This chapter deals with employment, education and training, law enforcement, financial arrangements, workshops and services, office accommodation, asset maintenance and capital works, all functions essential to the efficient day-to-day operation of the Park.
All Park staff are employed under the Commonwealth’s Public Service Act 1999. Their general duties are to assist the Director in carrying out his or her functions under the Act. Parks Australia is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity, follows the guidelines set out in the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991, and encourages industrial democracy in the workplace.
At January 2000 there were 33 staff employed by Parks Australia, 11 of them Anangu. The Community Traditional Consultancy arrangements allow for the employment of Anangu as both casual consultants and increasingly as permanent contract employees. For example, in 1999 a park planner and a senior female ranger to work with Anangu women, were recruited. This compares with an overall total of 19 staff in 1992 at the start of the previous Plan of Management. In 1991 there were 250,000 visitors; in 1999 there were 372,000. Extra staffing was required to cope with the increase in the number of visitors and the opening of the Cultural Centre.
Parks Australia is committed to the employment and training of Anangu through standard Public Service procedures and the Mutitjulu Employment Strategy. The traditional skills project supports Anangu recruitment into the Public Service. Parks Australia encourages flexible work arrangements to enable Anangu to fulfil their cultural obligations. The past emphasis on casual employment is changing to contract employment arrangements which incorporate standard employment conditions (Pitjantjatjara Award 1991).
Parks Australia provides opportunities for all employees to pursue formal studies in language and land management through relevant institutions. The Park is undertaking an organisational structure review to enhance the Joint Management arrangements.
The Lease details Anangu aspirations in relation to employment in Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. Under the Lease, the Director is required to:
• take all practical steps to promote Aboriginal administration, management and control of the Park;
• engage as many relevant Aboriginals as is practicable to provide services in and in relation to the Park;
• take all reasonable steps to adjust working hours and conditions to the needs and culture of Aboriginals employed in the Park;
• utilise the traditional skills of Aboriginal individuals and groups in the management of the Park;
• encourage Aboriginal business and commercial initiatives and enterprises in the Park;
• use its best endeavours to maintain staff within the Park at the level and designations of staff requirements provided for in the Plan of Management; and
• ensure that Aboriginal representation on staff selection panels shall continue for the term of the Lease.
Under the previous Plan of Management, Parks Australia and the Board of Management aimed to have one-third of permanent staff positions in the Park filled by Anangu. A figure of 30 per cent Anangu employment was reached. At the request of Anangu, many of these positions were filled on a part-time basis.
During 1997/98 a Social and Cultural Impact Study was commissioned as part of the development of this Plan. The assessment closely examined the status of Anangu participation, employment and training in the Park.
Mutitjulu Community established an Employment Education and Training Committee which developed and implemented the Mutitjulu Employment Strategy 1998. The Park Training Officer represents Parks Australia on the Committee, to improve coordination and liaison for public service employment and training in the Park.
• ensuring that the employment requirements of the Lease are met
• flexible and responsive employment opportunities for Anangu-emphasis will be placed on provision of training for full-time permanent employment in the Park
• linking of Anangu skills and abilities with tasks required in Park management
• the continued need for Parks Australia to support a training and employment officer for Mutitjulu Community
• the need for adequate Park staff resources to enable the efficient and effective running of the Park to meet standards of visitor and staff safety and to protect World Heritage values
• gender imbalance in employment, which detrimentally affects participation and employment of both Anangu and Piranpa in the Park
• the need to increase numbers of Anangu men and women working in natural and cultural resource management
Aims
• to assist the Director of National Parks and Wildlife in carrying out his or her functions, in accordance with the Board’s vision statement and the Lease, through employment of sufficient staff with the skills necessary for effective management of the Park to standards consistent with the protection of Park values
• to develop and implement strategies for increasing the level of Anangu employment in the daily operations of the Park
• Employment, Education and Training Committee. To improve coordination and liaison for Public Service employment, education and training in the Park.
• Parks Australia will sponsor five of the eighteen approved training positions in the first year of the strategy.
• Anangu employment. Guidelines are to be developed by the Employment, Education and Training Committee for Parks Australia trainees.
• The Lease. Parks Australia will continue to engage as many Anangu as is practicable, in accordance with the Lease.
• Parks Australia will provide financial assistance and in a way which sets new targets for increased Anangu employment and participation in all levels of Park management. As part of this the target for the total salaries budget should not fall below the current 1998/99 levels of 40%, and should increase to more than 50% during the life of this Plan.
• A Community Ranger Program. A Community Ranger Program will be jointly developed and implemented by the Office for Joint Management and Parks Australia within the first year of this Plan.
• Anangu casual work. All Anangu casual work will continue to be administered in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between Parks Australia and the Office for Joint Management which will be reviewed annually.
• Senior Nguraritja consultants. In conjunction with the Office for Joint Management, Parks Australia will continue to engage senior Nguraritja for resource and other consultancy work. Senior Nguraritja consultants are recognised for their Tjukurpa knowledge and are employed as consultants, advisers, co-researchers, co-authors, artists and educators on Park-management tasks.
• Malpa Program. Malpa is a Pitjantjatjara word meaning companion, company or friend. A Malpa Program will be implemented, as a priority, to pair up Anangu with other Anangu, and with Piranpa staff, to work together on particular aspects of Park management up to senior management level. The aim is to foster two-way learning and two-way mentoring, to provide on-the-job training for Anangu and give them insights into daily work in the Park, and to provide important opportunities for direct joint management.
• Public Service Anangu rangers. Parks Australia will continue to provide employment and further training opportunities and develop the skills of Anangu rangers employed through the Public Service.
• Gender imbalance. It is particularly important that recruitment procedures recognise that a reasonable balance between men and women employed in the Park is achieved (including for Aboriginal cultural reasons).
• Staffing support. In conjunction with Mutitjulu Community Inc. Parks Australia and the Office for Joint Management will investigate the employment of a Community-based work-placement officer, whose primary responsibilities would be to link Anangu skills with Park-management tasks and to liaise with private tour operators to seek out commercial employment opportunities for Anangu.
