforcement is constrained by authorisation requirements and Board-controlled processes.

By-law penalty framework

By-laws made under s 25 may provide a maximum penalty up to 40 penalty units and a maximum daily penalty up to 8 penalty units for continuing offences (s 25(8)). The Act does not itself list specific penalties for particular infringements; instead, by-laws may be used to impose both fixed and continuing penalties for specific regulated conduct.

Alternative payment in lieu of prosecution

The Act allows a by-law to enable a person alleged to have contravened certain provisions (littering; use of vehicles or vessels; parking or stopping of vehicles; mooring or landing of vessels; landing, use or flying of aircraft) to pay a specified sum to the Board as an alternative to prosecution (s 25(2)(zb)). This provides an administrative disposal pathway for a subset of contraventions that might otherwise lead to criminal prosecution.

Seizure, impounding and removal powers

By-laws may provide for seizure of fishing equipment, firearms, ammunition and traps reasonably suspected of being carried or used in contravention (s 25(2)(f)), and for removal and impounding of vehicles, vessels or aircraft left in contravention or abandoned (s 25(2)(z)). By-laws may also provide for removal from the Park of trespassers or persons reasonably believed to have contravened the Act, a by-law or the plan of management (s 25(2)(m)).

Prima facie evidence and prosecutorial gatekeeping

In proceedings for an offence against a by-law, an averment in the information that, at a specified time, a person was in the Park or a particular part of the Park is prima facie evidence of that fact (s 25(9)). This evidence rule lowers the evidentiary burden on prosecutions concerning presence in the Park at a given time.
A prosecution for an offence against a by-law cannot be commenced except with the written authority of the Board or its Chairman, or the Director of Parks and Wildlife (s 25(10)). That requirement centralises prosecutorial discretion and can create an administrative gate to criminal proceedings.

Interaction with Territory Parks Act enforcement

Parts IV and VIII and specified sections of the Territory Parks Act apply to the Park as though it were a park under that Act (s 29(1)). Regulations and by-laws under the Territory Parks Act also apply to the Park to the extent they are not inconsistent with the Park’s plan or a by-law under this Act (s 29(2)). This layering can mean additional enforcement options and penalties may be available under Territory Parks law, subject to consistency.

Limits on regulatory reach regarding Aboriginal customary use

By-laws cannot prohibit or regulate the use by a traditional Aboriginal owner or an Aboriginal entitled by Aboriginal tradition to the use or occupation of the Park, nor prohibit the possession or use of customary traps, nets or fishing equipment used for subsistence and not for sale (s 25(3)), except where the Board is satisfied that protection of a species in danger of extinction requires regulation or prohibition (s 25(4)). This constitutionalises a high-level constraint on enforcement where customary rights are implicated.

Alternative dispute and oversight mechanisms

The lease contains an arbitration mechanism for rent disputes under Schedule 1 cl 7(3). The plan of management is subject to Parliamentary oversight: the Legislative Assembly may disallow a plan within five sitting days (s 21(2)), and disallowed plans may be referred to an Aboriginal Land Commissioner or a three-person panel for recommendations (s 21(6)-(9)). These procedures provide non-criminal dispute resolution avenues for contested matters concerning planning and revenue.

Administrative and budgetary controls that affect enforcement capacity

The Commission holds the Park’s income on behalf of the Board (s 27) and advances funds payable by the Board (s 28(1)). The Board’s administrative expenditure must be in accordance with Minister-approved estimates (s 28(2)) and the Board’s financial activities are subject to application of Financial Management Act provisions (s 26(3)). These arrangements may constrain resourcing for enforcement activities because the Board’s ability to fund enforcement staff or operational responses depends on Commission advances and Ministerial approval of budgets.

Practical implications for enforcement

The combination of a prima facie evidence rule for presence in the Park, seizure and impounding powers, and a payment-in-lieu scheme creates options for administratively efficient enforcement of specified low-level offences. However, the requirement for written authority before commencing prosecutions centralises prosecutorial discretion and could delay or limit criminal enforcement depending on how the Board or the Director exercises that authority. Enforcement actions that would impact customary users are restricted except for species-protection reasons, which imposes an evidentiary and decision-making threshold on regulators seeking to limit Aboriginal activities.

