Sydney Olympic Park Authority Act 2001

The Act defines a number of key spatial and institutional concepts. “Sydney Olympic Park” is the land described in Schedule 1, which is land shown coloured blue on a deposited drawing (section 4(1)). “Sydney Olympic Park Development Area” is the land described in Schedule 2, shown coloured yellow on a separate drawing (section 4(1)). “Millennium Parklands” is the land described in Schedule 3, shown coloured mauve on a third drawing (section 4(1)). “Environmental Guidelines” means the Environmental Guidelines for Sydney Olympic Park dated February 2008, as amended from time to time under the Act (section 4(1)). The “Authority” is the Sydney Olympic Park Authority constituted by the Act (section 4(1)). The “Chief Executive” is the Chief Executive of the Authority (section 4(1)). The “Minister for Planning” is the Minister administering the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (section 4(1)). “OCA” means the Olympic Co‑ordination Authority (now repealed) (section 4(1)). “Bicentennial Park Trust” refers to the trust constituted under the now‑repealed Bicentennial Park Trust Act 1987 (section 4(1)). “Road” has the meaning given by section 4(1) of the Road Transport Act 2013, including road related areas. “Private road” means a road subject to a lease to the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales, or a road (other than a public road) prescribed by the regulations (section 4(1)). “Ranger” means a person appointed as a ranger under section 65(1) (section 4(1)). “TfNSW” means Transport for NSW (section 4(1)). “Newington (formerly Silverwater) Nature Reserve” means the lands dedicated as Silverwater Nature Reserve by proclamation in 2000, as modified (section 4(1)). The Act also defines “development carried out by the Authority” for the purposes of Division 2 of Part 4 as development carried out by, for or on behalf of the Authority (section 17(1)). A key concept for noise immunity is the “major event”, defined in section 48A(5) as a business‑oriented occasion or a cultural, social or sporting related occasion on a single day designed for more than 10,000 patrons at a single major event venue, or more than 20,000 at two or more venues, or involving a total floor area of temporary tents or marquees of more than 1,000 square metres, or a temporary stage or platform of more than 300 square metres. The Act also introduces the concept of a “master plan” (section 18), a “plan of management” for the Millennium Parklands (sections 34‑37), and “traffic management plans” (section 41). These are not simply advisory instruments; the master plan has no effect unless approved by the Minister for Planning and must comply with the environmental planning instrument (section 18(4)), the plan of management must be carried out and the Millennium Parklands used in accordance with it (section 37), and the Authority may control traffic and close roads in accordance with a traffic management plan (section 41(2)). The Environmental Guidelines serve as a touchstone for development: the Authority must consider whether proposed development is consistent with them (section 20) and the Minister for Planning must consider consistency when determining development applications (section 22(2)).

The Act affects a broad range of entities and individuals. The primary actor is the Sydney Olympic Park Authority itself, which has the powers and duties of a landowner, local government council, roads authority, consent authority, environmental regulator, and event manager. The Authority’s Board members, Chief Executive, staff, and rangers are directly affected by provisions on appointment, delegation, disclosure of pecuniary interests (Schedule 4, clause 8), personal liability (section 72), and the misuse of information (section 71). Developers and landowners within Sydney Olympic Park are significantly affected: the consent authority for any development is the Minister for Planning (section 22(1)), not the local council. A person who wishes to carry out development on a major site (≥10,000 m² area or ≥20,000 m² built space) that is not owned by the Authority and is within the Sydney Olympic Park Development Area must first notify the Authority in writing before making a development application (section 27). The Authority itself may exercise the functions of a local council under sections 24, 25, 26 and 46, and under other provisions specified by regulation, to the exclusion of a council if it so determines (section 19(4)). Councils, including Auburn Council (mentioned in section 8(2) as the recipient of certain roads), may be affected by the Authority’s exercise of their functions. The public is affected through the regulation of access, use of roads, parking (section 46), and conduct on parklands. Rangers have powers to enforce regulations and may issue penalty notices (section 79). Vehicle owners are affected by the parking offence provisions in section 78, which deems the responsible person for a vehicle guilty of a parking offence unless the vehicle was stolen or a nomination is made. Persons who use the name “Sydney Olympic Park” for a commercial purpose without the Authority’s written consent commit an offence (section 67). Public authorities must not make arrangements with Olympic organisations for use of copyright without the Authority’s consent (section 68). Tenants and licensees of Millennium Parklands are affected by the strictures on leases and licences: leases cannot exceed 25 years (section 32(10)), subletting is restricted to purposes permitted under the plan of management (section 32(8)), and proposals for leases or licences require public notice and a minimum 28‑day submission period (section 32(4)-(7)). The Minister for Planning is directly affected as the consent authority and as the approver of the master plan (section 18(4)) and plan of management (section 35). The Minister for the Environment must concur in the adoption of the plan of management (section 35(6)). TfNSW is affected through its role in approving traffic management plans (section 41(5)) and through the delegation of its functions to the Authority (section 45). The International Olympic Committee and the Australian Olympic Committee are relevant to the protection of copyright arrangements (section 68). The Newington Nature Reserve remains under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, but the Authority must manage adjoining lands in sympathy with the reserve (section 30(5)). Any person, such as a member of the public, may make submissions on proposals affecting the Millennium Parklands (section 32(6)) or on amendments to the Environmental Guidelines (section 49(3)).

