Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden Management Plan 2020 | Zoe

Deep Dive

5,439 words · generated 13/06/2026

What it does

This document is the Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden Management Plan 2020, a ten year Commonwealth reserve management plan prepared under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Mechanically, the plan:

Establishes the plan’s short title and operation rules, including commencement and a ten year expiry unless superseded (1.1; 1.2). It comes into operation after Ministerial approval under s.370 of the EPBC Act or the day after registration under the Legislation Act 2003, whichever is later (1.2).
Assigns IUCN protected area categories to the reserves and provides for zoning consistent with those categories (1.3). The plan records that the Norfolk Island National Park purposes align with IUCN category II (national park) and the Botanic Garden with IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area), and explains that a management plan must not be inconsistent with the management principles for the assigned IUCN category (s.367(1), s.367(3) as cited in 1.3).
Sets specific policy objectives, desired outcomes and measurable performance indicators across natural and cultural heritage, tourism and use, and business systems (Objectives, Resilient places and ecosystems, Tourism and use, Effective business systems).
Specifies operational prescriptions and actions that the Director of National Parks may take, or authorise others to take by permit, contract, lease or licence, including actions otherwise prohibited by the EPBC Act or Regulations for particular purposes such as managing the botanic garden living and herbarium collections (2.3.3; 4.8.1-4.8.4).
Constrains certain research and commercial activities by referencing EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations requirements: research that involves taking, keeping, injuring, killing or moving native species, or is for commercial purposes, is prohibited except where provided for by, and carried out in accordance with, this plan or a permit (r.12.10 of the EPBC Regulations; ss.354 and 354A as discussed in 2.4).
Confers decision-making roles: the Director administers, manages and controls the reserves and must exercise powers so as to give effect to the plan (Appendix B; 4.8 background). The plan also establishes the Norfolk Island National Park Advisory Committee (NINPAC) as an advisory body to the Director (4.7).
Creates authorisation pathways for third parties: commercial operators may be authorised to carry out activities under licence or permit; leases, subleases and licences may be granted in accordance with the plan (3.3; 4.8.3; note s.358(2) EPBC Act is referenced).
Provides operational rules for community resource use, including explicit permissions and prohibitions. For example, non-commercial taking of guava and lemons is allowed without permit (2.5.1), while other taking is permitted only with a permit (2.5.2) and sooty tern egg collection is subject to prohibition except in specified circumstances linked to Phillip Island (2.5.3).
Sets obligations on funding, fees and charges. The Director’s administration is funded from the Australian National Parks Fund (4.9) and the Director may collect charges for reserve activities subject to Ministerial approval under s.356A of the EPBC Act (4.9 background).
Deals with compliance: the plan contemplates appointment of rangers and wardens with statutory powers, identifies ex officio wardens (Australian Federal Police and special members of the Australian Border Force) and recognises concurrent operation of Norfolk Island laws to the extent they can operate with the EPBC Act (4.6).

The plan is an instrument that translates EPBC Act statutory requirements and IUCN principles into specific prescriptions, authorisation processes and operational priorities for the Norfolk Island National Park and Botanic Garden.

Main concepts

The plan operates around a handful of interlocking legal and management concepts.

IUCN categorisation and zoning. Under the EPBC Act a management plan must assign IUCN categories and must not be inconsistent with the management principles for those categories (1.3). The plan applies category II to the National Park (preservation and public enjoyment) and category IV to the Botanic Garden (species/habitat management), and contemplates division into zones each assigned an IUCN category where appropriate (1.3).

Director-centric authorisation. The Director of National Parks is the central decision maker and manager. The plan repeatedly frames actions as those the Director may take directly or authorise others to undertake by permit, contract, lease, licence or letter (2.3.3; 4.8.1-4.8.4). The Director’s statutory identity (corporation-sole s.514A) and functions under s.514B of the EPBC Act are noted in the Appendix (Appendix B), and the Director must exercise powers to give effect to the plan (4.8 background: s.362).

Permits and controlled actions. The plan distinguishes routine actions authorised by its prescriptions from “controlled actions” requiring assessment and Ministerial approval under the EPBC Act (4.1). It references EPBC Regulations r.12.10 and ss.354 and 354A that prohibit certain research and actions (taking, keeping, injuring, killing or moving native species, and actions for commercial purposes) unless provided for by the plan or a permit (2.4).

Conservation-first prescriptions. The plan sets objectives and performance indicators focused on protecting natural and cultural values, recovering threatened species, and reducing invasive species (Resilient places and ecosystems; 2.1-2.10). It includes prescriptions for the Botanic Garden to prioritise native and listed species in its living and herbarium collections (2.3.2; 2.3.4).

Community and traditional uses. The plan explicitly allows limited, non-commercial community harvesting of specified resources (2.5). It also recognises historical and cultural sites within the park and the need to protect them (Statement of Significance; 2.2).

Research, monitoring and access to biological resources. Research and monitoring are framed as necessary for decision-making; however, the plan records legislative constraints on research that affects listed species, and indicates that access to biological resources and benefit-sharing are matters the plan addresses (2.4 and Appendix indexing on biodiscovery and benefit-sharing).

Commercial activity and revenue. The plan contemplates commercial tourism, licences, leases and charging for activities; permits and insurance are expected for many commercial uses (3.3; Appendix index entries on fees and charges and insurance). The Director may collect charges from reserve activities subject to Ministerial approval (4.9).

Who it affects

The plan creates obligations and opportunities for multiple actors. Who pays, who decides and who changes behaviour are concentrated in a few roles.

Director of National Parks (who decides). The Director is the lead decision maker and executor of the plan (Appendix B; s.514B). The Director administers, controls and manages the reserves, may exercise powers conferred by the EPBC Act (s.514C), and must give effect to the plan (4.8 background citing s.362). The Director decides on permits, leases, licences, and approvals required under the plan and for controlled actions (3.3; 4.1; 4.8.2-4.8.3).

Minister. The Minister approves the plan under s.370 of the EPBC Act (1.2) and must approve charges collected by the Director under s.356A (4.9). The Minister also receives Ministerial-level assessment decisions for controlled actions under the EPBC Act where applicable.

Local community and traditional users (who pays, who benefits). Norfolk Island residents have express, limited rights for community use: non-commercial collection of guava and lemons is allowed without permit (2.5.1). Other native and non-native plant collection requires a permit (2.5.2). Sooty tern egg harvesting is addressed as a traditional use but is subject to prohibitions except where exemptions and declared open seasons apply and where Part 13 provisions may be engaged (2.5.3). The plan emphasises cooperation with Norfolk Island Regional Council and the community for off-park conservation actions (2.1).

Commercial operators and tourists (who pays). Commercial tourism operators may be authorised under licences or permits to run guided tours and other activities (3.3). Operators will face requirements such as insurance and possibly fees charged under s.356A (3.3; Appendix index on insurance and fees). The plan allows leases and licences (4.8.3), creating private investment opportunities in park infrastructure subject to plan consistency and IUCN principles.

Researchers and universities (behaviour change). Research and monitoring are allowed but subject to the plan and EPBC constraints: research affecting native species or undertaken for commercial purposes is prohibited unless provided for by the plan or authorised by permit (2.4). The EPBC Regulations r.12.10 and ss.354 and 354A are specifically cited.

Parks Australia staff, wardens and rangers (who enforces). Staff appointed under the EPBC Act may be made rangers or wardens and will exercise statutory powers. AFP and ABF special members are ex officio wardens (4.6). Park staff not appointed as wardens may still carry out education and compliance promotion (4.6).

Key duties and rights

The plan sets out duties for the Director, obligations for users, and rights for limited community uses. Key duties and rights are embedded in both the plan’s prescriptions and its statutory references.

Director’s duties and powers. The Director must administer, control, protect, conserve and manage the park and botanic garden under s.514B of the EPBC Act (Appendix B; 4.9). The Director has broad powers to do all things necessary to perform these functions (s.514C as cited), may prohibit or control activities, issue permits, and enter licences where authorised (Appendix B; 4.8). The Director is required to exercise powers to give effect to the plan (4.8 background: s.362).

Decision-making obligations. Under Section 4.1 the Director must assess potential impacts of proposed actions in accordance with the plan’s environmental impact assessment process. The Director may also need to determine whether proposals are controlled actions under the EPBC Act that require Ministerial assessment and approval (4.1).

Authorisation and permitting. The Director may authorise actions by permit, contract, lease, letter or licence. Specific prescriptions authorise actions that would otherwise be prohibited; for example 2.3.3 permits the Director to authorise actions concerning species otherwise prohibited by the EPBC Act for the purpose of managing the botanic garden’s living and herbarium collections.

Leases and licences. Section 358(2) of the EPBC Act allows the Director to grant leases, subleases and licences relating to land in the park or botanic garden provided they are in accordance with the management plan. The plan echoes this power and provides for consideration of leases for commercial purposes and utility infrastructure (3.3; 4.8.3).

Responsibility for compliance and enforcement. The Director may appoint rangers and wardens with statutory powers under the EPBC Act; AFP and ABF members are ex officio wardens (4.6). Park staff not appointed as wardens retain roles for compliance encouragement and education.

Community rights and restrictions. The plan grants specific rights for non-commercial resource use: guava and lemons may be taken without restriction (2.5.1). Other non-commercial collection of native and non-native plant material requires a permit or agreement (2.5.2). Sooty tern eggs are generally prohibited from being taken from the park and botanic garden except under limited circumstances tied to Phillip Island and declared open seasons (2.5.3). The plan states that taking of species protected under Part 13 (listed species) is prohibited unless done in accordance with the plan (2.4).

Penalties and enforcement

The plan sets a compliance and enforcement framework that relies on the EPBC Act’s statutory powers and on administrative measures.

Statutory enforcement roles. The plan contemplates appointment of staff as rangers or wardens with powers and functions conferred by the EPBC Act (4.6). It explicitly names Australian Federal Police members and special members of the Australian Border Force as ex officio wardens, and notes that officers of other Australian, state or territory agencies may be appointed as rangers or wardens (4.6). The statutory powers available to wardens and rangers under the EPBC Act include investigatory and enforcement powers, though the plan does not reproduce the specific EPBC Act offence or penalty provisions.