• The Community-based work-placement officer would also liaise with the Employment, Education and Training Committee to conduct a skills audit of Mutitjulu residents and traditional owners, to elicit information on age, gender, level of education, work experience, skills, preferred areas of employment, and areas of expertise and interest.
• The position of Aboriginal Training Officer will be maintained
• The Training Officer at Parks Australia would be responsible for regularly communicating with the work-placement officer regarding work opportunities as they arise in the Park.
• Monitoring. The Park Manager will report quarterly to the Board of Management on the development, implementation and evaluation of the Employment, Education and Training Group’s programs.
Education and training are critical aspects of Anangu and Piranpa staff development in the management of Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. The Park offers unique opportunities for Anangu and Piranpa to exchange land-management skills and work in cross-cultural Park management.
During the previous Plan, Park staff received training in areas such as cross-cultural awareness, law enforcement, advanced first aid, advanced rescue techniques, and rock rescue. This will continue. Education and training will also include courses in Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara and English. The principle of equity of access will guide the education and training programs.
It is recognised that there is considerable scope to expand and further develop the skills of staff. Staff training improves personal development and work performance.
• insufficient training resources for all Park staff
• the need to develop and implement a two-way cross-cultural training program for all Park staff as part of their induction
• the need to improve monitoring of the Park training plan
Aims
• to employ sufficient and skilled staff to manage the Park in accordance with this Plan of Management
• to ensure provision of occupational health and safety and workplace skills training to enable all staff to work safely and effectively
• to develop and implement strategies for increasing the numbers of Anangu in all positions in the staff structure
• Training and Education. To further develop and implement flexible and responsive training programs for staff.
• Continue to support existing Anangu training programs.
• Formulate and implement a Park training plan which includes all aspects and levels of Park management.
• The Training Officer will manage the career development of all Park staff.
• A two-way cross-cultural awareness training program will be developed by the Office for Joint Management and the Park Training Officer.
• Education and training programs will continue to provide
• courses in Pitjantjatjara and English;
• accreditation as interpreters;
• public relations skills;
• safe work practices;
• financial management;
• instruction in how the tourism industry operates, tourists’ expectations, and employment opportunities.
• In conjunction with Mutitjulu Community Inc. Parks Australia will continue to run camps where staff and Anangu have an opportunity to spend time together learning and exchanging skills.
• Investigating the possibility of establishing a staff training network in the Alice Springs - Uluru region, so that resources and expertise can be pooled and training courses can be coordinated across a number of organisations
• Work Experience. Parks Australia will make work experience opportunities available for Mutitjulu Community’s secondary students. Support may also be offered to other educational institutions that express an interest.
• ‘Money lines’. Parks Australia will support Mutitjulu Community Inc’s efforts to increase awareness among Anangu about the various budgetary and funding arrangements of the Park and the Community. Training will be presented in such a way as to allow easy comprehension by people without accounting skills and without English as a first language.
• A strategic approach. In conjunction with the Employment, Education and Training Committee, the Training Officer will develop, implement and review a detailed Anangu staff training strategy.
7.3 Law enforcement
The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 make provision for law enforcement in relation to the offences set out in the Act and Regulations.
The Director of National Parks and Wildlife may appoint an officer or employee of Parks Australia to be a warden or ranger, with powers as set out in sections 40 to 44H of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975. An appointed ranger is authorised, after correctly identifying themselves to the alleged offender, to request a name and address and proof of such, to require a permit to be shown, to order an offender to leave the Park, and to apply the provisions of the Act and Regulations. In addition to a ranger’s responsibilities an appointed warden has powers of arrest, search and seizure.
Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conser vation Act 1999, wardens and rangers are appointed by the Minister under s392. Their powers are set out in the Act.
The Director and any member of the Australian Federal Police or the Police Force of a Territory is also a warden under section 38 of the Act. Under s394 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 only members of the Australian Federal Police are wardens.
Northern Territory authorities cooperate with wardens and rangers in the Park in relation to such matters as protection of sacred sites, emergency-response operations, and enforcement of the Regulations.
After appropriate experience and training and upon nomination by the Park Manager, Parks Australia staff will be appointed rangers or wardens. Law enforcement is carried out as a routine operation by all Park staff appointed as rangers or wardens.
In the past, breaches of the Act and Regulations have involved unauthorised entry to a sacred site, graffiti offences, and off-road driving by a road train. These incidents resulted in successful prosecutions. Minor breaches have been dealt with by issuing infringement notices or simple cautions, this being considered more appropriate than court prosecutions in some instances.
• ensuring that rangers and wardens are properly trained in law enforcement procedures
• the amount of time and the process involved in a successful prosecution
• visitors’ lack of understanding of why Park Regulations are necessary
Aims
• to ensure that Park staff understand the Act (whether the National Parks and Wildlife Conser vation Act 1975 or the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conser vation Act 1999 ) and Regulations and that the Act and Regulations are enforced as necessary and as appropriate to the situation
• to inform visitors and other Park users about what is appropriate conduct and about the rules governing appropriate conduct in the Park
• Enforcement. Parks Australia will continue to enforce the Act and Regulations.
• T raining. Parks Australia will continue to train staff to ensure effective administration of law enforcement procedures.
• Interpretation. Parks Australia will continue to disseminate information for visitors and tour operators, to ensure understanding and appreciation of relevant parts of the Act and Regulations. Such information may be presented as interpretive material, as a component of the tour operator workshops, and as signage and in the placement of physical barriers.
• Tjukurpa. Continuing efforts will be made to ensure that visitors behave appropriately according to Tjukurpa.
• Patrols. Law enforcement will be an integral component of routine patrols.
Each financial year, following appropriation through Parliament, funds are provided for the Park by the Commonwealth Government. The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act allows for the provision of funds for the effective management of the Park and to fulfil the terms and conditions of the Lease and the Plan of Management.
Funding is divided into budget allocations for the payment of salaries; Lease payments; Park operations, including administrative costs, the provision of essential services, general Park maintenance, and minor and medium works (minor and major construction projects).
