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
Section 1 - Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 - Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park Act 1989 | Zoe
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