In summary, the Act enables a comprehensive enforcement regime for the Park via by-laws and application of Territory Parks Act provisions, supports administrative disposal options for certain contraventions and centralises prosecutorial initiation under Board or Director authority, while explicitly protecting customary Aboriginal use subject to narrow conservation exceptions. The Board and the Commission’s resourcing controls through budget approvals and Commission advances are operational levers that will affect enforcement capacity.

The Act expressly defines its relationship with Territory and Commonwealth laws, the Land Rights Act, the Territory Parks Act and the Planning Act, and it incorporates the lease as a primary legal instrument governing the Park. The interplay produces both precedence and carve-outs.

Priority and Crown binding

The Act binds the Crown in right of the Territory and, to the limit of Legislative Assembly legislative power, the Crown in all its capacities (s 4). Where a provision of another Territory law is inconsistent with this Act, this Act prevails and the inconsistent provision has no effect to the extent of the inconsistency (s 5(4)). That gives the Act legislative supremacy within the Territory law hierarchy on matters of inconsistency.

Land Rights Act and related definitions

Several key terms and rights are defined by reference to the Commonwealth Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (the Land Rights Act), including Aboriginal tradition, traditional Aboriginal owners and Land Trust concepts (s 3). The land subject to the lease is granted under the Land Rights Act to the Land Trust; the lease’s commencement is triggered by that grant and the Corporation’s acceptance (s 5(1)). The Act therefore depends on Commonwealth land grant mechanisms and uses Land Rights Act definitions to anchor who holds traditional ownership and related rights.

Exclusions and inclusions of other Territory Acts

The Aboriginal Land Act 1978 does not apply to or in relation to the Park (s 23(2)). This is an explicit carve-out removing a potential body of Territory law from operating on the Park land.
The Act applies specified parts of the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976 (Territory Parks Act) to the Park as though it were a park under that Act (s 29(1)). Additionally, regulations and by-laws made under the Territory Parks Act apply to the Park to the extent they are not inconsistent with the Park’s plan or a by-law under this Act (s 29(2)). The effect is that the Park inherits certain regulatory and enforcement provisions from the broader Territory parks regime, creating overlapping administrative instruments.

Planning Act and subdivision treatment

The Act provides that the lease and any addition to the Park is not a subdivision or consolidation for the purposes of the Planning Act 1999 (s 5(5)). That is a specific exclusion from the Planning Act’s subdivision rules, which affects how land-use planning processes apply to the Park. The Nitmiluk Act therefore creates a special planning status for the Park and its leasehold boundaries.

Commonwealth law limits

By-law provisions concerning flying of aircraft over the Park do not have force to the extent that they are inconsistent with a law of the Commonwealth or Territory (s 25(5)). However, the provision clarifies that a by-law provision is not taken to be inconsistent if it can be complied with without contravening Commonwealth or Territory law. This recognises the Commonwealth’s aviation regulatory competence and ensures by-laws do not attempt to regulate in an area pre-empted by Commonwealth law.

Financial Management Act

Section 26 applies section 10 of the Financial Management Act 1995 to the Board as if its activities were a Government Business Division, and requires the Board to nominate an employee of the Commission to be its Accountable Officer (s 26(3)-(4)). This integration subjects the Board’s financial reporting and accountability to Territory financial management procedures.

Lease as contractual + statutory instrument

The Memorandum of Lease in Schedule 1 is made statutory by s 5 and becomes the operative lease. The lease contains commercial mechanisms such as rent, revenue sharing, rent review with arbitration and termination rights linked to legislative changes deemed substantially detrimental to the Lessor or relevant Aboriginals (Schedule 1 cl 6-9). The lease interacts with the Act in that the Act authorises parties to give effect to the lease (s 5(3)) and treats the lease as approved on execution (s 5(2)). Clause 8 of the lease expressly conditions the lease on the commencement of the Act, and clause 9 treats certain legislative changes as a contractual breach, meaning the lease contains its own legal protections against detrimental statutory or regulatory change.

Parliamentary oversight and Administrative law

The plan of management must be tabled in the Legislative Assembly by the Minister (s 20(10)). The Legislative Assembly may disallow a plan within five sitting days (s 21(2)). If disallowed, the Minister may refer the matter to an Aboriginal Land Commissioner or a three-person panel to make recommendations (s 21(6)-(9)). These parliamentary processes interact with administrative law review possibilities, although the Act’s text does not specify judicial review mechanisms; standard administrative law remedies may still be available subject to statutory exclusions and privative language if enacted elsewhere, but the Act itself provides internal review and arbitration routes.