Lease payments are made to the Central Land Council on behalf of Nguraritja. Included in the rent payment are quarterly payments of 25 per cent of gate takings and an annual payment of 25 per cent of receipts from commercial activities exceeding $30 000, paid in arrears.
The remaining revenue received from Park use fees and other income subsidises the Commonwealth Government’s contribution to the Park.
• sufficient income and funding to ensure that the Park is maintained to World Heritage standard and in accordance with the Lease
• Anangu requests for information to understand the ‘money line’
Aims
• maximum efficiency in the use of available funds
• ensuring that Anangu understand the financial arrangements for the Park and contribute to determining expenditure priorities
• Budget. A draft annual budget will be presented to the Board of Management meeting before the start of each financial year.
• Reporting. Financial reports presented in a visual format, understandable by people with little numeracy and accounting training will be provided regularly to Board of Management meetings.
• The joint management partners will continue to keep Anangu informed about the distribution of Park revenue.
• Value for money. Parks Australia staff will continue to closely monitor spending on Park management to ensure maximum efficiency.
7.5 Workshop and services
The Parks Australia workshop complex is in a fenced compound in the Mutitjulu Community. The workshop is used to store Park plant, materials and equipment, to facilitate the day-to-day running of the Park, and to maintain Parks Australia assets. It contains a diesel and unleaded fuel storage and dispensing facility, laboratory facilities, and an area for minor vehicle maintenance. There is also office accommodation for the Parks Australia maintenance officer, who administers the various maintenance period contracts for the Park, undertakes minor repairs, and supervises the workshop area. The Mutitjulu Community mechanic currently works in the workshop one day a week for Parks Australia, assisting with Park vehicle and generator maintenance.
• the increasing cost involved in maintaining the growing Park asset base, resulting from the increasing number of visitors and residents of Mutitjulu Community
Aims
• to provide the infrastructure, equipment, machinery, parts, storage facilities and administrative support to properly maintain and protect the Park’s assets
• to ensure that the workshop operates efficiently and in accordance with the Park’s environmental values
• Staffing. Parks Australia will conduct an evaluation of staff and other workshop resources during the term of this Plan and make recommendations to be considered by the Director of National Parks and Wildlife and the Board of Management and implemented as endorsed.
• Construction. The workshop compound area will be sealed with bitumen and the drainage upgraded, a loading ramp for gas bottles will be constructed, and covered parking for vehicles and plant may be constructed.
• Additional storage facilities may be constructed during the life of this Plan.
7.6 Office accommodation
The existing Park Headquarters building was built in 1979 to accommodate Park administration, interpretive material, and Anangu business enterprises. The number of visitors to the Park has increased from 77,000 in 1979-80 to 372,000 in 1999 and staff numbers have increased from 13 in 1979 to 33 in 1999 to manage this visitor increase. The office accommodation area was enlarged in the mid-1980s by adding two demountables to the rear of the complex. The demountables were replaced with a purpose-built transportable building in 1992. Further increases in visitor numbers meant that in October 1995 the office was again expanded and the interpretations area and Anangu business enterprises were relocated to the Cultural Centre. The architects of the Cultural Centre also developed a concept proposal for the Park Headquarters extension at this time.
The original Park Headquarters building was subject to a minor upgrade in 1996 to temporarily accommodate staff.
The increase in visitor numbers and related staff requirements, and the condition of the existing buildings, emphasise the need for new office accommodation that meets the growing needs of Park staff. Any proposal for the extended Park Headquarters must reflect the design philosophy of the Cultural Centre and incorporate facilities such as adequate working, training and meeting space for staff, storage areas for rescue equipment, and covered parking for vehicles.
• whether to extend the current Headquarters building or build a new facility in the context of increasing staff numbers
• environmental evaluation of the proposed office accommodation
Aims
• to review requirements for additional space and facilities for administrative and management functions
• to build a Park Headquarters compatible with Park environmental values, building standards and codes, and occupational health and safety requirements and that are appropriate for the headquarters of a World Heritage property
Action
• Construction. During the term of this Plan Parks Australia will design and construct a permanent Park Headquarters complex, to accommodate current and projected Park administration requirements.
7.7 Asset maintenance and capital works
7.7.1 Existing assets and their maintenance
In accordance with section 11(6) of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975, descriptions of buildings, structures, facilities and other developments in the Park are listed in Appendix C.
During the late 1980s and the 1990s the number of Park assets has increased markedly. Substantial assets have been established and now require regular maintenance.
A five-year maintenance program is being prepared as a priority. A computer-based register of Park assets, including construction documentation, has been developed. This register will be used in conjunction with the maintenance program to detail the condition of each asset and determine what is required to ensure that industry standards and cost-effectiveness are maintained.
In conjunction with the Park Manager, the Park’s maintenance officer coordinates maintenance requirements and priorities and directs independent service providers, primarily on a period contract schedule of rates basis.
• The increasing number of assets and their advancing age call for a major increase in maintenance funding. Increased funding will be required to replace and maintain assets as they become obsolete or require increased maintenance because of their age
Aim
• to implement an effective and efficient maintenance program for the Park’s assets
• Maintenance plan. Parks Australia will continue to prepare, cost and implement a five-year maintenance plan and will maintain Park facilities in accordance with occupational health and safety standards.
• Monitoring. The maintenance program will be reviewed annually by Parks Australia to monitor outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
7.7.2 Roads, car parks, tracks and track heads
The objective of the maintenance, upgrading and construction of roads, car parks, tracks and track heads in Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park is to provide for a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for visitors. The provision of quality interpretive, safety and orientation signs and shade shelters and water points is essential to good visitor management.
During the previous Plan, access paths, vehicle parking and the service area for the Cultural Centre were constructed. The route of the Liru Walk was revised to connect it to the Cultural Centre. Most walks were upgraded to repair erosion. This will continue to be necessary approximately every five years.