The Act imposes a range of duties on the Authority and confers corresponding rights on other parties. The Authority is under a duty to prepare and maintain a master plan for Sydney Olympic Park (section 18(1)), and before approving the master plan, the Minister for Planning must consider its consistency with the Environmental Guidelines (section 18(5)). The Authority must also prepare a plan of management for the Millennium Parklands (section 34(1)) and carry it out once adopted (section 37(1)). The plan of management must contain a detailed written scheme of operations and must be available for public inspection (section 34(5)). The Authority must ensure the plan includes a proposal for land adjoining the Newington Nature Reserve to be managed as a buffer (section 34(6)). Before carrying out development, the Authority must consider its consistency with the Environmental Guidelines (section 20). The Authority must maintain and extend to the greatest extent practicable the Water Reclamation and Management Scheme (section 48(1)) and encourage the use of renewable energy (section 48(2)). It must produce an annual state of environment report covering land, air, water, biodiversity, waste, noise, Aboriginal and non‑Aboriginal heritage, with particular reference to management plans, special projects, and environmental impacts of activities and buildings (section 50(1)). The Authority must not sell, mortgage or otherwise dispose of the Millennium Parklands (section 31(1)), but it may grant leases, easements and licences subject to strict public notice and term requirements (section 32). Any such lease, licence or other interest must be granted in accordance with the plan of management and, where the plan specifies, by tender only (section 32(3)). The Authority has the right to control and regulate traffic, temporarily close roads, and remove unattended motor vehicles and trailers that are unlawfully standing, dangerous or causing obstruction (sections 41(2), 44(2)). It may exercise the functions of a council under certain planning and local government legislation (section 19) and enforce planning laws (section 25). The Authority has the right to impose fees and charges, and any money due to it may be recovered as a debt (section 75). It may acquire land by agreement or compulsory process (section 51) and accept gifts, devises or bequests (section 54). The Authority may delegate its functions to authorised persons (section 57) and form subsidiary corporations with the Minister’s approval (section 58). The rights of the public are also protected: any person may inspect, free of charge, the Environmental Guidelines and the report on public submissions at the Authority’s office (section 49(6)), and any drawing referred to in the Act that is deposited in the Authority’s office (section 69). Members of the public are entitled to make submissions on proposed leases or licences of Millennium Parklands within not less than 28 days (section 32(5)-(6)), and on amendments to the Environmental Guidelines (section 49(2)-(3)). The plan of management and a report on public submissions must be available for free inspection (section 35(7)). A notable right conferred by the Act is the immunity from noise abatement action for major events held at Sydney Olympic Park. Section 48A(1) provides that no criminal or civil proceedings and no noise abatement action may be taken against any person with respect to the emission of noise from Sydney Olympic Park in relation to a major event. This immunity applies only so long as the noise does not exceed the maximum permissible noise level at the closest residential facade (section 48A(3)). The maximum permissible noise level is 85 dB(A) (LA10, 15mins) or another level prescribed by the regulations, determined in accordance with specified Australian Standards (section 48A(5)). The noise immunity does not limit the operation of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 or any instrument under it, nor does it limit the Authority’s own enforcement functions under sections 19 and 25 (section 48A(4)). Parties affected by road closures have the right to be permitted to pass if authorised by the Authority, TfNSW or a police officer (section 42(1)(a), (2)(a)).