Existing contracts and future concessions

Existing arrangements with concessionaires in force immediately before the lease commencement continue as if the Board were a party (s 31(1)). Renewals and future concessions are to be made with the Board (s 31(2)). Where the plan of management provides, the Board may instruct the Commission or Corporation to grant an estate or interest or issue a licence in respect of activities in the Park, subject to the Land Rights Act (s 32). Thus contractual relations with third parties are transitioned into the Board-led regime.

Net effect

The Act creates a statutory regime that both relies on and supersedes other laws. It draws core rights and definitions from the Commonwealth Land Rights Act, incorporates and prioritises its own lease over inconsistent Territory laws, imports selected Territory Parks Act provisions, excludes some Territory Acts, and subjects the Board to Territory financial reporting obligations. Dispute resolution mechanisms are provided inside the Act and the lease (arbitration, Parliamentary reconsideration panels), and the lease uses contractual language to protect Aboriginal stakeholders against certain legislative changes. The interplay of these instruments gives the Park a distinct legal status with embedded Aboriginal governance participation, while maintaining Territory administrative oversight.

The Act has been amended multiple times since assent in 1989. The Endnotes in the printed text record the legislative history and identify specific amending Acts and their effects. The key amendments recorded in the provided Endnotes are as follows; where the Endnotes identify particular sections amended, that detail is noted.

Principal legislative milestones

Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 (Act No. 33, 1989) Assent 4 July 1989; Commenced 1 August 1989. This is the original enactment containing the lease schedule and the initial governance and management provisions.

Subsequent amending Acts listed in Endnotes

Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Amendment Act 1993 (Act No. 87, 1993) Assent 31 December 1993; Commenced 31 December 1993. Endnotes record s 7 as amended by No. 87 of 1993 (see endnote 3 which references savings and transitional provisions s 7 of the 1999 amendment; endnote 5 lists s 5 and s 7 amendments in the consolidated list). The 1993 Act is cited in the table at the front as amending provisions related to additions to the Park.
Planning (Consequential Amendments) Act 1993 (Act No. 86, 1993) Assent 31 December 1993; commenced 18 April 1994. Endnotes link this Act to s 5 amendments (s 5 amended by No. 86, 1993, s 3).
Financial Management (Consequential Amendments) Act 1995 (Act No. 5, 1995) Assent 21 March 1995; Commenced 1 April 1995. This amending Act is recorded as substituting s 26 (Endnote 5: s 26 sub No. 5, 1995, s 19). The substitution indicates integration of Financial Management Act provisions with Board financial reporting and accountability.
Parks and Wildlife Commission (Consequential Amendments) Act 1995 (Act No. 46, 1995) Assent 15 November 1995; Commenced 29 November 1995. Endnotes indicate s 3 amended by No. 46, 1995 (this potentially relates to terminology aligning with the Commission).
Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Amendment Act 1999 (Act No. 64, 1999) Assent 14 December 1999; Commenced 7 June 2000. Endnotes show multiple amendments: lt (long title) amended by No. 64, 1999, s 4; s 10, s 16 and other sections amended by No. 64, 1999 (s 5, s 6 respectively). The 1999 amendments likely updated Board composition provisions (s 10) and functions (s 16) as indicated in the list.
Land Title (Consequential Amendments) Act 2000 (Act No. 45, 2000) Assent 12 September 2000; Commenced 1 December 2000. Section 7 was amended by No. 45, 2000, s 11 (Endnote 5).
Statute Law Revision Act 2005 (Act No. 44, 2005) Assent 14 December 2005; Commenced 14 December 2005. Several formal, consequential or typographical amendments were made to sections including s 3, s 10 and s 16 as noted (Endnote 5; also general amendments recorded at Endnote 4).
Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Amendment Act 1993 and later acts are recorded in the Endnotes list and the consolidated Act notes specific sections as having been amended by various Acts (Endnote 5 provides a list mapping sections to amending Acts).
Penalties Amendment (Miscellaneous) Act 2013 (Act No. 23, 2013) Assent 12 July 2013; Commenced 28 August 2013. The Endnotes confirm s 25 was amended by No. 23, 2013, s 18. The 2013 amendment likely adjusted penalty unit amounts or by-law penalty structures as reflected in s 25’s current form including penalty unit references.