• ensuring that roads and tracks and/or car parks do not create a network at odds with Tjukurpa conservation and Park values, but still comply with the relevant Australian Standards
• continually increasing visitor numbers, with resultant crowding and cultural and environmental impacts
• continual reappraisal and improvement of Park visitors’ safety and amenity
• sourcing good quality laterite gravel for walking track construction, maintenance and upgrading is a problem
• many disused roads and tracks in the Park have become an erosion problem.
Aims
• to consolidate and improve the network of Park roads, car parks and tracks in a manner consistent with Tjukurpa and the protection of other park values
• to facilitate visitors’ safety and amenity and to protect the Park’s aesthetic and cultural values
• to resolve problems associated with car parking, erosion and visitor access at all major visitor locations in the Park
• to disperse visitor loads during peak periods, rather than extending or widening existing roads, car parks and tracks
• to rehabilitate the disused roads and tracks in the Park by returning their surface level to that of the adjacent land, ripping and planting or direct seeding with suitable local species.
• to identify a source of suitable laterite gravel locally but outside the Park
• Site planning. A site planning master plan will be developed and implemented for all major areas of use in the Park. This will ensure that site plans and works are developed in an integrated fashion.
• Base of climb - Mala Walk track head. Parks Australia will review existing proposals in the site-planning exercise and implement the preferred option for a new car park, walkways, shade shelters, toilets, interpretation, safety information and a water point at the base of the climb - Mala Walk track head.
• to direct the focus to activities other than the climb,
• to improve visitor management at this much-visited site.
• Emphasis on the Uluru base walk will be increased, through the provision of shade and additional interpretation, including Anangu interpretations of Tjukurpa, natural values and the history of the area.
• Uluru ring road. Review of the Uluru ring road incorporating alternative road configurations and relocation of part of it further away from sacred sites particularly Pulari will be a priority
• Cycle paths. If sufficient demand becomes evident, when road resealing works are required consideration will be given to providing cycle paths adjacent to current road alignments.
• Walpa (Valley of the Winds). Stage 1 of the Walpa (Valley of the Winds) walking track was upgraded during the term of the previous Plan. Further sections of the track will be completed during the term of this Plan.
• Uluru sunset viewing area. A general rationalisation to enhance visitor’s experience and safety.
• Uluru sunrise viewing area. Consideration of the location and a general rationalisation to enhance visitors experience and safety.
• Major roads. Major maintenance work on the Kata Tjuta and Uluru roads is required.
• Parks Australia will investigate the possibility of alternative funding for Park roads.
• Roads tracks and car parks. Current roads, tracks, car parks and other infrastructure will be subject to detailed site planning to ensure consistency with Tjukurpa and the protection of other park values.
• Five year plan. During the planning phase for each new project, a five year asset maintenance and cost plan will be prepared.
• An environmental impact assessment may be required for proposed new projects.
7.7.3 Buildings and other structures
Parks Australia builds facilities for visitors and staff, for administration, and for some community purposes in Mutitjulu Community. Maintenance work is also done. The Mutitjulu Community Inc. Governing Committee and various Anangu enterprises are responsible for construction and maintenance of other buildings in the Community.
Current Park staff accommodation is fully occupied. Should staff numbers increase during the term of this Plan, additional accommodation will be needed.
• meeting standards appropriate to a World Heritage property
Aims
• to provide strategically located administration, accommodation and other structures designed to enhance visitors’ appreciation and enjoyment of the Park
• to construct and maintain buildings and structures that are compatible with Park values, building construction standards and codes, and occupational health and safety requirements
• where feasible and cost-effective, to use energy-efficient building design and renewable energy sources
• to consider maintenance in the initiation and construction of all new structures
• Facilities upgrade. Parks Australia will review and upgrade all visitor facilities and associated Park infrastructure to standards consistent with codes for construction, visitors safety, comfort, including disabled access, and natural and cultural values associated with World Heritage status.
• Residential accommodation for Park staff. Parks Australia will assess the need for additional residential accommodation for Park staff during the term of this Plan and may investigate accommodating staff at Yulara before building additional housing in the Park. All staff will have appropriate accommodation. The Park’s housing policy will be reviewed.
• Toilet facilities for visitors. Satisfactory toilet facilities for Park visitors will be provided.
• Other structures. In accordance with the Site Planning Masterplan
Parks Australia will construct shade shelters and other structures at major visitor areas, including the Cultural Centre and the base of the Uluru climb, to provide interpretation, to enhance visitors’ amenity and safety, and to increase the number of toilet facilities.
• Parks Australia will design and construct other structures as authorised by the Director and the Board, in accordance with Schedule 2 (see Appendix C).
• Five year plan. During the planning phase for each new project, a five year asset maintenance and cost plan is to be prepared.
7.7.4 Plant, vehicles and equipment
Parks Australia provides a wide range of plant, vehicles and equipment necessary for the Park’s management and maintenance.
• the increasing number of assets and the consequently increased need to maintain and purchase plant, vehicles and equipment
Aim
• to purchase and maintain plant, vehicles and equipment as required to meet the objectives of effective and efficient management of the Park, with particular emphasis on public safety, the maintenance of services and facilities, and energy conservation
• Upgrade. Parks Australia will monitor the condition of and maintain and upgrade plant, vehicles and equipment.
• Hire. Some plant, vehicles and equipment will be hired on an ‘as-required’ basis when it is cost-effective to do so.
7.7.5 Communications
Telephone, e-mail and facsimile services and a UHF (ultra-high frequency) radio network are essential to operations in the Park.
The UHF radio network is used during routine operations, patrols, emergency-response operations, land management, and survey work in the field. The network uses hand-held, vehicular and base radio sets. Because the rock outcrops in the Park block radio signals, three repeater stations are strategically located in or near the Park.
In order that Park staff can be promptly notified of emergencies, radio alarms for use by Park visitors are located at the base of the Uluru climb,
at the Olga Gorge car park, at the Walpa (Valley of the Winds) car park, and at the T-intersection 1.6km along the Walpa (Valley of the Winds) walking track. In addition, the Park uses a portable air-band radio to communicate directly with aircraft involved in coordinated emergency-response operations.