The Act establishes a range of offences and enforcement mechanisms. Section 42(1) makes it an offence, punishable by a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units, to bring a vehicle onto a road closed to vehicles contrary to a sign or by interfering with a barrier, or to fail to remove a vehicle when directed by an authorised person or police officer. Similarly, section 42(2) creates an equivalent offence for pedestrians. Damaging, removing or interfering with road closure signs or barriers carries the same maximum penalty (section 42(3)). Obstructing or impersonating a ranger is an offence under section 66, with a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units. Using the name “Sydney Olympic Park” for a commercial purpose without the Authority’s written consent is a more serious offence: maximum penalty 200 penalty units (section 67). Unauthorised disclosure of information obtained in connection with the administration of the Act is punishable by 20 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months, or both (section 70). The misuse of information provisions in section 71 create offences where a person associated with the Authority deals in land or divulges information knowing it may affect the market price of land, or influences proposals for personal gain. The maximum penalty is 20 penalty units. Additionally, section 71(3) creates a civil liability: any person who gains an advantage from such a contravention is liable to another person for the amount of any loss incurred. The loss is the difference between the dealing price and the market price that would have prevailed had the information been known or the proposals not been influenced (section 71(4)). An action to recover such loss must be brought within 5 years of the dealing (section 71(5)). False nomination in a parking offence notice is an offence under section 78(5), with a maximum penalty of 10 penalty units if the vehicle is registered otherwise than in the name of a natural person, or 5 penalty units otherwise. Section 79 provides for penalty notices to be issued for offences against section 67 or against the regulations, where those offences are prescribed by the regulations as penalty notice offences. The amount payable under a penalty notice is the amount prescribed (not exceeding the maximum court penalty). Authorised officers are persons authorised in writing by the Authority (section 79(6)). The regulations themselves may create offences punishable by a maximum penalty of 50 penalty units (section 82(3)). Proceedings for any offence against the Act or regulations are to be dealt with summarily before the Local Court (section 77). The Authority also has powers of enforcement under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Part 9, which it may exercise as if it were a council (section 25). Rangers, appointed under section 65, may exercise functions conferred by the regulations. They must carry an identification card and produce it on request (section 65(6)). A person who threatens, intimidates or assaults a ranger in the exercise of their functions is guilty of an offence (section 66(3)). The Fines Act 1996 applies to penalty notices issued under section 79. The Act also provides for the removal of unattended motor vehicles and trailers that are unlawfully standing, dangerous or causing obstruction (section 44), and section 143 of the Road Transport Act 2013 applies to such removal. The liability of vehicle owners for parking offences on land at Sydney Olympic Park (other than roads) is governed by section 78, which deems the responsible person guilty unless the vehicle was stolen or taken illegally, or a valid nomination is made within 21 days (or within 90 days in certain circumstances under section 23AA or 23AB of the Fines Act 1996). An authorised officer may require a statutory declaration to verify a nomination (section 78(4B)).