Formal consolidation and interpretation amendments

The Interpretation Legislation Amendment Act 2018 (Act No. 22, 2018) is recorded as making general formal amendments of a technical nature to ss 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 23, 26 and 30 and Schedule 1 (Endnote 4). These are described as general amendments of a formal nature in the Endnotes and likely relate to modernising references, citation styles or cross-references.

Endnote mapping of particular provisions

Endnote 5 lists specific section amendments: for example, s 3 was amended by No. 46, 1995, s 3 and No. 44, 2005, s 29; s 5 was amended by No. 86, 1993, s 3; s 7 was substituted by No. 87, 1993, s 2 and amended by No. 45, 2000, s 11; s 10 was amended by No. 64, 1999, s 5 and No. 44, 2005, s 29; s 16 was amended by No. 64, 1999, s 6; s 25 amended by No. 44, 2005, s 29 and No. 23, 2013, s 18; s 26 was substituted by No. 5, 1995, s 19.

Savings and transitional provisions

Endnote 3 notes s 7 of the Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Amendment Act 1999 provided savings and transitional provisions. The specifics of those saving provisions are in the amending Act itself and the consolidated Endnotes flag that transitional measures accompanied the 1999 changes.

Practical reading

The consolidated Act as provided already incorporates these amendments. The schedule of amendments means some original wording has been updated, Board composition and financial management provisions were revised post-enactment, and penalty structures were updated as recently as 2013 to align penalty unit schemes.

For users requiring legislative history for litigation, procurement or negotiation, the Endnotes supply a map of amendments and the Acts to consult for full amendment texts. The Act’s approach to protecting the lease from certain hostile legislative changes is notable: Schedule 1 cl 9 treats enactment of amendments inconsistent with the lease and substantially detrimental to the lessor or relevant Aboriginals as a breach, creating a contractualized legislative risk management clause that interacts with later amendments. Any practitioner relying on historical provisions should consult the cited amending Acts (1993, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2013 and any subsequent instruments) and the Land Rights Act where definitions and land grants originate.

The statute and schedules provided do not cite or summarise any judicial decisions interpreting the Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989. The Endnotes list amending legislation and transitional provisions but do not refer to any cases. Therefore the provided text contains no recorded litigation history to analyse or cite.

What the Act itself provides in respect of dispute resolution and potential sources of litigation

Plan disallowance and review mechanisms: the Legislative Assembly may disallow a plan of management within five sitting days of tabling (s 21(2)). If the Assembly disallows a plan and the Board re-submits the plan and it is again disallowed, s 21(6) requires the Minister to refer the plan to either an Aboriginal Land Commissioner appointed under the Land Rights Act or a three-person panel appointed by the Minister for recommendations. Those recommendations may be tabled and treated as an amended plan (s 21(9)). These legislative procedures create administrative processes that could generate judicial review litigation if a party alleged failure to follow statutory steps, breach of natural justice or ultra vires conduct in preparing the plan, although the Act itself does not depict any specific cases.
Arbitration under the lease: Schedule 1 cl 7(3) provides that where rent cannot be agreed upon at review, the dispute will be referred to arbitration under the Commercial Arbitration Act 1985. Arbitration awards can be judicially enforced in accordance with the Arbitration Act framework, so rent-review disputes could generate judicial enforcement proceedings. The lease also contains an express restriction that, except for cl 7, the Commercial Arbitration Act 1985 does not apply to the lease (Schedule 1 cl 24(2)), which narrows arbitration exposure to rent reviews and suggests other disputes may require different remedies.
Termination claims under the lease: Schedule 1 cl 9 treats certain legislative changes as breaches allowing termination after 180 days’ notice and negotiatory obligations. Such a clause could generate declaratory or injunctive litigation about whether a legislative amendment is “substantially detrimental” to the Lessor or relevant Aboriginals, whether termination notice complied with the lease and whether parties engaged in bona fide negotiations as required. These are contractual issues that may reach courts if contested.
Enforcement and by-law prosecutions: the Act centralises authority to commence prosecutions for by-law offences by requiring written authority from the Board or its Chairman or the Director of Parks and Wildlife (s 25(10)). Challenges may arise around whether prosecutions were properly authorised, or whether by-laws were made within power, raising potential judicial review or statutory construction disputes.
Administrative constraints and prohibited direction areas: s 19(2) prohibits the Chief Minister from directing the Board on certain functions related to Aboriginal rights and protection of sacred sites, and from directing the contents of Board advice except to protect confidentiality. Potential litigation could concern whether a purported direction impinged upon these protected areas.