• increasing staff and visitor numbers increase the need for additional communications equipment and funding for its maintenance
• communications equipment is adversely affected by the dust and extremes of climate
• the undulating nature of the sand dune landscape in the Park can limit effective radio communication
• remote workplaces in the Park experience serious operational difficulties with current electronic communication systems
• provision of communication services by the most appropriate body
Aim
• to continue to provide communication systems that assist in efficient management of the Park and contribute to the safety of Park visitors by facilitating rapid emergency response and coordination
• Maintenance and upgrading. The existing communication systems will be maintained and investigations will continue with a view to upgrading these systems to utilise new technologies.
• Climate damage. Methods of minimising damage to communications equipment caused by dust and the extremes of climate will be investigated and implemented.
• Satisfactory communications. A system for providing satisfactory electronic communications, including telephone, e-mail and computer links, for remote workplaces in the Park will be investigated and installed.
• Methods of overcoming the limitations to radio communication imposed by the undulating nature of the landscape will be investigated and implemented.
• Telephone access. A system for providing telephone access for the radio communication network will be investigated and installed.
• Training. All Park staff will be trained to ensure effective use of the communication systems used in the Park.
• Licences. The appropriate communications licencing body may grant such licences as are necessary for further development of approved communications facilities.
7.7.6 Essential services and infrastructure
Parks Australia currently provides water supply, power, sewage-processing and rubbish-disposal services. A major upgrade and extensive maintenance of essential services was completed in 1997. This included upgrading the Mutitjulu Community and Park accommodation power supply from low voltage to high voltage to reduce loss of power across the grid.
The sewage lagoons and pumping stations were also reconstructed and upgraded. These facilities should be able to cope with the volume of effluent expected during the term of this Plan and they should require minimal maintenance.
• the provision of cost-effective and adequate power with minimal environmental impacts
• the sustainable, cost-effective provision of potable water in the Park, considering the ever-increasing demand and potential associated environmental impacts
• the provision of sewage-processing and rubbish-disposal services with minimal environmental impacts
Aims
• to facilitate provision of the necessary power, water, sewage-processing and waste-disposal facilities for minimal financial outlay, to the required standards, and with minimum impacts on the Park’s environmental and cultural values
• to encourage the use of environmentally sustainable services where feasible and cost-effective
• Essential ser vices. Parks Australia will investigate, and as appropriate implement improvements to the supply of power and other essential services to Mutitjulu Community. Parks Australia will ensure that the Office for Joint Management, the Central Land Council and Mutitjulu Community are consulted about this.
• Design, construction and management of essential services and infrastructure will be in accordance with the relevant Commonwealth
and Northern Territory Regulations and focus on solar passive design, minimising energy use and alternative energy sources.
• Parks Australia and Mutitjulu Community Inc. will develop a strategy for the transfer of essential services to the most appropriate bodies.
• Supply of pot able water. Methods of managing the use and reticulation of potable water in the Park will be investigated.
• Water recycling. Parks Australia will investigate the re-use of waste and any water from the Cultural Centre evaporative pond and the Mutitjulu sewerage ponds for irrigation.
• Sewage disposal. Parks Australia will investigate alternative methods for the disposal of sewage sludge and other contaminated matter in the Park.
It is all Tjukurpa
Minyma kutjara pula nyinanyi mai arnguli katuwanu ngarinyangka pitingka - palu pula arnguli kalka kutjupatjara wantinyi punu maitjara pakantjaku, alatjingka minga tjutangku pitjala wirura nyanganyi munu puturumilani.
[Two senior women are sitting with bush plums in their bowl and in the tree all around them. But they make sure they leave some of the seeds so new plum trees will grow up and visitors can come and see and photograph them.
WORLD HERITAGE ATTRIBUTES OF ULURU - KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK
Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park is listed as a World Heritage Area for both its natural and its cultural values.
A.1 Nomination on the basis of natural values, 1987
A.1.1 The criteria
• Criterion 44a(ii)-be outstanding examples representing significant ongoing geological processes, biological evolution and man’s interaction with his natural environment. As distinct from periods of the earth’s development, this focuses on ongoing processes in the development of communities of plants and animals, landforms, marine and fresh water bodies. This category would include, for example, (a) as geological processes, glaciation and volcanism, (b) as biological evolution, examples of biomes such as tropical rainforests, deserts and tundra, (c) as interaction between man and his natural environment.
• Criterion 44a(iii)-contains unique, rare or superlative natural phenomena, formations or features or areas of exceptional natural beauty, such as superlative examples of the most important ecosystems to man, natural features, (for instance rivers, mountains, waterfalls), spectacles presented by great concentrations of animals, sweeping vistas covered by natural vegetation and exceptional combinations of natural and cultural elements.
A.1.2 Justification
The Park is of World Heritage value because of its outstanding natural scenery. The huge monoliths of Uluru and the Kata Tjuta formations are remarkable and unique geological and landform features set in a contrasting sandplain environment. Uluru is one of the largest monoliths in the world. The immense size of the Rock and its structural integrity are further emphasised by the general absence of vegetation and its sheer steep sides rising abruptly from the surrounding plain. These contrasts and the scenic grandeur of the monoliths create a landscape of outstanding beauty and symbolic importance to both Anangu and European cultures.
Uluru and Kata Tjuta are outstanding examples of tectonic geochemical and geomorphic processes. They are striking examples of geologic and erosion processes over time and the age of the Australian continent.
The Park and the surrounding reserve lands’ ecosystems are also of particular significance in that they both demonstrate the effects of an arid environment of topography, paedology and fire and provide a habitat for a variety of plant and animal species some of which are rare and of scientific interest. Some species of animals display remarkable adaptations to the arid climate.
Animal species are also of profound significance to traditional owners and form part of the Tjukurpa and there is also a great deal of interest in the possible reintroduction to the area of animals of religious significance such as the mala (rufous hare-wallaby) and the brush-tailed possum.
A.2 Renomination on the basis of cultural values, 1994
A.2.1 The criteria
• Criterion 24(a)(v)-an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement and land-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.