Administrative compliance measures. The plan emphasises education and awareness as primary means of securing compliance, with enforcement as a complementary function (4.6). Park staff conduct education programmes, interpretive signage, and community engagement. The plan also requires documenting, investigating and reporting incidents (4.5).

Inspection, permits and conditions. Permits, leases and licences authorised under the plan may include conditions; compliance with those conditions will be enforced via the EPBC Act powers exercised by rangers and wardens (2.3.3; 4.8.2-4.8.3).

Penalties under the EPBC Act (as referenced). The plan references legislative prohibitions under the EPBC Act and Regulations: for example, ss.354 and 354A prohibit certain actions (taking/keeping/injuring/killing/moving native species, and commercial research) except under the plan or a permit (2.4). Breaches of the EPBC Act and its Regulations carry statutory penalties. The plan itself does not recreate penalty schedules but situates enforcement within those statutory provisions.

Investigations and training. The plan notes that the Australian Government requires investigating officers to be trained to the standards in the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines, indicating procedural controls around investigations (4.6).

Concurrent Norfolk Island laws. Norfolk Island laws apply to the park to the extent they operate concurrently with the EPBC Act, creating potential for overlapping enforcement regimes (4.6). The plan does not detail how concurrent jurisdictional enforcement will be coordinated.

Risk-management and incident response. Visitor safety and incident management measures include integrated lock systems for emergency vehicle access, cooperation with other agencies for emergency operations, and documentation of incidents (4.5). The plan recognises that Phillip Island’s access difficulties heighten rescue and safety enforcement challenges (4.5).

How it interacts with other laws

The plan is explicitly framed as an implementation instrument within the EPBC Act architecture and as interacting with local Norfolk Island law and other Commonwealth instruments.

Primacy of the EPBC Act. The plan is a management plan for Commonwealth reserves under the EPBC Act. It references specific EPBC Act provisions that govern management plans: s.367 (IUCN categories), s.370 (Ministerial approval and commencement), ss.354 and 354A (prohibitions on taking native species and commercial research), s.358(2) (Director may grant leases, subleases, licences in accordance with a management plan), s.362 (Director’s obligation to give effect to the plan), s.514A-514C, s.514F, s.514S and s.514B (Director’s corporate status, functions, powers and funding) and s.356A (charges), as cited in the plan and Appendix B (multiple locations).

EPBC Regulations. The plan refers to the EPBC Regulations, especially r.12.10, which restricts research unless provided for by the plan or authorised by a permit, and Schedule 8 management principles for IUCN categories which the plan must not be inconsistent with (1.3; 2.4).

Legislative history and repeals. The Appendix records the plan’s legislative history: establishment instruments under the Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden Act 1984 (Norfolk Island) on 12 February 1985, subsequent proclamations under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975 (NPWC Act) in 1986 and 1996, and the NPWC Act’s replacement by the EPBC Act in July 2000 (Appendix B). The Environmental Reform (Consequential Provisions) Act 1999 is noted as deeming the park and botanic garden to be declared for particular conservation purposes (Appendix B).

Concurrent Norfolk Island laws. The plan states Norfolk Island laws apply to the park and botanic garden to the extent they can operate concurrently with the EPBC Act and Regulations and this plan (4.6). This creates a legal overlay: where a Norfolk Island law does not conflict, it may operate in parallel; where conflict exists, Commonwealth EPBC obligations prevail.

PGPA Act obligations. The Director is a corporate Commonwealth entity for the purposes of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act), bringing financial and reporting obligations to park operations (4.9).

Biosecurity and agriculture law. The plan notes coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources on biosecurity matters (Interpretation glossary), meaning federal biosecurity rules will operate alongside the plan’s biosecurity prescriptions (e.g. in sections on invasive species and pathogen management).

Amendment history

The plan and the reserve it governs have a documented administrative and legislative lineage in the Appendix.

Foundational proclamations. The Mt Pitt section of the park and the Botanic Garden were established under the Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden Act 1984 (Norfolk Island) when it came into effect on 12 February 1985. These areas were also proclaimed under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975 (NPWC Act) on 31 January 1986 at the request of the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly. Phillip Island was proclaimed under the NPWC Act on 24 January 1996 (Appendix B).

Transition to the EPBC Act. The NPWC Act was superseded by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 in July 2000. The Environmental Reform (Consequential Provisions) Act 1999 deemed the park and botanic garden to have been declared for particular conservation and botanical purposes under the new EPBC regime (Appendix B).

Plan life and renewal. The management plan itself is a ten year instrument. Section 1.2 provides that it will commence on the date specified by the Minister under s.370 of the EPBC Act or the day after it is registered under the Legislation Act 2003, whichever is later, and will cease to have effect ten years after commencement unless revoked sooner by a new plan (1.2). The plan anticipates that near its expiry date there will be a review of implementation success and, if needed, preparation of a new plan (4.9).

Directorial appointment and corporate status. The Appendix records that the Director of National Parks is a corporation-sole under s.514A and a corporate Commonwealth entity under the PGPA Act, constituted by the person appointed by the Governor-General to that office (s.514F). These provisions are one part of the plan’s governance architecture and have been subject to Commonwealth legislative change (the PGPA Act post-dates earlier regimes).

Regulatory cross-references. The plan’s provisions are framed to remain current with amendments to the EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations, because the plan repeatedly states that references to those instruments include references to amendments, repeals or replacements (Interpretation section).

No textual amendment record within plan. The provided document does not record amendments to the 2020 plan itself, such as Ministerial variations or interim updates. It sets out the mechanism for the plan to be revoked and replaced before the 10 year expiry if a new plan is approved.

In short, the reserve and plan sit on top of an established legislative history: Norfolk Island statute (1984), NPWC proclamations (1986, 1996), and transition into the EPBC Act regime in 1999-2000. The plan is designed to operate for ten years from Ministerial approval, at which point it is to be reviewed and replaced or allowed to lapse.

Litigation history

The provided management plan does not contain any judicial decisions, legal challenges or named cases concerning either the reserve or the plan. The Appendix and the body of the plan discuss legislative and administrative history, statutory powers and policy prescriptions, but they do not include any references to litigation brought under the EPBC Act or other laws in relation to Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden.

Accordingly, within the source material supplied there is no litigation history to report. Practitioners seeking case law should consult external legal databases or court records for any decisions that post-date or sit outside the plan’s text, bearing in mind the plan repeatedly references EPBC Act provisions that have been subject to legal interpretation in other contexts; the plan itself does not cite such interpretations.

Gotchas

This section lists points where the plan creates legal or operational friction, traps for the unwary, or implementation sensitivities that practitioners and operators should note as concrete mechanisms and constraints.

Director discretion authorises otherwise-prohibited acts. The plan contains multiple prescriptions that empower the Director to authorise actions which would otherwise be prohibited by the EPBC Act or Regulations, for example to manage the botanic garden living and herbarium collections (2.3.3) and to authorise other actions under ss.354 and 354A (4.8.1-4.8.2). This creates a single-point discretionary gateway: actors cannot assume an activity is lawful unless the Director has provided an authorisation consistent with the plan.

Permit traps for researchers and commercial users. Research that involves taking, keeping, injuring, killing or moving native species, or is for commercial purposes, is expressly prohibited unless authorised by the plan or a permit (2.4 citing r.12.10, ss.354 and 354A). Those intending fieldwork or biodiscovery must obtain prior authorisation; retrospective claims of compliance will not displace statutory prohibition.

Controlled action and Ministerial assessment risk. Even where the plan contemplates an activity, some proposals may still be controlled actions under the EPBC Act and require Ministerial assessment and approval (4.1). A proponent who assumes plan coverage avoids EPBC assessment at their peril; the Director will need to determine triggering thresholds.

Sooty tern egg harvesting complexity. The plan allows that sooty tern eggs have historically been harvested on Phillip Island and states that eggs must not be taken except from Phillip Island during an open season declared under unspecified Norfolk legislation (2.5.3). The plan notes the sooty tern is a listed marine species under Part 13 and that harvesting is prohibited unless an exemption applies. The practical consequence is that harvesters must navigate multiple legal regimes,local declared seasons, Part 13 protections, and any plan-based authorisations,and must not rely on historical practices alone.

IUCN consistency constraint. The plan must not be inconsistent with management principles for assigned IUCN categories (1.3 citing s.367(3)). Any authorisation that undermines the management principles could be unlawful. For example, granting a lease or licence that materially undermines preservation objectives in IUCN II zones could produce a legal challenge.

Concurrent local laws uncertainty. Norfolk Island laws operate where they can be concurrent with the EPBC Act (4.6). In practice this may create uncertainty about which instrument governs particular conduct, especially for visitor rules, indigenous or community practices, or local heritage matters.

How to comply

This checklist-style section sets out practical steps stakeholders should take to comply with the plan and associated statutory constraints, with references to the plan’s relevant provisions.

Confirm whether your proposed activity is authorised by the plan or requires a permit or Ministerial assessment.
- Review Section 4.1 on assessment of proposals to determine whether the activity is a controlled action under the EPBC Act and requires Ministerial approval. The Director’s environmental impact assessment process applies to non-routine proposals (4.1).
- Check whether the activity would involve taking, keeping, injuring, killing or moving native species or be undertaken for commercial purposes, as such activities are prohibited unless provided for by the plan or authorised by permit (2.4 citing r.12.10; ss.354 and 354A).
If a permit is required, apply to the Director early.
- The Director may issue permits, contracts, leases or licences; the plan contemplates these authorisations and requires the Director to act so as to give effect to the plan (2.3.3; 4.8.1-4.8.4; 4.8 background referencing s.362).
- For research involving listed species, include protocols satisfying Part 13 requirements or plan-based authorisation as applicable (2.4).
Engage with NINPAC and the Director in the planning stage.
- The Director seeks advice from the Norfolk Island National Park Advisory Committee (NINPAC) in decision-making; proponents should anticipate engagement with NINPAC and provide requisite technical documentation (4.1; 4.7).
Prepare environmental impact assessments and mitigation plans.
- The Director’s assessment requires consideration of impacts on park values. For projects that may have significant impacts (e.g. on listed threatened species or ecological communities), prepare detailed assessments aligned with EPBC Act standards and IUCN management principles (4.1; 1.3).
For commercial operators: secure licences, insurance and ensure visitor safety.
- Obtain required licences and permits for commercial activities, including guides on Phillip Island where guided access is permitted (3.3).
- Maintain appropriate commercial public liability insurance and safety procedures, noting the plan’s emphasis on visitor safety and incident management, particularly for Phillip Island (4.5; 3.1; Appendix index references).

