What it does
The Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976 (NT) is the Northern Territory's primary statute for declaring and managing parks and reserves and for conserving and managing wildlife. It is current as at 13 September 2025. The Act was originally enacted in 1976 to repeal earlier ordinances (including the National Parks and Gardens Act 1959 and the Wildlife Conservation and Control Act 1962) and consolidate parks and wildlife management under the Commission. It has been extensively amended over the decades, including to recognise Aboriginal land rights and joint management arrangements.
The Act covers three related fields: the establishment and management of parks and reserves (Parts 2 and 3); joint management with Aboriginal traditional owners (Part 3, extensively subdivided); and the conservation and management of wildlife including fauna, flora, feral animals, and prohibited entrants (Part 4). The Commission (constituted under the Parks and Wildlife Commission Act 1980) administers the Act with powers exercised through the Director and conservation officers.