• Criterion 24(a)(vi)-directly and tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas or with beliefs of outstanding universal significance.
A.2.2 Justification
Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park was nominated for inscription on the World Heritage list as a cultural landscape in accordance with the following critieria of the World Heritage Convention’s operational guidelines:
• as a cultural landscape representing ‘the combined works of nature and of man’ (paragraph 36) and manifesting the ‘interaction between humankind and its natural environment’(paragraph 38);
• as a cultural landscape reflecting ‘specific techniques of sustainable land-use’ and ‘a specific spiritual relation to nature’ that can contribute to modern techniques of sustainable land-use’ and support biological diversity (paragraph 38);
• as an associative cultural landscape having ‘powerful religious, artistic’ and ‘cultural associations of the natural element’ (paragraph 39(iii)).
As a cultural landscape representing the combined works of nature and man and manifesting the interaction of humankind and its natural environment, the landscape of Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park is in large part the outcome of millennia of management using traditional Anangu methods governed by Tjukurpa (the Law). Tjukurpa is founded upon a time when heroic beings who combined the attributes of humans and animals camped and travelled across the landscape. As they did so they shaped the features of the land. Their bodies, artefacts and actions became places imbued with their presence. The actions of the heroes established the code of social behaviour followed by Anangu today, which governs both interpersonal behaviour and management of the environment.
Recent archaeological evidence suggests that contemporary Anangu cultural adaptations developed during a period of social and cultural evolution spanning the last 5000 years. The Park thus illustrates human society and settlement over time, under the physical constraints and opportunities presented by the natural environment.
The cultural landscape of the Anangu Tjukurpa is an outstanding example of the traditional type of human settlement and land use known as hunting and gathering. It is directly and tangibly associated with events, living traditions, ideas and beliefs of outstanding universal significance and it is a potent example of imbuing the landscape with the values and creative powers of cultural history through the phenomenon of sacred sites.
The Park is in the geocultural region known as the Western Desert, which is inhabited by
speakers of several closely related dialects who share a common material culture and religion. A unique cultural adaptation to the desert environment enabled Anangu and related groups in the Western Desert to develop social groups that were based on semipermanent water sources but held reciprocal rights of access to temporary water sources and plant and animal resources in the intervening areas. This adaptation is of outstanding universal value. Anangu also constitute one of the few contemporary hunting and gathering cultures. Anangu’s specific technique of sustainable land use derives from a detailed body of ecological knowledge which includes a classification of ecological zones that closely parallels, yet differs from, the Western scientific classification. Each ecological zone in the Park supports a distinctive plant community that is still exploited for its traditional resources by Anangu and is managed according to a traditional fire regime. Anangu knowledge of the ecology of plant and animal species is making a vital contribution to current ecological research.
As an associative landscape the Park has powerful religious, artistic and cultural qualities. Tjukurpa is an outstanding example of an indigenous philosophy. It provides the rules for behaviour and for living together. It is the Law for caring for one another and for the land that supports existence. The forms of Uluru and Kata Tjuta incorporate the actions, artefacts and bodies of the ancestral heroes celebrated in Anangu religion and culture through narratives, elaborate song cycles, visual arts and dance. The numerous paintings in the rock shelters at the foot of Uluru express the ideas of Tjukurpa.
A.3 World Heritage Values and Attributes (as at February 2000)
Property: Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park World Heritage Area
World Heritage Values
Examples of key attributes of the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park which reflect the world heritage values:
“World heritage values” are themes evident in the property which allow the property to meet the criteria set out in the definitions of natural and cultural heritage in the World Heritage Convention.
“Attributes” are on-ground features of the property which reflect the world heritage values of the property.
The ecosystems of the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park contain significant and important natural habitats for in situ conservation of biological diversity.
Rare or threatened plant species of particular scientific interest include:Stylidium inaequipetalumEragrostis sp.Parietaria debilisEriachne scleranthoidesOphioglossum lusitanicum ssp. cor iaceumIsoetes mulleriiTriglochin calcitrapum var. isingianumAcacia ammobiaRare or threatened animal species include:Sminthopsis hirtipesS. psammophilaAntechinomys laniger
The ecosystems of Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, outstanding examples of significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial ecosystems and communities of plants and animals.
Representative cross section of the central Australian arid ecosystems.Evidence of the effects in an arid environment of topo graphy, pedology and fire on ecosystems. Habitat for a variety of plant and animal species some of which are rare and of scientific interest. Some species of animals display remarkable adaptions to the arid climate.Evidence of ecosystems and individual species being modified/sustained by the use of fire by the Anangu.
The landscape of Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park has exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance and contains superlative natural phenomena.
Aesthetic attributes including:Remarkable and unique geological formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta set in a contrasting sand plain environment.Exceptional natural beauty of viewfields. Absence of apparent significant human intervention.The Scale of what appears to be a relatively undisturbed landscape.Opportunity to observe rare or unusual flora and fauna.
Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park contains outstanding examples representing significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms.Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park contains outstanding examples representing significant geomorphic and physiographic features.
Geological, geomorphological and physiographic features including:The rock formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta which are exposed parts of the sedimentary rocks of the Amadeus Basin which extend mainly from the Upper Proterozoic eras.(which includes some of the oldest rock on earth).The inselbergs of Uluru and Kata Tjuta which are outstanding examples of tectonic, geochemical and geomorphoicgeomorphic processes. These two geological features are striking examples of geologic and erosion processes over time and of the age of the Australian continent.The gently dipping Mt Currie conglomerates forming Kata Tjuta contain phenocrysts of fine grained acid and basic igneous rocks, granite and gneiss in an epidote rich matrix. The rock formation of Uluru is one of the largest monoliths in the world. It has a number of unusual erosional features e.g. sheeting of massive rock parallel to the surface and granular disintegration known as cavernous weathering.Quaternary sand and alluvium which is found in dunes of parallel, reticulate and irregular form up to 30 metres high.
The Anangu culture found in Uluru -Kata Tjuta National Park, and elsewhere, provides an outstanding example of the hunting and gathering way of life that has dominated the entire Australian continent up to modern times.In documenting this way of life, Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park provides an exceptional example of a continuing cultural landscape demonstrating the interactions between humans and their environment.