Norfolk Island National Park and

View image in the official source View image in the official sourceNorfolk Island National Park and

Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

Management Plan 2020

Acknowledgments

The Director of National Parks gratefully acknowledges the assistance and advice of members of the Norfolk Island National Park Advisory Committee and the individuals and organisations who contributed to the preparation of this management plan.

Objectives

The objectives for management of the park and botanic garden are:

• To identify, conserve and protect the natural and cultural values of the park and botanic garden
• To offer world class natural and cultural experiences, that improve understanding of the values of the reserves and enhance the Norfolk Island regional economy
• To base management and decision-making on a foundation of best available information, sound policies and practices and contemporary management approaches.

The values of the park and botanic garden, as described in the statement of significance on page 4 of this plan, provide the basis and rationale for management of the reserves and underpin this plan’s objectives, prescriptions and actions.

The management prescriptions and actions in this plan contribute to achieving the objectives for the management of the park and botanic garden. These objectives support the purpose for which the reserves were declared and conservation of their natural and cultural values, ensuring they are managed consistently with their assigned International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) management categories.

Contents

View image in the official source View image in the official sourceForeword i

View image in the official source View image in the official source View image in the official source View image in the official sourceAcknowledgments i Vision iii Objectives iii

A description of Norfolk Island National Park and

Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

View image in the official source View image in the official source View image in the official source View image in the official source View image in the official source View image in the official source View image in the official source View image in the official sourceTerritory of Norfolk Island 3 Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden 3 Statement of Significance 4 The values of the park and botanic garden 4

Management Plan for Norfolk Island National Park and

Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

Introductory provisions

    ![](image.016.png)![](image.016.png) Short title 8
    ![](image.016.png)![](image.016.png) Commencement and termination 8
    ![](image.016.png)![](image.016.png) IUCN category and zoning 8

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Natural and cultural heritage management

View image in the official source View image in the official source2.1 Native plants and animals 12 View image in the official source View image in the official source2.2 Cultural heritage management 15 View image in the official source View image in the official source2.3 Botanic Garden and herbarium collection 16 View image in the official source View image in the official source2.4 Research and monitoring 17 View image in the official source View image in the official source2.5 Community use of natural resources 20 View image in the official source View image in the official source2.6 Managing adverse impacts of plants, animals and pathogens 21 View image in the official source View image in the official source2.7 Climate Change 26 View image in the official source View image in the official source2.8 Landscapes, soils and water 27 View image in the official source View image in the official source2.9 Landscape rehabilitation 29 View image in the official source View image in the official source2.10 Forestry Area 30

A description of Norfolk Island National

A description of Norfolk Island National Park

and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

Breathtaking scenery, dramatic landscape

Breathtaking scenery, dramatic landscapes and a unique diversity of plant and animal life

View image in the official source View image in the official source

A description of Norfolk Island National Park

and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

Breathtaking scenery, dramatic landscapes and a unique diversity of plant and animal life

Statement of Significance

Set in the south-west Pacific, Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden provide a link between tropical and temperate oceanic island environments. Norfolk’s remote location, coupled with Norfolk Island’s colonisation by plants and animals dispersed over vast distances of ocean, means the park and botanic garden have unique vegetation assemblages with many endemic species. The park contains historic sites and artefacts that illustrate the social development of the island and its people since early settlement. The park contains sites that support ongoing traditional and cultural practices undertaken by the local community.

The values of the park and botanic garde

The values of the park and botanic garden

Identification and recognition of the park and botanic garden’s values ensures a shared understanding about what is most important about the reserves, and the statement

of significance helps to focus management and planning. If the values are allowed to decline the park and botanic garden’s purpose and significance as protected areas would be jeopardised.

Natural values

The park and botanic garden protect most of the remaining areas of subtropical rainforest that originally covered Norfolk Island prior to settlement. This includes areas of remnant lower altitude rainforest that are characteristically dominated by vines.

The park and botanic garden provide principal, sole or partial habitat for listed threatened species, including four threatened species of forest-dwelling birds and two threatened species of seabird, five critically endangered snail species and 46 threatened plant species. The park also provides secure nesting habitat for at least 15 species of seabirds.

The park and the living collection in the botanic garden provide rich sources of horticultural, botanical and biological information about the native species of Norfolk Island.

Phillip Island, although long devoid of its original vegetation, is an important seabird nesting site and a refuge for several threatened species lost from Norfolk Island itself.

The gradual recovery of vegetation on Phillip Island, following the eradication of feral rabbits in 1986, is a unique example of nature’s capacity to restore balance to ecosystems under severe stress.

Heritage values

The park and botanic garden protect significant heritage sites associated with the defence of Norfolk Island during World War II, including the remains of a gun

emplacement and radar facility near the top of Mount Bates. Scattered throughout the park are less obvious relics of the military and colonial past, including additional gun emplacements, colonial brick clamps and other sites of heritage significance.

Phillip Island is a listed place on the Commonwealth Heritage List recognising that it provides a nesting habitat for seabirds, habitat for flora and fauna once considered to be extinct on nearby Norfolk Island and for its dramatic aesthetic landscape.

Management plan for

Norfolk Island National Park

and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

Conservation and appreciation of Norfolk

Conservation and appreciation of Norfolk Island’s natural and cultural heritage through the control of invasive species, provision of safe visitor access, and working with stakeholders and the community.

View image in the official source View image in the official source

Management plan for

Norfolk Island National Park

and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

Conservation and appreciation of Norfolk Island’s natural and cultural heritage through the control of invasive species, provision of safe visitor access, and working with stakeholders and the community.

1.1

Short title

1.1 Short title

This management plan may be cited as the Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden Management Plan 2020.

1.2

Commencement and termination

1.2 Commencement and termination

This management plan will come into operation following approval by the Minister under

s.370 of the EPBC Act, on a date specified by the Minister or the day after it is registered under the Legislation Act 2003, whichever is later, and will cease to have effect ten years after commencement, unless revoked sooner by a new plan.

1.3

IUCN category and zoning

1.3 IUCN category and zoning

Our aim

.1 The park and botanic garden are managed in accordance with an IUCN protected area category and relevant management principles to protect their values while providing for

appropriate use

Background

Under s.367(1) of the EPBC Act, a management plan for a Commonwealth reserve must assign the reserve to an IUCN protected area category. A management plan can also divide a Commonwealth reserve into zones, but must assign each zone to an IUCN category which may differ from the overall category assigned to the reserve. The EPBC Regulations (Schedule 8) prescribe the management principles for each IUCN category.

The provisions of a management plan must not be inconsistent with the management principles for the IUCN category to which the reserve or zone of the reserve is assigned (s.367(3)).

The categories to which the park and botanic garden are assigned are guided by the purposes for which they were declared.

The purposes for which Norfolk Island National Park was declared as a Commonwealth reserve are:

(a) the preservation of the area in its natural condition; and
(b) the encouragement and regulation of the appropriate use, appreciation and enjoyment of the area by the public.

The Norfolk Islands Botanic Gardens was declared for the purpose of increasing knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of Australia’s plant heritage by establishing, as an integrated resource, a collection of living and herbarium specimens of Australian and related plants for study, interpretation, conservation and display.

The purposes for which the park was declared are consistent with the characteristics for IUCN protected area category II, national park. The purpose for which the botanic garden was declared is consistent with the characteristics for IUCN protected area category IV, habitat/species management area.

Resilient places and ecosystems

Protecting and conserving the natural an

Protecting and conserving the natural and cultural values of the park and botanic garden

Objective:  To protect and conserve the natural and cultural

values of the park and botanic garden

Desired outcomes:  Natural and cultural values of the park and botanic

garden are protected and conserved Performance indicators:  Populations of threatened species are increasing

 Populations and extent of invasive species are reduced
 Ecosystem health is maintained or improved
![](image.053.png) Historic sites in the park and botanic garden are protected and conserved

2.1

Native plants and animals

2.1 Native plants and animals

Our aim

Maintain or improve the distribution and abundance of species native to Norfolk Island, ensuring healthy ecosystems and the processes upon which they depend.

Background

Given the small size of the park and botanic garden and the distribution of many species beyond the park and botanic garden boundaries, achieving our aim depends on both on- and off-park actions. Therefore cooperation with the Norfolk Island Regional Council and the local community is vital.

2.2

Cultural heritage management

2.2 Cultural heritage management

Our aim

Identify, protect, conserve and interpret to the public the cultural heritage values of the park and botanic garden.

2.3

Botanic garden and herbarium collection

2.3 Botanic garden and herbarium collection

Our aims

• Establish and maintain a living and herbarium collection representative of Norfolk Island’s vascular flora with an emphasis on providing educational, interpretative and tourism experiences for visitors.
• Contribute to the conservation of threatened plant species through the establishment and maintenance of healthy ex-situ plantings and seed collections.

Background

The botanic garden, which covers an area of 5.5 hectares and is adjacent to the park, is located on Mission Road near the Mount Pitt Road entrance to the park.

Under Section 3.1 – IUCN category and zoning, the botanic garden has been assigned IUCN protected area management category IV, habitat/species management area, to be managed in accordance with the management principles set down in Schedule 8 of the EPBC Regulations.

The botanic garden fulfils varied functions as set out in the aims. The living collection, display and the herbarium collection are valuable resources for the provision of horticultural and botanical information.