Absence of reported cases in the statute

The provided consolidated Act does not include a schedule of cases or references to judicial decisions. For litigation history a practitioner would need to search court databases, Land Courts, Federal Court and Northern Territory courts for cases involving the Nitmiluk Park, the Board, the Jawoyn Association, the lease, or disputes under the Land Rights Act as it applies to this site.

Practical note for users

Given the governance model,statutory Board with strong Jawoyn representation, a long-term lease containing arbitration and termination clauses, Parliamentary plan disallowance procedures and required consultation steps,typical litigation vectors would include (a) judicial review of plan-making and procedural fairness, (b) contract and arbitration enforcement concerning rent and financial covenants, (c) declaratory relief about the scope and enforceability of the lease termination clause in response to legislative changes, and (d) criminal or civil litigation arising from enforcement of by-laws or removal/impounding of property. The Act’s built-in dispute mechanisms (arbitration and the panel for plan disagreements) and Parliamentary checks are designed to manage some of these conflicts administratively, but whether they have been used or litigated would require searching legal databases and court records beyond the provided statute.

Because no specific cases are included in the provided text, this section records the absence of litigation references here and identifies the statutory dispute-resolution paths that would be relevant conduits to litigation if contested.

This Act contains several provisions that create operational contingencies and potential pitfalls for implementers, concessionaires, the Board, and the Territory. These are concrete, source-grounded features to watch.

Board composition and quorum mechanics

The Board must have 13 members with eight traditional Aboriginal owners nominated by the Jawoyn Association (s 10(1)(a)). A quorum is seven members, of whom at least four must be members appointed under s 10(1)(a) (s 14(3)(b)). This creates a structural dependency: if Jawoyn nominees are not appointed, or if several are absent, the Board may lack a quorum and be unable to transact business. The Jawoyn Association may appoint acting members where a nominated member is unable to perform duties (s 10(5)-(6)), but failure to manage nominations can freeze decision-making.

Jawoyn Association consent required for plan tabling

The Board must obtain the Jawoyn Association’s written consent, given by resolution, before forwarding a plan of management to the Minister for tabling (s 20(9)). That effectively gives the Jawoyn Association a consent veto before Parliamentary consideration and can stall plan tabling if not secured. Practitioners should note that the Jawoyn Association’s internal processes and timing will directly affect plan timelines.

Minister and Chief Minister directions are limited but centralised

The Chief Minister can give general directions to the Board (s 19(1)), but not in relation to specified Aboriginal-rights-protecting functions (s 19(2)). The Chief Minister must lay directions before the Assembly within six sitting days (s 19(3)), but may withhold disclosure of matters required by Aboriginal tradition to be held sacred or secret (s 19(4)). Users should be aware that political direction can influence Board activity in non-protected areas, and that the Board must comply with those directions.

Financial flows concentrated through the Commission and Minister-approved estimates

Park income is paid to the Commission and held on behalf of the Board (s 27). The Commission advances money payable by the Board (s 28(1)) and the Board may not expend money on administrative costs other than in accordance with Minister-approved estimates (s 28(2)). Additionally, the Board’s accountable officer must be an employee of the Commission (s 26(4)). These arrangements reduce the Board’s direct financial autonomy and subject its operations to Commission control and Ministerial budgeting processes.

Lease clause treating legislative change as breach

Schedule 1 cl 9 provides that enactment of any amendment to the Act, or the making of any regulations or other Acts inconsistent with the lease and substantially detrimental to the Lessor or relevant Aboriginals, will be deemed a breach of the lease permitting termination on 180 days’ notice. This clause creates an unusual contractual protection against adverse legislative change. It may constrain later legislative flexibility, generate political and legal friction when reforms are proposed, and produce disputes about whether a particular amendment is “substantially detrimental”.

Revenue-sharing mechanics and commercial incentives

The Lessee must pay 50 percent of park revenue to the Land Council quarterly and an annual rent (Schedule 1 cl 6). “Park revenue” includes receipts from fees and sums obtained from grants of estates or interests or licences (cl 6(2)). This revenue split directly affects the Commission’s and Lessee’s commercial incentives when setting fees, granting concessions or issuing licences. Commercial operators should factor the 50 percent revenue share into their business models and reconcile revenue recognition and accounting to avoid disputes.