The continuing ability of the Park’s indigenous communities to maintain. social, economic and religious features relating to a hunting and gathering way of life.The maintenance of a long and continuous tradition of hunting and gathering.Archaeological evidence of the continuing practice s, hunting and gathering sites, tool making sites and occupation sitesA continuing tradition of making tools and implements used in hunting and gathering activities.Rock art sites depicting hunting and gathering activities.The continuing existence of resources that make hunting and gathering possible. The continuing ability of the Park’s indigenous communities to undertake and develop their cultural practices, traditions and customs to care for country and which relate to the Tjukurpa.The natural features of the landscape, previous and current occupation sites and plants and animals in Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, which feature prominently in the religious and cultural life of the Anangu as individual elements or as part of a network of Dreaming sites and tracks:- preservation of particular flora and fauna species utilised in traditional practices- preservation of landforms and features which form part of the Dreaming Preservation of Anangu land management practices, including fire management and waterhole maintenance.Archaeological sites which show how the indigenous communities in this area have used, occupied and managed the landscape over time.
Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, and adjoining areas outside of the World Heritage Area, are directly and tangibly associated with the events and living traditions of the Anangu people and provide an outstanding example of a continuing indigenous culture. Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park is a potent example of imbuing the landscape with values of creative powers of cultural history through the phenomenon of sacred sites and is thus directly and tangibly associated with events, living traditions, ideas and beliefs which are of outstanding universal value
Archaeological sites.Places and landscapes within the Park of cultural, religious or social cultural, religious or social significance to the traditional owners and which relate to the Tjukurpa.The continuing ability of indigenous communities to undertake and develop the cultural practices, traditions and customs which relate to the Tjukurpa Continuing ability of indigenous communities to practice and develop their cultural traditions and customs, particularly those associated with places and landscapes of cultural religious or social significance.
APPENDIX B
RARE AND ENDANGERED PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES IN ULURU - KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK
B.1 Rare and endangered plants
This information is taken from the work of Briggs and Leigh (1995).
Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park is a refuge for a number of rare and/or endangered plant species. Some of these species are found only at Uluru or Kata Tjuta; some are found only in specific and unusual habitats, such as on rock outcrops or around waterholes; and some are common in other places but the small and isolated populations in the Park are considered endangered.
• Acacia ammobia (Mimosaceae)-a tall wattle found on tali only within 100 kilometres of Uluru
• Acacia cyperophylla (Mimosaceae)-red mulga. Small isolated stands, extend in a thin strip running east-west just south of the entry station.
• Baeckea polystemonea (Myrtaceae)
• Calandrinia reticulata (Portulacaceae)-a rare parakeelya on tali
• Daviesia arthropoda (Fabaceae)-a perennial shrub with pea flowers growing on tall
• Drosera burmanni (Droseraceae)-a rare, insectivorous sundew found on the southern side of Uluru
• Eragostis ster ilis (Poaceae)-a perennial grass
• Eriachne scleranthoides (Poaceae)-a clumping grass found only at Kata Tjuta - Mt Currie
• Gossypium sturtianum (Malvaceae)-Sturt’s desert rose, rare in the Park
• Hibbertia glaberrima (Dilleniaceae)-a yellow Guinea flower found in Kata Tjuta’s rocky gorges
• Isoetes muelleri (Isoetaceae)-quillwort
• Isotropis centralis (Fabaceae)-a small maroon pea flower found on the rock at Kata Tjuta
• Juncuus continuus (Juncaceae)-a rush growing at the water’s edge at kapi Mutitjulu
• Pariet aria debilis (Urticaceae)-a small herb found only at Mutitjulu
• Plectranthus intraterraneus (Lamiaceae)-purple mint bush, found next to rocky waterholes
• Rulingia magnifolora (Sterculiaceae)-a large-flowered relative of the common fireweed
• Stylidium inaequipetalum (Stylidiaceae)-a small, delicate trigger plant found at Uluru
• Trigiochin calcitrapum var. Isingianum (Poaceae)-spurred arrowgrass
• Wurmbea centralis (Liliaceae)-early Nancy, a small purple lily growing near rocky creeks
The careful conservation management of these plants, and the areas in which they grow, is critical. Many of these plants grow near walking tracks at Uluru and Kata Tjuta. It is essential that Park visitors stay on the walking tracks to avoid trampling these plants or upsetting the fragile ecological balance where they grow.
B.2 Rare and endangered animals
The following list, taken from the work of Reid and Hobbs (1996), shows the range of important animal species, communities and habitats in the Park, emphasising the significance of the transitional sandplain habitat. The list provided the framework during the previous Plan for appropriate management of the Park’s fauna and will continue to guide management.
The species are listed in order of priority, from level 1 (highest) to level 4.
B.2.1 Important species
• mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda)-listed as vulnerable under the Endangered Species Protection Act 1974
• euro (Macropus robustus) (Uluru population)-listed as vulnerable under the Endangered Species Protection Act 1974
• areas of oat kangaroo grass (Themeda avenacea) habitat in effluvial zones around Uluru and Kata Tjuta (desert mouse, Delma pax)
• Sedimentaries (rare birds)
• mulga habitat (birds)
• mallee-spinifex habitat (birds), in particular permanent faunal monitoring site 7
• spinifex landscapes generally (reptiles, marsupials)
APPENDIX C SCHEDULES 1 AND 2
C.1 Schedule 1: descriptions of existing buildings
In accordance with section 11(6) of the National Parks and Wildlife Conser vation Act 1975, the following description of buildings, structures, facilities and developments is provided.