Its infrastructure, including the Discovery Centre, the living collection, and the walking tracks, provide a comprehensive picture of the park and botanic garden for education, interpretation and tourism-related activities. A boardwalk provides wheelchair access to the top of the botanic garden. The winding tracks and dense vegetation of the botanic garden provide an opportunity for visitors to experience the sensation of being in an ancient jungle.

Issues

• Public paths and infrastructure needs to be monitored and maintained to ensure visitor safety.
• The botanic garden’s infrastructure must continue to provide for education, interpretation and tourism-related activities.

Prescriptions

2.3.1 The botanic garden will continue to place a strong focus on education, interpretation and tourism-related activities.
2.3.2 As a priority, the remnant lowland subtropical hardwood forest will be maintained.
2.3.3 The Director may take actions or authorise (whether by permit, contract, lease, letter or licence) actions by other persons concerning species, including species listed under Part 13 of the EPBC Act, that are otherwise prohibited by the EPBC Act or Regulations for the purpose of managing the botanic garden’s living collection and herbarium collection or where they are necessary to implement this plan.
2.3.4 The living and herbarium collections will give priority to plants native to Norfolk Island with an emphasis on EPBC Act listed species.

2.4

Research and monitoring

2.4 Research and monitoring

Our aim

Research and monitoring activities in the park and botanic garden contribute to improved conservation and management of park and botanic garden values.

Background

Research provides information about park and botanic garden values, visitor use and impact. Monitoring is an essential management tool for keeping track of changes to the environment and for measuring the success of management actions.

Research and monitoring assist the Director to make decisions about management of the park and botanic garden. This work may be carried out by staff or consultants engaged by the Director or undertaken in partnership with other government agencies, universities, non-government organisations and individuals.

In some cases, organisations and individuals carry out research and monitoring activities for their own purposes for either not-for-profit or commercial purposes.

EPBC legislative provisions relevant to research and monitoring

Under r.12.10 of the EPBC Regulations research may not be undertaken in the park unless it is provided for by, and carried out in accordance with, this plan, or is authorised by a permit. Research which involves taking, keeping, injuring, killing or moving native species, or is undertaken for commercial purposes, is prohibited by ss.354 and 354A of the Act except where undertaken in accordance with this plan.

Research which involves actions that affect members of species that are protected under Part 13 of the EPBC Act (i.e. listed threatened species, ecological communities, migratory species, marine species, or cetaceans) must also comply with the provisions of Part 13

of the Act unless done in accordance with this plan. Any research must also address the relevant EPBC Act requirements relating to listed heritage places including places on the Commonwealth Heritage List.

2.5

Community use of natural resources

2.5 Community use of natural resources

Our aim

Allow non-commercial harvesting of resources by the Norfolk Island community while ensuring the protection and conservation of the park and botanic garden’s natural values.

Background

Natural resources such as knots from the Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) and the leaves of the Norfolk Island palm (Rhopalostylis baueri), ti (Cordyline obtecta), and flax (Phormium tenax) are used by the Norfolk Island community for craft, cultural and other purposes.

Fresh fruit is a limited and valued resource primarily available seasonally on the island. Island residents use the park as a source of fruit such as guava (Psidium cattleianum cattleianum) and lemon (Citrus jambhiri). There are no restrictions on people collecting guava or lemons from the park.

Historically, the eggs of the sooty tern (Onychoprion fuscata) have been harvested as a food resource from Phillip Island. This practice still continues during a declared harvest period. While the sooty tern is not endangered worldwide, the annual harvest may be affecting the Phillip Island population. The sooty tern is a listed marine species under Part 13 of the EPBC Act and the collection of sooty tern eggs is prohibited under Part 13 unless an exemption under that Part applies.

Apart from the number of eggs taken, studies indicate that the effect of sooty tern egg harvesting on the overall population is linked to both the timing of the harvest and its duration. Since 1977, a set season for sooty tern egg harvesting has been implemented. The recent arrival and increase in numbers of Australasian Swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus–locally known as tarler birds) on Phillip Island has also impacted on the breeding of sooty terns on Phillip Island.

Under ss.354 and 354A of the EPBC Act, native species may only be taken in the park and botanic garden in accordance with this plan.

Issues

• Community use of natural resources needs to be carried out in an environmentally sustainable way.
• Community participation is necessary in determining appropriate use, and level of use, of traditional resources.

Prescriptions

2.5.1 Non-commercial taking of guava and lemons from the park is allowed.
2.5.2 Non-commercial taking of other non-native and native plant material may only be carried on in accordance with a permit or agreement issued by the Director.
2.5.3 Sooty tern eggs must not be taken from the park or botanic garden, other than from Phillip Island:
(a) during an open season declared under legislation applicable to Norfolk

2.6

Managing adverse impacts of plants, animals and pathogens

2.6 Managing adverse impacts of plants, animals and pathogens

Our aim

Effective management of threats to the values of the park and botanic garden.

2.7

Climate change

2.7 Climate change

Our aim

Climate change impacts on park and botanic garden values are better understood and management actions and planning are adapted to take account of the latest available information.

Background

In recent years global warming and its implications for climate change has emerged as a key issue for biodiversity and environmental management on a global scale. Climate change will amplify existing risks and create new risks for natural and human systems (IPCC 2014).

During the life of the previous management plan, methods used to project our changing climate have improved, with most predictions rated at high or very high confidence rating. While specific climatic conditions are not available for Norfolk Island due to its remoteness, indicative projections of anticipated direction and degree of change may be drawn from scenarios that apply to the New South Wales region.

The park and garden is likely to experience increased annual average temperatures with more hot days and warm spells. Decreases in winter rainfall events are forecast (medium confidence) with increased intensity of extreme rainfall events. Mean sea level is projected to continue to rise (estimated 50 centimetres by 2070) and the height of extreme sea-level events will also increase. A harsher fire-weather climate is also anticipated.

While there is improved confidence as to the magnitude and timing of climate changes, the extent to which these changes may affect the natural, cultural and economic values of the park and botanic garden remains uncertain.

Certain aspects of the park and botanic garden may require adaptive management. For example, increased incidences of prolonged dry hot periods as a result of climate change may have disproportionately high adverse impacts on park and botanic garden values because of the soil’s poor moisture holding capacity.

An increased incidence of prolonged hot dry spells may increase the probability of wildfires in the park and botanic garden. While wildfires have not happened to date the flora would be very fire sensitive and would not recover from a hot wildfire. Changes to sea level and temperature may have a profound effect on seabird numbers as marine prey species either change behaviour or change in abundance.

Issues

• Climate change impacts on the park and botanic garden are not known with enough certainty to mandate specific actions at the time of preparing this plan.
• Adapting management actions to anticipate and respond to climate change impacts on park and botanic garden values will be important.

2.8

Landscapes, soils and water

2.8 Landscapes, soils and water

Our aim

Protection of the landscape, soil and water values of the park and botanic garden.

2.9

Landscape rehabilitation

2.9 Landscape rehabilitation

Our aims

• Areas of the park and botanic garden revegetated with appropriate native plants to enhance biodiversity health.
• The Mount Pitt section of the park is managed to return, as close as possible, to its condition prior to the arrival of Europeans on Norfolk Island.
• The Phillip Island section of the park is managed to return its condition, in parts, to that prior to the arrival of Europeans on Norfolk Island. Parts of the island will need to be managed to ensure suitable habitat for seabirds that have come to depend on bare areas of Phillip Island.

Background

The park and botanic garden have been subject to a long history of disturbance which has caused disruption to ecological processes, species extinctions and major reductions in the extent and quality of ecosystems.

Much vegetation in the park and botanic garden has either been destroyed completely by introduced herbivores or has been displaced by weeds. Some specific ecological processes have been severely damaged or destroyed by past actions.

For example, the removal of over 100,000 breeding providence petrels (Pterodroma solandri) over 100 years ago had a major impact on the nutrient status of the park. The introduction of pigs, goats and rabbits to Phillip Island from 1793 onwards commenced a devastating loss of vegetation that bound together the fragile soil, denuding the island and resulting in two centuries of substantial and irreversible erosion.

The extent of the historical damage means that it is not feasible to aim to restore the park and botanic garden to the precise state which existed prior to the beginning of either Polynesian or European impacts. For example, it is not practical to recover the extinct species or to reclaim the huge amounts of soil and nutrients lost to sea from Phillip Island.

However, progress can be made towards significant improvements in the state of the remaining ecosystems, the status of species, preventing the further destruction of remaining ecological processes, and re-establishing native vegetation in areas that have been totally denuded of vegetation or overrun by weeds.

Issues

• Some areas of the park and botanic garden are either completely denuded of vegetation or very heavily infested with weeds.
• Areas cleared of weeds and areas prone to erosion require actions to prevent further erosion and to aid revegetation.
• Some native species have adapted to disturbed habitats.

2.10

Forestry Area

2.10 Forestry Area

Our aims

Tourism and use of the

park and botanic garden

Offering world class natural and cultura

Offering world class natural and cultural experiences

Objective:  To offer world class natural and cultural experiences,

that improve understanding of the values of the reserves and enhance the Norfolk Island regional economy

Desired outcomes:  Visitors enjoy, appreciate and understand the values

of the park and botanic garden

Performance indicators:  Level of satisfaction expressed in feedback from park

and botanic garden visitors

![](image.058.png) Level of support for protecting the natural values of the park and botanic garden

3.1

Visitor activities

3.1 Visitor activities

Our aims

• Visitors enjoy and appreciate the experience of visiting the park and botanic garden.
• Visitor use of the park and botanic garden is managed in ways that do not impact upon park and botanic garden values.

Background

The types of recreational opportunities appropriate to the Mount Pitt Section of the park are very different from those for Phillip Island and the botanic garden. Furthermore,

the range of recreational experiences sought by Norfolk Island residents is often very different from those sought by visitors to Norfolk Island.