By-laws and prosecution gatekeeping

By-laws may provide for payment in lieu of prosecution for certain contraventions (s 25(2)(zb)), which is administratively efficient but also creates potential for inconsistent application. Critically, prosecutions for by-law offences cannot commence without written authority of the Board or its Chairman or the Director of Parks and Wildlife (s 25(10)). If the Board or Director is reluctant to authorise prosecutions, enforcement may be limited; conversely, discretionary authorisation may raise natural justice concerns in sensitive cases.

Protection of traditional practice versus conservation emergencies

By-laws cannot prevent traditional Aboriginal owners from using customary fishing equipment or occupying the Park (s 25(3)), but the Board may regulate or prohibit such use if satisfied a protected animal or plant is in danger of extinction (s 25(4)). Determinations of “in danger of extinction” can produce contestation and require the Board to document ecological evidence. This is a threshold that may be litigated if customary practices are restricted.

Planning disallowance window and Parliamentary uncertainty

The Legislative Assembly has five sitting days to disallow a plan after tabling (s 21(2)). That creates a narrow but real window for Parliamentary intervention that can disrupt management certainty. If a plan is disallowed and re-submitted then again disallowed, the s 21(6) panel process can extend the timeline and introduce further uncertainty for concessions, infrastructure or investment decisions.

Existing concessions and renewal limitations

Existing arrangements listed in Schedule 2 remain in effect and are to be treated as if the Board were party to them (s 31(1)). Renewals, however, must be made with the Board (s 31(2)), and new concessions are subject to s 32 and the plan of management. This transition can create surprises for concessionaires who must adapt to Board-led renewal processes and the plan’s rules.

Cross-cultural and employment obligations

The lease places concrete employment and training objectives on the Lessee and the Commission (Schedule 1 cl 17): within five years the Commission is to employ Aboriginal people in at least 25 percent of positions and the parties should actively seek to have a majority of permanent positions held by suitably qualified Aboriginals as soon as practicable. These are operational obligations that could affect staffing structures and recruitment timelines. Failure to meet these expectations could generate disputes with the Jawoyn Association.

Planning Act non-application nuance

Clause s 5(5) states the lease and any addition to the Park is not a subdivision or consolidation for Planning Act 1999 purposes. This special treatment may simplify tenure administration but can cause friction with municipal planning expectations and third-party development consent frameworks.

These “gotchas” point to specific implementation risks: governance paralysis if Jawoyn nominees are not available; budgetary constraints limiting enforcement; legislative-termination lease friction; revenue-share impacts on commercial viability; prosecution authorisation bottlenecks; and the need to reconcile conservation evidence with customary rights. Address these by front-loading Jawoyn Association engagement, clarifying budget lines and enforcement delegation, ensuring transparent accounting for park revenue, and carefully documenting conservation bases for any restrictions on customary use.

This section outlines practical, source-grounded steps for the principal actors to comply with the Act and the lease. Each instruction cites the statutory source to the extent the Act or lease prescribes procedure.

For the Board

Ensure proper composition and appointment: secure the Minister’s appointments (s 10) and maintain eight Jawoyn-nominated traditional owner members. Where a member is or is about to become unable to perform duties, coordinate with the Jawoyn Association for acting appointments (s 10(5)-(6)). Immediately publish appointment notices in the Gazette after appointment (s 10(3)).
Conduct meetings with quorum rules in view: seven members, including at least four Jawoyn-appointed members, constitute a quorum (s 14(3)(b)). Accept and manage written general authorities to vote (proxies) as these count for quorum (s 14(4)).
Prepare and follow a plan of management: initiate a draft, publish a Gazette notice stating the draft has been prepared and invite representations with at least one month’s response time (s 20(1)-(3)). Ensure the plan specifies a cessation date not later than ten years after Park establishment (s 20(4)). Obtain the Jawoyn Association’s written consent by resolution before forwarding the plan to the Minister (s 20(9)).
Keep minutes and distribute them promptly: provide copies of minutes to Board members, the Jawoyn Association, the Minister and the Land Council after each meeting (s 14(5)).
Apply financial controls: nominate an accountable officer from the Commission (s 26(4)), prepare annual operational reports within six months of financial year end and forward them to the Minister (s 26(1)). Ensure expenditure of Board administrative funds follows Minister-approved estimates (s 28(2)).