The Act operates alongside and often modifies the application of numerous other statutes. The most significant interaction is with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). The Minister for Planning (defined as the Minister administering that Act) is the consent authority for any development on land within Sydney Olympic Park (section 22(1)). The Minister must consider the consistency of proposed development with the Environmental Guidelines (section 22(2)). The Authority may exercise the functions of a council under Part 9 of the EP&A Act (enforcement) (section 25). The Minister for Planning may prepare contributions plans under Division 6 of Part 4 of the EP&A Act (section 23). An environmental planning instrument under the EP&A Act must make provision for the application and effect of the master plan (section 18(7)). The Authority may, at the request of the Secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment, provide resources to prepare environmental planning instruments and development control plans (section 21). The EP&A Act’s Part 4A certification functions may be delegated to the Authority (section 24(1)). The Local Government Act 1993 is also central: the Authority has the functions of a council under sections 24, 25, 26 and 46 of this Act (section 19(1)), and the regulations may specify other provisions. Sections 36‑36N of the Local Government Act (community land plans of management) apply to the Millennium Parklands as if they were community land and the Authority were a council, with modifications (section 34(4)). The Authority must take into consideration the principles of ecologically sustainable development within the meaning of the Local Government Act (section 15). The Roads Act 1993 applies to public roads within Sydney Olympic Park, but the Authority is the roads authority for roads vested in it (section 39). A road cannot be provided, opened, dedicated, closed or realigned except with the Authority’s consent (section 38(1)). Section 41(5) requires TfNSW’s consent to a traffic management plan, and that consent is taken to be consent under the Roads Act and road transport legislation (section 41(6)). The Road Transport Act 2013 definitions of “road” and “road related area” are imported (section 4). The Authority has the same functions as a council under statutory rules made under that Act in respect of pay parking (section 46). Section 143 of the Road Transport Act applies to removal of unattended vehicles (section 44(3)). The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 continues to apply to the Newington Nature Reserve (section 30(4)). The plan of management for the Millennium Parklands may incorporate a plan of management prepared under Part 5 of that Act (section 34(3)). The Government Sector Finance Act 2018 governs joint ventures (section 59). The Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 applies to land acquisition by the Authority (section 51). The Crown Land Management Act 2016 applies when the Authority surrenders land to the Crown for dedication (section 53(2)). The Conveyancing Act 1919 applies to subdivision approvals (section 26) and to the imposition of restrictions and positive covenants on Millennium Parklands (section 32(9)). The Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 and Community Land Development Act 2021 are also relevant to subdivision (section 26). The Public Works Act 1912 applies to land acquisition, with sections 34‑37 excluded (section 52). The Fines Act 1996 applies to penalty notices (section 79(3)). The Government Sector Employment Act 2013 governs staff (section 64). The Ombudsman Act 1974 is relevant to disclosure of information (section 70(d)). The Liquor Act 2007 is relevant to the definition of noise abatement action (section 48A(5)). The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 is relevant to noise control notices, abatement orders and directions (section 48A(5)). The Act also expressly binds the Crown (section 76). Section 83 declares that this Act is made in replacement for the Homebush Bay Operations Act 1999, and that functions conferred do not affect agreements entered into by OCA before commencement. The Act also provides that the rule of law against remoteness of vesting does not apply to conditions of gifts to the Authority (section 54(2)), and that the Duties Act 1997 does not apply to gifts, devises or bequests to the Authority (section 54(3)).

The Act has been amended numerous times since its commencement on 1 July 2001. The principal amendments are recorded in the Act’s footnotes. The Sydney Olympic Park Authority Amendment Act 2010 (No 4) made significant changes: it inserted the objects in section 3, amended definitions in section 4, and inserted the key new section 48A providing noise immunity for major events. It also amended section 79 (penalty notices) and Schedule 8. The Sydney Olympic Park Authority Amendment Act 2023 (No 20) inserted section 37A (special provisions for the Hill Road upgrade), added Schedule 5 (Hill Road Upgrade Map), and allowed the Hill Road upgrade land to be sold or disposed of despite section 31, and to cease being part of the Millennium Parklands. The Public Sector Restructure (Miscellaneous Acts Amendments) Act 2009 (No 96) made extensive changes: it amended sections 4, 13, 57, 61, 62, 63, 65, 71, 72, 74, 82 and Schedule 8, principally to reflect machinery of government changes and the dissolution of the State Sports Centre Trust. The State Revenue and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2015 (No 58) amended sections 4, 13, 21, 34, 57, 61, 63, 64, 65, 68, 71, 72, 74, 82, and Schedule 4, updating references to departments and officers. The Road Transport Act 2013 (No 19) amended sections 4, 41, 43, 44, 46 and 78 to update definitions and cross‑references to the Road Transport Act 2013. The Transport Administration Amendment Act 2011 (No 41) amended sections 4, 19, 41, 42 and 45 to replace “RTA” with “TfNSW”. The Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Acts of various years (2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022) made a range of minor and consequential amendments, including to sections 13, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 32, 34, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 49, 53, 57, 62, 65, 66, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 77, 78, 79, 81, 83‑87 (repealed), and Schedules 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. The Act originally repealed the Homebush Bay Operations Act 1999 and dissolved the Bicentennial Park Trust (Schedule 8, Part 2). The State Sports Centre Trust Act 1984 was repealed and that trust dissolved by the 2009 amendments (Schedule 8, Part 3). The commencement provision remains 1 July 2001 (section 2).