Touring by vehicle, walking, horse riding and cycling are popular leisure activities in the Mount Pitt section of the park. The multi-purpose use of roads and walking tracks has safety implications and requires careful management. Visitors are advised to wear sensible footwear and to take water and food supplies on the longer walks. In extreme wet weather tracks may become slippery and extreme caution is advised. Dog walking is not allowed in the Botanic Gardens nor Phillip Island sections of the park. The Mount Pitt section of the park (see Maps 1 and 4) is the only part of the park exempt from the general prohibition on dog-walking.

Access to Phillip Island is by boat and from the boat landing place, people ascend a cliff using fixed ropes and a ladder system.

The main uses of the Phillip Island section of the park by Norfolk Island residents and visitors are fishing, camping, birdwatching and general recreation. All activities on Phillip Island have associated risks concerning access, weather and surface conditions, and rescue capacity should an accident occur. Visitors to Phillip Island are advised to ensure that they have adequate clothing and supplies, and are advised that they should only attempt to visit the island accompanied by a professional permitted guide or an experienced Norfolk Island resident.

The park boundary extends to the high water mark where it meets the coastline. The shore and marine waters below the high water mark fall within the Norfolk Marine Park, also managed by the Director of National Parks as part of the Temperate East Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network. There may be opportunities during the life of the plan for activities to occur that incorporate use of the both the park and the marine reserve, such as scuba diving and snorkelling tours or establishment of visitor infrastructure in the park that support activities undertaken in the marine reserve.

3.2

Visitor information, education and interpretation

3.2 Visitor information, education and interpretation

Our aim

Inform visitors and the community about park and botanic garden values and their ongoing protection and conservation.

Background

Well-prepared information about park and botanic garden values and management can add to the quality of the visitor experience and is likely to benefit protection of the area. Visitors are able to obtain information about the park and botanic garden from:

• pre-visit tourism industry information
• website and social media
• brochures and publications
• interpretive and regulatory signage
• commercial tour operators.

Information is available on Norfolk Island from Park Headquarters and from the tourism information centre in Burnt Pine. The botanic garden is home to the Discovery Centre which provides information on activities within the park and botanic garden as well as significant detail about the environmental history and values of the park and botanic garden and Norfolk Island as a whole.

3.3

Commercial tourism and other commercial activities

3.3 Commercial tourism and other commercial activities

Our aim

• Ensure that commercial activities in the park and botanic garden promote park and botanic garden values and enhance visitor experience without compromising management actions or the cultural and natural values of the park and botanic garden.

Background

Parts of the park and botanic garden are managed to provide opportunities for public recreation and enjoyment. This creates opportunities for local tourism businesses to provide products and services to visitors to the park and botanic garden.

Commercial activities which may take place within the Mount Pitt section of the park include tours by bus, mountain bikes, horse riding and walking as well as photography and events management. Commercial operators may also be authorised to operate guided walking tours on Phillip Island.

During the life of the plan it may be appropriate to consider and grant leases, subleases and licences of land or premises for other purposes e.g. to new and emerging business enterprises or to utility providers (for areas of land containing cables and pipes for electricity, gas, water or communication services). Section 358(2) of the EPBC Act allows the Director to grant a lease, sublease, or licence relating to land in the park or botanic garden provided it is in accordance with a management plan.

Effective business systems

Efficient and effective business practic

Efficient and effective business practices and systems

Objective:  To base management and decision-making on a foundation

of best available information, sound policies and practices, contemporary management approaches.

Desired outcomes:  Impacts of proposed activities are minimised through use of

impact assessment procedures prior to approval.

 Capital works and infrastructure are appropriate to the site and maintained to safe standards
 Incidents are minimised in the park and botanic garden through responsible risk assessment and identification of hazards.

Performance indicators:  Number of proposals assessed for their potential impact

upon park values.

 Visitor satisfaction with park and garden facilities
![](image.061.png) Number and severity of incidents in the park are minimised

4.1

Assessment of proposals

4.1 Assessment of proposals

Our aim

The potential or likely impacts of proposed actions on park and botanic garden values are properly considered before such actions are approved.

Background

Activities proposed to be undertaken in the park or botanic garden by the Director and external stakeholders must be assessed for their potential impacts on the park and botanic garden values before a decision can be made on whether the activity should go ahead.

Some activities proposed to be undertaken in the park or botanic garden may be ‘controlled actions’ (see Appendix B, Legislative context) and may also require assessment and approval by the Minister under the EPBC Act because they are likely to have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance (such as nationally listed threatened species) or the environment generally in Commonwealth land. The EPBC Act defines the ‘environment’ as including:

.1 (a) ecosystems and their constituent parts, including people and communities;
(b) natural and physical resources;
(c) the qualities and characteristics of locations, places and areas;
(d) heritage values of places; and
(e) the social, economic and cultural aspects of a thing mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c).

Proposed actions that do not trigger the EPBC Act assessment and approval provisions may still have impacts that require assessment before a decision can be made on whether the action should go ahead. Proposed actions of a routine nature that are authorised by or under prescriptions and actions in this plan generally do not require impact assessment.

The Director makes decisions on whether or not to approve proposals using the park and botanic garden’s environmental impact assessment process. In doing so the Director seeks the advice of the Norfolk Island National Park Advisory Committee (NINPAC).

4.4

Resource use in park operations

4.4 Resource use in park operations

Our aim

Financial and environmental best practice governs the use and management of resources.

Background

The Director supports financial and environmental best practice principles in regard to the use of resources and management of waste products in the park and botanic garden.

These principles are consistent with good governance and with the need for conserving the natural and cultural values of the park and botanic garden.

Issue

Financial accountability is a critical component of proper resource management.

Actions

4.4.1 Where practicable all management activities will aim to reduce or minimise the use of energy or materials.

4.5

Visitor safety and incident management

4.5 Visitor safety and incident management

Our aim

• Visitors to the park and botanic garden have a safe and rewarding experience.
• Incidents and emergencies in the park and botanic garden are responded to promptly, effectively and safely.

Background

Normal enjoyment of the park and botanic garden may involve some risk. Injury can occur on slippery or ocean-swept rocks, wet boardwalks, bridges or tracks. Overhanging trees or branches can pose dangers, as can activities such as driving vehicles, riding

and walking, especially for elderly or unfit users of the park and botanic garden. Some viewing and walking areas of the park are close to precipitous cliffs.

A range of measures are adopted in the park and botanic garden to reduce risks to visitors, including:

• maintaining roads, tracks and visitor facilities in a safe condition
• providing educational materials and signs for visitors and tour operators on safety and safe behaviour
• working with other agencies in emergency operations
• maintaining an integrated lock system which enables emergency vehicles to gain access to all management tracks within the park and botanic garden
• documenting, investigating and reporting incidents.

The Phillip Island component of the park is isolated and potentially dangerous. In wet conditions the surfaces become slippery and treacherous. The difficulties of landing boats mean that access to Phillip Island can generally only be accomplished in calm seas. People can be stranded on Phillip Island for several days waiting for seas to abate enough to return to Norfolk Island. The Fishing Club hut provides emergency shelter. Currently, access to Phillip Island is gained by fixed ropes and ladders. The lack of soil structure has rendered some areas of the island unstable and there are numerous cliffs and gullies.

The Director works with relevant agencies to ensure there is adequate rescue capacity in place.

4.6

Compliance and enforcement

4.6 Compliance and enforcement

Our aim

There is maximum compliance with relevant legislation by users of the park and botanic garden as a result of effective education and enforcement programs.

Background

Compliance with relevant legislation is important for the protection of park and botanic garden values, and for people’s safety.

Staff may be appointed by the Minister under the EPBC Act as rangers or wardens, and exercise the powers and functions conferred on them by the Act and the Regulations. In addition, all members of the Australian Federal Police and special members of the Australian Border Force are ex officio wardens; and officers or employees of other Australian, state or territory government agencies may be appointed by the Minister as rangers or wardens. The Australian Government requires that investigating officers be trained to standards prescribed in the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines.

Park staff not appointed as wardens and rangers cannot exercise these powers but can encourage compliance with legislation through education to raise public awareness of appropriate behaviour.

Norfolk Island laws apply in the park and botanic garden to the extent they can operate concurrently with the EPBC Act and Regulations and this plan.

4.7

Neighbours, stakeholders and partnerships

4.7 Neighbours, stakeholders and partnerships

Our aim

Develop and maintain cooperative relations and partnerships with the Norfolk Island community, government agencies, neighbours and stakeholders in a manner that focuses on promoting the most effective management of these areas and botanic garden and achieving common management aims.

Background

The park is integral to nature conservation on Norfolk Island, containing significant tourist attractions and sites and species which are important to the residents of Norfolk Island for recreation and traditional uses. Therefore there are many people and organisations with a strong interest in the management of the park and botanic garden. It is important to have good working relations with these people and organisations for the effective management of the park and botanic garden.

Due to the size and location of the park and botanic garden relative to Norfolk Island, conservation of the park and botanic garden and their values depends on the joint commitment of all groups to work in partnership to ensure effective conservation and management outcomes.

On request, Parks Australia provides advice and assistance to the Norfolk Island Administrator, the Norfolk Island Regional Council, and the public on conservation, wildlife management and environmental issues.

Parks Australia supports relevant activities undertaken by local non-government organisations, assists at the local school with talks, tree plantings and environmental references and works cooperatively with the local community to encourage appropriate environmental behaviour. Regular articles in the local paper educate and encourage a broader community focus on environmental issues, particularly those which impact on the park and botanic garden values.

Norfolk Island National Park Advisory Committee (NINPAC

NINPAC advises the Director on the effective implementation of the management plan and on other matters relevant to the park and botanic garden. NINPAC members are appointed by the Director.

NINPAC membership is reviewed by the Director every three years. A representative of the Norfolk Island Regional Council also sits on NINPAC.

The chair is elected by NINPAC and the Park Manager acts as committee secretary. At the time of preparing this plan NINPAC’s functions are to:

• provide advice towards the development, implementation and revision of management plans for Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden
• monitor the management of Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden
• identify and recommend conservation priorities for Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

4.8

Activities not otherwise specified in this plan

4.8 Activities not otherwise specified in this plan

Our aim

The Director is able to respond to new issues and proposals consistent with this plan and the EPBC Act and Regulations.