For the Commission

Facilitate plan preparation and manage day-to-day operations in accordance with Board directions and the plan of management (s 17). Document Board directions and management actions to ensure traceability.
Collect and hold Park income on behalf of the Board (s 27). Keep transparent, audited accounts for fees, charges and concession income defined as park revenue in Schedule 1 cl 6(2).
Advance funds for Park administration and for Board expenditure as required and consistent with Ministerial budget approvals (s 28(1)).
Nominate and maintain an accountable officer to meet Financial Management Act reporting obligations (s 26(4)).

For the Lessee (Conservation Land Corporation)

Accept the lease and perform covenants: the lease becomes operative on execution and the Lessee must perform covenants set out throughout Schedule 1 (s 5(1); Schedule 1 cl 8). Pay the annual rent ($100,000) in advance and remit 50 percent of park revenue quarterly to the Land Council as required (Schedule 1 cl 6(1)).
Implement collection and accounting systems: collect fees or charges where imposed consistent with the plan (Schedule 1 cl 11(u)). Ensure transparent auditing and timely remittance of revenue shares.
Implement employment and training obligations: develop and operationalise the Aboriginal training programme and recruitment priorities, providing resources and cross-cultural education within timelines agreed (Schedule 1 cl 17, cl 19(4)).
Ensure consultation with the Jawoyn Association for relevant policies, licensing/induction schemes for tour operators and educational/interpretive policy formulation (Schedule 1 cll 11(q), (r), (t), 22).
Maintain insurance and carry self-insurance risks where stipulated; pay agreed registration and stamp duty costs (Schedule 1 cl 11(c), (e), (f)).

For the Jawoyn Association and Land Council

Nominate Board members in a timely manner and maintain resolution-based consent processes for plans of management (s 10(1)(a); s 20(9)). Engage with the Board at planning stage to expedite plan consent and provide clarity about cultural site confidentiality needs.
Monitor lease-related financial flows: ensure timely receipt of the annual rent and the 50 percent revenue share from the Commission/Lessee as per Schedule 1 cl 6 and that allocations are properly accounted for.

For concessionaires and commercial operators

Review existing arrangements in Schedule 2 and confirm status with the Board and Commission (s 31(1)). For renewals, engage early with the Board because renewals must be made with the Board (s 31(2)).
If proposing new concessions, ensure the plan of management allows the activity and prepare to obtain licences or leases in accordance with the plan and Board instructions (s 32). Expect the Board’s licensing and induction scheme requirements for tour operators (Schedule 1 cl 11(t)).

For enforcement officers and legal advisers

Ensure by-law prosecutions have proper written authority from the Board or its Chairman or the Director of Parks and Wildlife before instituting proceedings (s 25(10)).
Use the payment-in-lieu option where by-laws provide it for specific contraventions, documenting the offer and receipt procedure (s 25(2)(zb)).
If seizing equipment or impounding vehicles, follow by-law requirements for reasonable suspicion and provide necessary notices in accordance with the relevant by-law instruments (s 25(2)(f), (z)).

Administrative compliance timelines to observe

Draft plan of management consultation: allow at least one month from Gazette notice for representations (s 20(2)(b)).
Plan operation period: plan must specify a cessation date not later than 10 years after Park establishment and renewal planning should begin before expiry (s 20(4)-(5)).
Board annual report: prepare within six months of financial year end and ensure the Minister tables it with the Auditor-General’s report within six sitting days after delivery (s 26(1)-(2)).
Rent review: renegotiate every three years with negotiations commencing within three months of the review date; if no agreement refer to arbitration under the Commercial Arbitration Act for determination (Schedule 1 cl 7(1)-(3)). Maintain interim rent payments equal to previous year until resolution and adjust when new rent is determined (cl 7(6)).

Record-keeping and documentation

Maintain copies of all plans, by-laws, leases, licences, concession agreements and minutes; ensure the Commission lodges copies of any agreements for additions to the Park with the Registrar-General where no lease is to be granted (s 7(4)).
For cultural sites and information required to be held secret by Aboriginal tradition, ensure confidentiality protocols consistent with s 19(4) and plan provisions.

Risk mitigation practicalities

Document cultural-protection reasons for any restriction on customary use in the plan, and retain ecological evidence before adopting by-laws that restrict customary activities (s 25(4)).
For budget and enforcement capacity, secure Minister-approved estimates early and coordinate with the Commission for funding advances to avoid suspension of functions (s 28(2); s 28(1)).

Following the Act’s prescriptions, the parties should coordinate early, document consent and consultation, maintain robust financial and record-keeping systems, and allow time for Parliamentary and arbitration procedures where applicable.

Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989

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Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989

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1 Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989

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