The Act itself does not record or reference any specific litigation history. No cases are cited in the text. However, given the Act’s operation in the areas of planning, environment, and event management, practitioners should be aware of potential judicial review proceedings concerning development consents granted by the Minister for Planning under section 22, challenges to the validity of the master plan or plan of management, or disputes over the scope of the noise immunity provision in section 48A. The definition of “major event” in section 48A(5) and the determination of “maximum permissible noise level” could give rise to interpretative disputes. The offence provisions under sections 66, 67, 70, 71, 78 and 79 may be the subject of criminal or civil proceedings in the Local Court. The civil liability created by section 71(3) for misuse of information could lead to actions in the Supreme Court for loss arising from insider‑dealing in land. The prohibition on disposal of the Millennium Parklands (section 31) and the strictures on granting leases (section 32) could be litigated in the context of contractual rights, as could the preservation of rights under pre‑existing OCA agreements (section 11). The provision that a road does not cease to be a road because it is closed (section 43) may be relevant in motor accident compensation claims under the Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999. The interaction with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, including the requirement for the Minister for Planning to consider consistency with the Environmental Guidelines when determining development applications (section 22(2)), could be the subject of merits review or judicial review. No commentary on decided cases is provided in the source text, and it would be inappropriate to speculate beyond the Act’s own terms.

Several provisions in the Act contain potential traps for the unwary. First, the absolute prohibition on disposing of the Millennium Parklands (section 31) is subject only to the limited lease, easement and licence powers in section 32 and the specific Hill Road upgrade exception in section 37A. Any purported sale, mortgage or other disposal outside those provisions is void. A lessee or licensee must note the 25‑year maximum term (section 32(10)) and the inability to sublet for a purpose not permitted under the plan of management (section 32(8)). The public notice and 28‑day submission period for leases and licences (section 32(4)-(7)) is mandatory; failure to comply could invalidate the grant. The Chief Executive or a designated staff member may grant a licence for up to 5 years without Ministerial approval (section 32(12A)), but that exception is limited and careful attention to the term is required. Second, the noise immunity in section 48A applies only to “major events” as defined, and only if the noise does not exceed the maximum permissible noise level at the closest residential facade. Event organisers cannot assume blanket immunity; compliance with noise limits measured according to Australian Standards AS 1055.1‑1997, AS 1259.1‑1990 and AS 2659.1‑1988 is essential. The immunity does not apply to noise that exceeds the prescribed level, and it does not limit the Authority’s own enforcement powers under the EP&A Act. Third, the misuse of information provisions in section 71 apply to a wide class of persons “associated with the Authority”, including Board members, committee members, staff, contractors, bankers, lawyers, auditors, professional advisers, and even employees of councils and the Department of Planning and Environment (section 71(6)). This is analogous to insider‑trading restrictions and can result in both criminal penalties (20 penalty units) and civil liability for the full difference between the dealing price and the hypothetical market price. The limitation period for civil actions is 5 years (section 71(5)). Fourth, the requirement in section 27 to notify the Authority before making a development application for a major site not owned by the Authority within the Sydney Olympic Park Development Area is easily overlooked. The notification is a precondition; failure to notify could render a development application invalid. Fifth, the commercial use of the name “Sydney Olympic Park” without the Authority’s written consent is an offence with a maximum penalty of 200 penalty units (section 67). This applies to any person other than the Authority itself. Sixth, the parking offence provisions in section 78 deems the responsible person (the vehicle owner or registered operator) guilty, subject to a defence of stolen vehicle or a valid nomination. The nomination must be made within 21 days (or 90 days in limited circumstances). False nomination is itself an offence. The Authority may require a statutory declaration to verify the nomination (section 78(4B)). Seventh, roads that are vested as private roads require the Authority’s consent to be provided, opened, closed, realigned, regulated in use, or used for a purpose other than a road (section 40). The owner or occupier of a private road must consent to any closure under a traffic management plan (section 41(4)). Eighth, the vesting provisions in Part 3 extinguish only the encumbrances highlighted in orange on a specific deposited map (section 10(3)). Other encumbrances survive the vesting. Any person relying on the extinguishment should verify against the deposited drawing. Ninth, the Authority may exercise the functions of a council to the exclusion of a council (section 19(4)), but must notify any affected council (section 19(6)). A council that continues to exercise functions in ignorance of a determination may be acting without authority. Tenth, the plan of management for the Millennium Parklands may incorporate a plan under the National Parks and Wildlife Act for the Newington Nature Reserve (section 34(3)), but the Nature Reserve itself remains subject to that Act (section 30(4)). The Authority must manage adjoining lands in sympathy with the reserve (section 30(5)) - a potentially broad obligation.