Measuring how well we are meeting our aim

Extent to which new issues are dealt with effectively and consistent with the principles and policies set out in this plan

Background

This plan sets out how the park and botanic garden will be managed for a period of ten years. During that time, circumstances may arise or proposals be brought forward for actions which are not known or anticipated at the time this plan is being prepared and which will require the Director to take actions that are not covered by specific prescriptions and actions in this plan.

As noted in Appendix B, Legislative context, under ss.354 and 354A of the EPBC Act certain types of actions can only be taken if they are authorised by this plan (including acts in relation to native species, works, and actions for commercial purposes). Actions affecting members of species protected under Part 13 of the Act may be taken in accordance with this plan.

Section 358(2) of the EPBC Act allows the Director to grant a lease, sublease, or licence relating to land in the park and botanic garden provided it is in accordance with a management plan.

The Director is required by the Act (s.362) to exercise the Director’s powers e.g. to issue permits and to perform the Director’s functions so as to give effect to the plan.

Issue

This plan needs to enable appropriate actions to be taken and authorised that are not specified by other prescriptions and actions in the plan because they are not foreseen at the time of writing this plan.

Prescriptions

4.8.1 The Director may take actions that are not covered by specific prescriptions and actions in this plan, including actions covered by ss.354 and 354A of the EPBC Act.
4.8.2 The Director may authorise (whether by permit, contract, lease or licence) actions by other persons that are not covered by specific prescriptions and actions in this plan, including actions covered by ss.354 and 354A of the EPBC Act or the EPBC Regulations.
4.8.3 The Director may grant leases, subleases and licences relating to land in the park and botanic garden.
4.8.4 Except in cases of emergency, the impact assessment processes prescribed in Section 4.1 of this plan apply to actions under this Section.

4.9

Management plan implementation and evaluation

4.9 Management plan implementation and evaluation

Our aim

Manage the park and botanic garden in an effective and efficient manner and in accordance with obligations under this plan at law, and relevant Commonwealth and departmental policies.

Background

It is the responsibility of the Director under s.514B of the EPBC Act to administer, control, protect, conserve and manage biodiversity in Commonwealth reserves. Funds for the management of the park and botanic garden are allocated from the Australian National Parks Fund under the EPBC Act. The principal sources of the fund’s money are prescribed by s.514S of the EPBC Act. Under s.356A of the EPBC Act the Director may collect charges for activities undertaken in Commonwealth reserves, subject to the approval of the Minister. As a corporate Commonwealth entity for the purposes of the PGPA Act, the Director is also subject to the requirements of that Act and the policies and rules made under it, as well as other relevant legislative requirements and government policies.

Issues

• To effectively and responsibly implement this plan, work policies, procedures and programs must be consistent with the plan and with relevant government policies.
• Near this plan’s expiry date, there should be a review of how successfully the plan has been implemented.

Interpretation (including acronyms)

In this plan:

Australian Government means the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia

Bonn Convention means the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention)

Botanic Garden means the Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

CAMBA means the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their Environment

Commonwealth reserve means a reserve established under Division 4 of Part 15 of the EPBC Act

Department means the Department of the Environment and Energy or such other department or agency that succeeds to the functions of the Department

Department of Agriculture and Water Resources means the Australian Government department responsible for biosecurity in Australia

Director means the Director of National Parks continuing as a corporation under s.514A of the EPBC Act, and includes Parks Australia and any person to whom the Director has delegated powers and functions under the EPBC Act in relation to Norfolk Island National Park and/or Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

EPBC Act means the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, including Regulations under the Act, and includes reference to any Act amending, repealing or replacing the EPBC Act

EPBC Regulations means the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 and includes reference to any Regulations amending, repealing or replacing the EPBC Regulations

Forestry operations means operations or activities connected with, or incidental to, planting, maintenance and harvesting of trees or other plants

Forestry operator means an appropriately qualified individual or organisation authorised to undertake forestry operations in accordance with Prescription 2.10.1 of this management plan.

IUCN means the International Union for Conservation of Nature

JAMBA means the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Japan for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction and their Environment

Management plan or plan means this management plan for the park and botanic garden, unless otherwise stated

Appendix B

Legislative context

Establishment of the National Park and Botanic Garden

The Mt Pitt section of the park and the Botanic Garden were established when the Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden Act 1984 (Norfolk Island) came into effect on 12 February 1985. Prior to this, both Mt Pitt Reserve and Phillip Island had been public reserves declared under the Commons and Public Reserves Ordinance 1936 (Norfolk Island). The Mt Pitt section of the Park and the Botanic Garden were subsequently also proclaimed under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975 (Commonwealth) (NPWC Act) on 31 January 1986 following a request of the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly.

The Phillip Island section of the park was proclaimed under the NPWC Act on 24 January 1996. The NPWC Act was replaced by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) in July 2000. The park and the botanic garden continue as Commonwealth reserves under the EPBC Act pursuant to the Environmental Reform (Consequential Provisions) Act 1999, which deems the park to have been declared for the following purposes:

• the preservation of the area in its natural condition
• the encouragement and regulation of the appropriate use, appreciation and enjoyment of the area by the public

and deems the botanic garden to have been declared for the purpose of:

• increasing knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of Australia’s plant heritage by establishing, as an integrated resource, a collection of living and herbarium

specimens of Australian and related plants for study, interpretation, conservation and display.

The Director of National Parks is responsible for the management of Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden.

Director of National Parks

The Director is a corporation-sole under the EPBC Act (s.514A) and a corporate Commonwealth entity for the purposes of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. The corporation is constituted by the person appointed by the Governor-General to the office that is also called the Director of National Parks (s.514F of the EPBC Act).

The functions of the Director (s.514B) include the administration, management and control of the park and botanic garden. The Director generally has power to do all things necessary or convenient for performing the Director’s functions (s.514C). The Director has a number of specified powers under the EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations, including the power to prohibit or control some activities and to issue permits or enter into licences for activities that are otherwise prohibited. The Director performs functions and exercises powers in accordance with this management plan.

Legislative context

Establishment of the National Park and Botanic Garden

• the preservation of the area in its natural condition
• the encouragement and regulation of the appropriate use, appreciation and enjoyment of the area by the public

and deems the botanic garden to have been declared for the purpose of:

• increasing knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of Australia’s plant heritage by establishing, as an integrated resource, a collection of living and herbarium

specimens of Australian and related plants for study, interpretation, conservation and display.

The Director of National Parks is responsible for the management of Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden.

Director of National Parks

Appendix C

EPBC Act listed species occurring in Norfolk Island National Park and/or Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

Birds

Scientific name	Common name	Threat Status	Marine CAMBA JAMBA ROKAMBABonn
Alopecoenas norfolkensis	Norfolk ground dove	EX
Anous minutus	black noddy		
Anous stolidus	brown noddy		  
Aplonis fusca fusca	Tasman starling	EX
Ardea alba	great egret		  
Ardenna carneipes	flesh-footed shearwater		  
Ardenna pacifica	wedge-tailed shearwater		 
Arenaria interpres	ruddy turnstone		   
Bubulcus coromandus	eastern cattle egret		  
Charadrius bicinctus	double-banded plover		
Chrysococcyx lucidus	shining bronze-cuckoo		
Circus approximans	swamp harrier		
Cyanoramphus cookii	Norfolk parakeet,Norfolk Island green parrot	EN	
Falco cenchroides	nankeen kestrel		
Fregetta grallaria grallaria	white-bellied storm-petrel	VU	
Fregata minor	great frigatebird		  
Gygis alba	white tern		

View image in the official source

View image in the official sourceHirunda neoxena welcome swallow 

Limosa lapponica bar-tailed godwit    

View image in the official source

EPBC Act listed species occurring in Nor

EPBC Act listed species occurring in Norfolk Island National Park and/or Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

Birds

Scientific name	Common name	Threat Status	Marine CAMBA JAMBA ROKAMBABonn
Alopecoenas norfolkensis	Norfolk ground dove	EX
Anous minutus	black noddy		
Anous stolidus	brown noddy		  
Aplonis fusca fusca	Tasman starling	EX
Ardea alba	great egret		  
Ardenna carneipes	flesh-footed shearwater		  
Ardenna pacifica	wedge-tailed shearwater		 
Arenaria interpres	ruddy turnstone		   
Bubulcus coromandus	eastern cattle egret		  
Charadrius bicinctus	double-banded plover		
Chrysococcyx lucidus	shining bronze-cuckoo		
Circus approximans	swamp harrier		
Cyanoramphus cookii	Norfolk parakeet,Norfolk Island green parrot	EN	
Falco cenchroides	nankeen kestrel		
Fregetta grallaria grallaria	white-bellied storm-petrel	VU	
Fregata minor	great frigatebird		  
Gygis alba	white tern		

View image in the official source

View image in the official sourceHirunda neoxena welcome swallow 

Limosa lapponica bar-tailed godwit    

View image in the official source

Index

A

acronyms and abbreviations, 64–5 actions

adverse impacts of plants, animals and pathogens, 25 Botanic Garden and herbarium collection, 17 business systems, 45–7

assessment of proposals, 45–7 capital works and infrastructure, 55 climate change, 27

commercial tourism and activities, 41 community use of natural resources, 21 compliance and enforcement, 59 cultural heritage management, 15 Forestry Area, 32

herbarium collection, 17 implementation and evaluation, 63 invasive and introduced species, 25 IUCN categories and zoning, 9 landscape rehabilitation, 30 landscapes, soil and water, 28 native plants and animals, 14 natural heritage management, 14

neighbours, stakeholders and partnerships, 61 Norfolk Island Botanic Garden, 17

research and monitoring, 19

resource use in park operations, 55–6 roads and tracks, 49–50

threatened native species, 14 visitor activities, 38

visitor information, education and interpretation, 39 visitor safety and incident management, 58

activities not covered by plan, 62 activities, proposals for, 44–7 African olive, 12, 21–2, 30 agreements

benefit-sharing, 18

international, 71–2

research and monitoring, 18 aircraft, 37–8, 41

alternative energy use, 56

animals

introduced and invasive, 12–14, 21–5, 29

listed threatened species, 13–14, 73–6

native, 4, 12–14, 13

predatory, 12, 13, 21–3

recovery and threat abatement plans, 14 relocation and captive breeding, 14 research and monitoring, 17–18

species relocation, 14

aquifers, 28

Argentine ant, 23, 25

Asian house gecko, 22, 25

assessment procedures, 45–7

Australasian swamphen, 20, 23 Australian Border Force, 59 Australian Federal Police, 59

