What it does
The Parks Victoria Act 2018 repeals and re-enacts with amendments the former Parks Victoria Act 1998, establishing Parks Victoria as a body corporate representing the Crown (s 5, s 6). The Act sets out the objects of Parks Victoria, being to protect, conserve and enhance Parks Victoria managed land, including its natural and cultural values, to recognise and support traditional owner knowledge and interests, to provide for and encourage community enjoyment and involvement, to improve community knowledge and appreciation, to contribute to community wellbeing through effective management, and to contribute to state and regional land management outcomes (s 7(1)). Parks Victoria must have regard to these objects in performing its functions, exercising its powers and carrying out its duties (s 7(2)). The Act confers on Parks Victoria a range of functions including controlling and managing Parks Victoria managed land in a manner that protects, conserves and enhances the land while providing for appropriate use, enjoyment and appreciation; enforcing and ensuring compliance with laws applying to that land; conferring and cooperating with the Secretary or other land managers; providing fire and emergency services under agreement; providing other services; advising the Minister and Secretary; promoting good relations and community education; acting as agent of the Secretary in land management; and carrying out any other function conferred by this or any other Act (s 8(1)). A non‑exhaustive note lists additional functions such as acting as a committee of management under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 or Forests Act 1958, acting as a waterway manager under the Marine Safety Act 2010, or acting as a port manager under the Port Management Act 1995. Parks Victoria must exercise its functions consistently with the enactments applying to the management of the land in question (s 8(2)). The Act also provides that Parks Victoria has power to do all things necessary or convenient for achieving its objects and performing its functions (s 9). It imposes specific obligations in relation to Yarra River land and the Great Ocean Road region (ss 10, 10A). The Act establishes a governance structure for Parks Victoria, including ministerial directions, membership and decision‑making rules, committees, and a chief executive officer and staff (Part 2). Part 3 imposes planning and reporting obligations through corporate planning documents, statements of obligations, a land management strategy, and land management plans. The Act also contains transitional provisions abolishing the former body and transferring staff, assets and liabilities to the new Parks Victoria (Part 4). The Act is declared to be interface legislation under the Transport Integration Act 2010 (s 4).