Compliance with the Act requires a thorough understanding of the Authority’s roles and the procedural requirements that apply to land within Sydney Olympic Park. For developers and landowners: before undertaking any development, first identify whether the land is within Sydney Olympic Park (Schedule 1) or the Sydney Olympic Park Development Area (Schedule 2). If it is, the consent authority is the Minister for Planning (section 22(1)). It is essential to review the master plan (section 18) and the Environmental Guidelines (section 20) and to ensure that the proposed development is consistent with both. The Minister must consider consistency with the Environmental Guidelines (section 22(2)). If the land is not owned by the Authority, is within the Development Area, and exceeds 10,000 m² site area or 20,000 m² built space, a written notice must be given to the Authority before making a development application (section 27). The Authority itself must consider consistency with the Environmental Guidelines before carrying out any proposed development (section 20). For lessees and licensees of Millennium Parklands: any lease, easement or licence must be granted in accordance with the plan of management (section 32). The process includes public notice, a minimum 28‑day submission period, and consideration of submissions. Leases cannot exceed 25 years (section 32(10)), except for the specific savings relating to Cawbac Pty Limited (section 32(11)). Subletting is restricted to purposes permitted by the plan of management (section 32(8)). For event organisers seeking the benefit of the noise immunity in section 48A: ensure that the event qualifies as a “major event” under the definition, and confirm that noise emissions will not exceed 85 dB(A) (LA10, 15mins) at the closest residential facade, measured in accordance with the prescribed Australian Standards. If the noise may exceed that level, consider whether the regulations prescribe a different level. Noise abatement actions cannot be taken, but the immunity is lost if the limit is exceeded. For vehicle owners and drivers: be aware that parking offences on land within Sydney Olympic Park (other than roads) are dealt with under section 78. The registered operator is presumed guilty unless a nomination is made within 21 days. Keep records of who was driving. Do not make false nominations. For public authorities: before making any arrangement with the International Olympic Committee or the Australian Olympic Committee for use of copyright material, obtain the written consent of the Authority (section 68). Any arrangement made in contravention is void. For anyone using the name “Sydney Olympic Park” for a commercial purpose: obtain the written consent of the Authority first (section 67). For persons associated with the Authority (as defined in section 71(6)): avoid dealing in land or influencing proposals while in possession of non‑public information that could affect land prices. Comply with disclosure obligations and avoid conflicts of interest. For the Authority itself: ensure that the master plan, plan of management, and traffic management plans are prepared and maintained, and that public notice and submission procedures are followed. The Authority must also produce the annual state of environment report (section 50). Rangers must carry identification cards and produce them on request (section 65(6)). For Board members and committee members: disclose any direct or indirect pecuniary interests in matters before the Board or committee, and refrain from participating in decisions on those matters unless the Minister or Board otherwise determines (Schedule 4, clause 8). For the Minister for Planning: when approving the master plan, ensure it complies with the environmental planning instrument and that consistency with the Environmental Guidelines has been considered (section 18(4)-(5)). When determining development applications, consider consistency with the Environmental Guidelines (section 22(2)). For the Minister (general): when consenting to amendments to the Environmental Guidelines, ensure the amendment will improve environmental outcomes and that the Minister for Planning has been consulted (section 49(5)). For any person making submissions: use the public notice procedures to comment on proposed leases, licences, amendments to the Environmental Guidelines, or the plan of management. Submissions must be in writing and made within the specified period. Practical compliance also involves consulting the deposited drawings referred to in the Act (Schedules 1-5) and the Environmental Guidelines, which are available for inspection at the Authority’s office.