B

bats, 13

beak and feather disease see

psittacine circovirus disease beetles, introduced, 23

bibliography, 78–9

biodiscovery, 18

biological resources, access to, 18 biosecurity, 37

birds, 4, 13

egg harvesting, 20–1 introduced and invasive, 20

listed threatened species, 13, 73–4

native, 13

species relocation, 14 boardwalks see roads and tracks

botanic garden see Norfolk Island Botanic Garden Burnt Pine, 38

business systems, 44–63

C

capital works and infrastructure, 54–5

see also roads and tracks captive breeding, 14

cats, 21, 22, 25

chemical use, 19, 24, 28

A

acronyms and abbreviations, 64–5 actions

adverse impacts of plants, animals and pathogens, 25 Botanic Garden and herbarium collection, 17 business systems, 45–7

assessment of proposals, 45–7 capital works and infrastructure, 55 climate change, 27

commercial tourism and activities, 41 community use of natural resources, 21 compliance and enforcement, 59 cultural heritage management, 15 Forestry Area, 32

neighbours, stakeholders and partnerships, 61 Norfolk Island Botanic Garden, 17

research and monitoring, 19

resource use in park operations, 55–6 roads and tracks, 49–50

threatened native species, 14 visitor activities, 38

visitor information, education and interpretation, 39 visitor safety and incident management, 58

activities not covered by plan, 62 activities, proposals for, 44–7 African olive, 12, 21–2, 30 agreements

benefit-sharing, 18

international, 71–2

research and monitoring, 18 aircraft, 37–8, 41

alternative energy use, 56

animals

introduced and invasive, 12–14, 21–5, 29

listed threatened species, 13–14, 73–6

native, 4, 12–14, 13

predatory, 12, 13, 21–3

recovery and threat abatement plans, 14 relocation and captive breeding, 14 research and monitoring, 17–18

species relocation, 14

aquifers, 28

Argentine ant, 23, 25

Asian house gecko, 22, 25

assessment procedures, 45–7

Australasian swamphen, 20, 23 Australian Border Force, 59 Australian Federal Police, 59

B

bats, 13

beak and feather disease see

psittacine circovirus disease beetles, introduced, 23

bibliography, 78–9

biodiscovery, 18

biological resources, access to, 18 biosecurity, 37

birds, 4, 13

egg harvesting, 20–1 introduced and invasive, 20

listed threatened species, 13, 73–4

native, 13

species relocation, 14 boardwalks see roads and tracks

botanic garden see Norfolk Island Botanic Garden Burnt Pine, 38

business systems, 44–63

C

capital works and infrastructure, 54–5

see also roads and tracks captive breeding, 14

cats, 21, 22, 25

chemical use, 19, 24, 28

D

decision-making process, 44–7

definitions, 64–65

Director of National Parks, 66 disabled access, 55

disaster management, 57

Discovery Centre, 12, 16–17, 38, 54

dogs, 36–37

E

eastern free-tail bat, 13 education activities, 16, 38–9

emergency management, 56–8 energy, alternative sources of, 56

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation

Act 1999, 3, 66, 67–9

environmental impact assessments, 47, 68–9

erosion, 12, 27–8, 49–50

eucalypts, 30–1 European honey bee, 23

European settlement, 3, 12

F

facilities, 54

fauna see animals; birds; reptiles fees and charges, 41

feral animals see animals feral fowl, 22–3

financial management, 44, 55–6

firearms, 38

fires, 26–7, 58

first aid, 40, 49, 58

flax plants, 20

Forestry Area, 12, 30–2 IUCN category of, 9 map showing, 2

forestry operations, 30–2

Formosan lily, 21

four-wheel drive tours, 49 fruit, native, 20

funding, 55–6, 63

fungal diseases, 23–4

G

geckos, 22, 25

genetic resources, 18

global warming, 26–7

glossary, 64–5

Gould’s wattled bat, 13 greenhouse gas emissions, 56 guava, native, 20

guava, red, 21–2

H

Hawaiian holly, 21–2

herbarium collection, 12, 16–17

historical sites and artefacts, 4, 15

horse riding, 36, 37, 39, 49

I

impact assessment procedures, 46, 47 incident management and reporting, 56–8

information, education and interpretation, 15, 38–9 infrastructure see capital works and infrastructure insurance, commercial public liability, 32, 40, 49

international agreements, 71–2 International Union for the Conservation of

Nature (IUCN), iii categories and zoning, 8–9

interpretive materials and signage, 15, 38–9 invasive species see animals

invertebrates, introduced, 23 issues

activities not covered by management plan, 62 adverse impacts of plants, animals and pathogens, 24 assessment of proposals, 45

Botanic Garden and herbarium collection, 16 business systems, 45

capital works and infrastructure, 54 climate change, 26

commercial tourism and activities, 40 community use of natural resources, 20 compliance and enforcement, 59

K

kikuyu, 21

kurrajong, 24

L

landscapes, 27–8

rehabilitation, 29–30

landscaping materials, 55

lantana, 21

leases see permits, leases and licences legislative context, 3, 66–72

lemons, native, 20

licences see permits, leases and licences

listed threatened species, 4, 13–14, 67–8, 73–6 research and monitoring, 17–19

threats to, 21–5

living collection, 12, 16–17

Lord Howe Island (Norfolk Island) gecko, 13, 21 Lord Howe Island (Norfolk Island) skink, 13, 21

M

Madeira vine, 21

mammals, native, 13 Management Plan

activities not covered by, 62 commencement and termination, 8 implementation and evaluation, 63 interpretation, 64–5

planning process, 69–70 vision and objectives, iii

maps

access to Norfolk Island Botanic Garden, 52 access to Norfolk Island National Park

(Mount Pitt Section), 50

access to Norfolk Island National Park (Phillip Island Section), 50–3

IUCN categorisation of zones, 10

location of National Park and Botanic Garden, 2 Norfolk Island National Park, 33

walking tracks, 50–2

marine species, 13, 17

memorial plaques, 38

migratory species, 14, 17, 31

molluscs, native, 13

monitoring see research and monitoring morning glory, 21

Mount Pitt Section, 3, 12 commercial activities in, 39–41 IUCN category of, 9

landscape rehabilitation, 29

map showing, 2

mountain bike riding, 37, 39, 48

myrtle rust, 24

N

National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975, 3 National Seed Bank, 17

native species see animals; plants natural heritage management, 12–33 natural resource use, community, 20–1

neighbours see stakeholders and partnerships Norfolk Island, 3

legislation, 69

Norfolk Island Botanic Garden, 3, 12, 16–17 heritage and natural values, 4

IUCN category and zoning, 8–9 map showing, 2

social and economic values, 5

vision and management objectives, iii

Norfolk Island Commonwealth Marine Reserve, 41 Norfolk Island green parrot, 13, 14, 22–3

Norfolk Island morepork, 13 Norfolk Island National Park, 3

heritage and natural values, 4 IUCN category and zoning, 8–9 map showing, 2

social and economic values, 5

vision and management objectives, iii

P

palm seed borer, 23 Parks Australia, 60

partnerships see stakeholders and partnerships pathogens, introduced, 12, 23–4

pathways see roads and tracks penalties, 68

permits, leases and licences, 40–1 adventurous activities, 37

capital works and infrastructure, 54 commercial tourism, 39–41, 49 compliance and enforcement, 59 firearms, 38

forestry operations, 32

introduction of non-native species, 25 public gatherings, 37

remotely piloted aircraft, 37 research and monitoring, 19

scattering of ashes and installation of plaques, 38 persistent chemicals, 28

Phillip Island, 3

erosion, 12

heritage and natural values, 4 introduced species, 12, 20, 22–3, 29–30 IUCN category of, 9

landscape rehabilitation, 29, 30

tourism and activities, 36–8, 39

visitor safety, 49, 56–7

plant nurseries, 30 plants

critically endangered, 12, 13

introduced and invasive, 12, 21–5

listed threatened species, 13–14, 75–6

native, 4, 12–14, 13, 16, 20

recovery and threat abatement plans, 14 research and monitoring, 17–18

species relocation, 14

see also timber production plantations predators see animals

prescriptions

activities not covered by management plan, 62–3 adverse impacts of plants, animals and pathogens,

24–5

assessment of proposals, 45

Botanic Garden and herbarium collection, 16–17 business systems, 45

capital works and infrastructure, 54–5 commercial tourism and activities, 40–1 community use of natural resources, 20–21 cultural heritage management, 15

Forestry Area, 31–32

herbarium collection, 16

invasive and introduced species, 24–5 IUCN categories and zoning, 9 landscapes, soil and water, 28

native plants and animals, 14 natural heritage management, 14 Norfolk Island Botanic Garden, 16 research and monitoring, 19 roads and tracks, 49–50 threatened native species, 14 visitor activities, 37–8

visitor safety and incident management, 57–8 proposals for activities, 44–7

providence petrels, 29

psittacine circovirus disease, 23–4

R

rainfall, 26–7, 28

rainforest, 4, 12

rangers, 59

rats see rodents, introduced recreation activities, 36–41, 48–53

remnant vegetation, 12

remotely piloted aircraft, 37–8, 41

reptiles, 13, 21

listed threatened species, 74 research and monitoring, 17–19 resources

community use, 20–1

use in park operations, 55–6 risk management, 56–8

roads and tracks, 16, 48–53

rodents, introduced, 13, 21, 22, 25 root rot fungus, 23–4

S

scenic flights, 41

seabirds, 4, 23

search and rescue, 57, 58

seed banks, 17

signage see interpretive materials and signage skinks, 13, 21

snails, 4

listed threatened species, 76 soils, 27–8

sooty terns, 20, 23

staff training, 58, 59

stakeholders and partnerships, 12, 15, 41, 60–1 Statement of Significance, 4

surveys, 30, 31, 39

T

threat abatement plans, 14

threatened species see listed threatened species Threatened Species Recovery Plan, 13

timber production plantations, 12 tourism, 5, 16–17, 36–41

commercial, 39–41

licences and permits, 37, 39–41, 49

visitor safety and incident management, 56–8

unforseen activities, 62

V

vegetation see plants vehicle access, 48–53

visitors, 5, 36–41, 48–9

with disability, 16, 48–9, 55

information, education and interpretation, 15, 38–9 safety and incident management, 56–8

volunteering, 61

W

walking tours, 39

walking tracks see roads and tracks wardens, 59

waste products, 41, 55–6

water, 27–8

weeds, introduced, 12, 21–2, 30–2

removal, 25

wild tobacco, 21

wildfires, 26–7

William Taylor plant, 21 World War II sites, 4, 12

Z

zones, IUCN, 8–9

Source text: opening excerpt

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.

Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island National Park and

Norfolk Island National Park and

Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

Management Plan 2020

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

Objectives Objectives

Objectives

The objectives for management of the park and botanic garden are:

• To identify, conserve and protect the natural and cultural values of the park and botanic garden
• To offer world class natural and cultural experiences, that improve understanding of the values of the reserves and enhance the Norfolk Island regional economy
• To base management and decision-making on a foundation of best available information, sound policies and practices and contemporary management approaches.

Contents Contents

Foreword i

Acknowledgments i Vision iii Objectives iii

A description of Norfolk Island National Park and

Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

Territory of Norfolk Island 3 Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden 3 Statement of Significance 4 The values of the park and botanic garden 4

Management Plan for Norfolk Island National Park and

Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

Introductory provisions

    ![](image.016.png)![](image.016.png) Short title 8
    ![](image.016.png)![](image.016.png) Commencement and termination 8
    ![](image.016.png)![](image.016.png) IUCN category and zoning 8

Natural and cultural heritage management

2.1 Native plants and animals 12 2.2 Cultural heritage management 15 2.3 Botanic Garden and herbarium collection 16 2.4 Research and monitoring 17 2.5 Community use of natural resources 20 2.6 Managing adverse impacts of plants, animals and pathogens 21 2.7 Climate Change 26 2.8 Landscapes, soils and water 27 2.9 Landscape rehabilitation 29 2.10 Forestry Area 30

A description of Norfolk Island National A description of Norfolk Island National Park

A description of Norfolk Island National Park

and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

Breathtaking scenery, dramatic landscape Breathtaking scenery, dramatic landscapes and a unique diversity of plant and animal life

A description of Norfolk Island National Park

and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

Breathtaking scenery, dramatic landscapes and a unique diversity of plant and animal life

Statement of Significance Statement of Significance

Statement of Significance

The values of the park and botanic garde The values of the park and botanic garden

The values of the park and botanic garden

Identification and recognition of the park and botanic garden’s values ensures a shared understanding about what is most important about the reserves, and the statement

of significance helps to focus management and planning. If the values are allowed to decline the park and botanic garden’s purpose and significance as protected areas would be jeopardised.

Natural values

The park and the living collection in the botanic garden provide rich sources of horticultural, botanical and biological information about the native species of Norfolk Island.

Phillip Island, although long devoid of its original vegetation, is an important seabird nesting site and a refuge for several threatened species lost from Norfolk Island itself.

Heritage values

The park and botanic garden protect significant heritage sites associated with the defence of Norfolk Island during World War II, including the remains of a gun

Management plan for Management plan for

Management plan for

Norfolk Island National Park

and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

Conservation and appreciation of Norfolk Conservation and appreciation of Norfolk Island’s natural and cultural heritage through the control of invasive species, provision of safe visitor access, and working with stakeholders and the community.

Management plan for

Norfolk Island National Park

and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden

Conservation and appreciation of Norfolk Island’s natural and cultural heritage through the control of invasive species, provision of safe visitor access, and working with stakeholders and the community.

1.1 Short title

This management plan may be cited as the Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden Management Plan 2020.

1.2 Commencement and termination

This management plan will come into operation following approval by the Minister under

1.3 IUCN category and zoning

Our aim

.1 The park and botanic garden are managed in accordance with an IUCN protected area category and relevant management principles to protect their values while providing for

appropriate use

Background

The provisions of a management plan must not be inconsistent with the management principles for the IUCN category to which the reserve or zone of the reserve is assigned (s.367(3)).

The categories to which the park and botanic garden are assigned are guided by the purposes for which they were declared.

The purposes for which Norfolk Island National Park was declared as a Commonwealth reserve are:

(a) the preservation of the area in its natural condition; and
(b) the encouragement and regulation of the appropriate use, appreciation and enjoyment of the area by the public.

Resilient places and ecosystems Resilient places and ecosystems

Resilient places and ecosystems

Protecting and conserving the natural an Protecting and conserving the natural and cultural values of the park and botanic garden

Protecting and conserving the natural and cultural values of the park and botanic garden

Objective:  To protect and conserve the natural and cultural

values of the park and botanic garden

Desired outcomes:  Natural and cultural values of the park and botanic

garden are protected and conserved Performance indicators:  Populations of threatened species are increasing

 Populations and extent of invasive species are reduced
 Ecosystem health is maintained or improved
![](image.053.png) Historic sites in the park and botanic garden are protected and conserved

2.1 Native plants and animals

Our aim

Maintain or improve the distribution and abundance of species native to Norfolk Island, ensuring healthy ecosystems and the processes upon which they depend.

Background

2.2 Cultural heritage management

Our aim

Identify, protect, conserve and interpret to the public the cultural heritage values of the park and botanic garden.

2.3 Botanic garden and herbarium collection

Our aims

• Establish and maintain a living and herbarium collection representative of Norfolk Island’s vascular flora with an emphasis on providing educational, interpretative and tourism experiences for visitors.
• Contribute to the conservation of threatened plant species through the establishment and maintenance of healthy ex-situ plantings and seed collections.

Background

The botanic garden, which covers an area of 5.5 hectares and is adjacent to the park, is located on Mission Road near the Mount Pitt Road entrance to the park.

Issues

• Public paths and infrastructure needs to be monitored and maintained to ensure visitor safety.
• The botanic garden’s infrastructure must continue to provide for education, interpretation and tourism-related activities.

Prescriptions

2.3.1 The botanic garden will continue to place a strong focus on education, interpretation and tourism-related activities.
2.3.2 As a priority, the remnant lowland subtropical hardwood forest will be maintained.
2.3.3 The Director may take actions or authorise (whether by permit, contract, lease, letter or licence) actions by other persons concerning species, including species listed under Part 13 of the EPBC Act, that are otherwise prohibited by the EPBC Act or Regulations for the purpose of managing the botanic garden’s living collection and herbarium collection or where they are necessary to implement this plan.
2.3.4 The living and herbarium collections will give priority to plants native to Norfolk Island with an emphasis on EPBC Act listed species.

2.4 Research and monitoring

Our aim

Research and monitoring activities in the park and botanic garden contribute to improved conservation and management of park and botanic garden values.

Background

In some cases, organisations and individuals carry out research and monitoring activities for their own purposes for either not-for-profit or commercial purposes.

EPBC legislative provisions relevant to research and monitoring

Research which involves actions that affect members of specie

This is an opening excerpt, not the complete document.

Plain English Summary

Deep Dive

What it does

Main concepts

Who it affects

Key duties and rights

Penalties and enforcement

How it interacts with other laws

Amendment history

Litigation history

Gotchas

How to comply

Current sections

Norfolk Island National Park and

View image in the official sourceView image in the official sourceNorfolk Island National Park and

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

Objectives

Objectives

Contents

Contents

A description of Norfolk Island National Park

A description of Norfolk Island National Park

Breathtaking scenery, dramatic landscapes and a unique diversity of plant and animal life

A description of Norfolk Island National Park

Breathtaking scenery, dramatic landscapes and a unique diversity of plant and animal life

Statement of Significance

Statement of Significance

The values of the park and botanic garden

The values of the park and botanic garden

Management plan for

Management plan for

Conservation and appreciation of Norfolk Island’s natural and cultural heritage through the control of invasive species, provision of safe visitor access, and working with stakeholders and the community.

Management plan for

Conservation and appreciation of Norfolk Island’s natural and cultural heritage through the control of invasive species, provision of safe visitor access, and working with stakeholders and the community.

Short title

1.1 Short title

Commencement and termination

1.2 Commencement and termination

IUCN category and zoning

1.3 IUCN category and zoning

Resilient places and ecosystems

Resilient places and ecosystems

Protecting and conserving the natural and cultural values of the park and botanic garden

Protecting and conserving the natural and cultural values of the park and botanic garden

Native plants and animals

2.1 Native plants and animals

Cultural heritage management

2.2 Cultural heritage management

Botanic garden and herbarium collection

2.3 Botanic garden and herbarium collection

Research and monitoring

2.4 Research and monitoring

Community use of natural resources

2.5 Community use of natural resources

Managing adverse impacts of plants, animals and pathogens

2.6 Managing adverse impacts of plants, animals and pathogens

Climate change

2.7 Climate change

Landscapes, soils and water

2.8 Landscapes, soils and water

Landscape rehabilitation

2.9 Landscape rehabilitation

Forestry Area

2.10 Forestry Area

Tourism and use of the

Tourism and use of the

Offering world class natural and cultural experiences

Offering world class natural and cultural experiences

Visitor activities

3.1 Visitor activities

Visitor information, education and interpretation

3.2 Visitor information, education and interpretation

Commercial tourism and other commercial activities

3.3 Commercial tourism and other commercial activities

Effective business systems

Effective business systems

Efficient and effective business practices and systems

Efficient and effective business practices and systems

Assessment of proposals

View image in the official source View image in the official sourceNorfolk Island National Park and