Mutitjulu Community
35 permanent houses
3 duplexes
1 portable duplex
2 portable houses
5 demountable accommodation
2 units
Central Land Council offices
Ininti store
ablution block
Maruku warehouse and office
Community offices
Community garage
2 Women’s Council offices
Office for Joint Management
Mutitjulu and outstation workshop
amenities building
church
health clinic and ablution block
primary school
high school
childcare centre
women’s centre
crafts centre
adult education centre
Parks Australia workshop compound and fuel store
recreation hall
basketball court
oval
sealed roads
4 sewage lagoons and 3 pump stations
dry rubbish dump
Mutitjulu Community visitors campground
The remainder of the Park
entry station
headquarters complex
Ranger accommodation area
17 permanent houses
2 demountable houses
1 portable house
1 duplex
TV and radio transmitter and tower tennis court
playground and equipment
3 water tanks and communications building
Mutitjulu power house compound and fuel store
Cultural Centre complex and evaporation pond
power house compound
base of climb toilet block
Mutitjulu waterhole and art site viewing platforms and walkways
Uluru base walk bridge
Kantju Gorge and art site viewing platforms and walkways
Kata Tjuta dune viewing and associated boardwalks
Kata Tjuta picnic shelters and toilet block
Mala Walk signs, bridges and art site platforms
Olga Gorge walkways and viewing platform
Valley of the Winds bridges and water shelter
3 diesel-powered water supply bores and compound with shelters and bunding
1 solar bore with storage shed and compound
1 electric bore
Telstra telephone hut
3 water storage tanks
C.2 Schedule 2: proposed buildings and developments
In accordance with section 11(6) of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975, the following description of proposed buildings, structures, facilities and developments is provided here or in the relevant section of the Plan.
Developments by Parks Australia
sunrise viewing area
bus sunset viewing area
Mutitjulu waterhole car park shade shelter
base of climb bus and car park upgrade, road re-alignments, interpretive shelter and walkways
base of climb toilet facilities upgrade
Cultural Centre car park upgrade Cultural Centre sewage treatment upgrade
Cultural Centre additional visitor facilities
various shade shelters, picnic areas and water points
design and construct a permanent Park Headquarters complex
staff residential accommodation
upgrade Parks Australia workshop compound
use of sand from the Park for the production of mud bricks
other developments and structures as approved by the Director and the Board
Developments by other bodies
Subject to the environmental impact assessment and decision-making procedures set out in this Plan, buildings and developments may proceed in the Mutitjulu Community at locations approved by the Aboriginal traditional owners for that area and the Director of National Parks and Wildlife and in accordance with the Mutitjulu Community development plan and the Lease agreement.
C.3 SCHEDULE 3 Excavations, works or other operations
In accordance with sections 11(6) and 11(7) of the Act, descriptions of excavations, works or other operations that may be carried on in the Park, and the conditions that are to be applicable, are provided below.
Excavations, works or operations may be carried on in Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park during the life of this Plan
• for the purpose of obtaining sand and gravel for use on roads and developments in the Park; and/or
• associated with or incidental to buildings, structures, facilities or developments.
Excavations for sand and gravel may be carried out only in accordance with the following conditions:
Permission must be obtained from the Director of the National Parks and Wildlife Service or his delegate, the Park Manager.
Consent must be obtained from traditional owners for any excavation of sand or gravel from Aboriginal land.
An archaeological site inspection must be carried out before any excavation commences.
An environmental impact assessment must be carried out before any excavation commences.
The following prescriptions for the operation of borrow pits must be adhered to:
a) New borrow pits must not be established within 125 metres of the nearest road.
In all cases appropriate consideration must be given to the visual impact of the gravel pit.
Existing pits within 125 metres of the road may be used, subject to the express consent of the Park Manager.
b) Clearing of any vegetation for borrow pit operations must not take place without an on-site inspection and the consent of the Park Manager. The extent of proposed clearing must be clearly marked by flagging tape.
c) Borrow pits must not be operated within 50 metres of a watercourse or constructed in such a way that impedes natural drainage lines.
d) All practical measures must be taken during borrow pit operations to minimise the effect of erosion scour of earth and gravel.
e) Individual borrow pits must not exceed 1 hectare in size (i.e. 50m x 200m). Borrow pits must only be cleared, used and rehabilitated on a progressive needs basis. Where an area smaller than 1 hectare is required, the pit must still be operated in a rectangular fashion not exceeding 50 metres width.
f) A vegetative screen, of at least 30 metres width, must be maintained on all sides between adjoining borrow pits.
g) Where slope is greater than 1%, the longer dimension of the borrow pit must be located along the contour.
h) Only a single haul track to/from the pit may be used. Where construction of this track will disturb the ground surface, an archaeological survey must be undertaken. The extent of the haul track must be clearly marked by flagging tape.
i) Vegetation cleared from a pit must be stored in windrows on the longitudinal sides of the pit, separate from topsoil dumps.
j) Topsoil to a depth of 150 mm must be pushed from the pit and stored for future rehabilitation of the pit.
k) Borrow pits must not exceed 2 m in depth. Pits must be used in such a way that the surface remains level and preferably is self draining.
l) Borrow pits must be rehabilitated as soon as possible after use. Earth-moving machinery must not be removed from the site after completion of excavation until rehabilitation is completed.
m) After use, all borrow pits must be rehabilitated in the following manner:
• the surface must be made level and deep ripped at 3 m widths;
• topsoil and previously stockpiled vegetation must be returned to the surface of the pit in a level, uniform and tidy manner;
• pit batters should not be greater than 3H:1V. Topsoil should be spread in a uniform and tidy manner along the batters; and
• access tracks should have graded windrows brought in and be lightly tyned. Any surplus topsoil should be spread along access tracks.
n) The whole site must be left in a tidy state, including the levelling of any earth mounds, backfilling of test pits and removal of any rubbish.
APPENDIX D
PITJANTJATJARA/YANKUNYTJATJARA WORDS USED IN THE ENGLISH TEXT OF THIS PLAN
Anangu
Western Desert Aboriginal person or people (generally those Aboriginal people with traditional affiliations to the Park)
ininti
the red bean of the bean tree (Erythrina vespertilio)
Inma
Anangu ceremony involving singing and dancing which celebrates, recounts, sustains and teaches Tjukurpa
itjaritjari
marsupial mole
kakanpa
water soaks
kapi
water
Kata Tjuta
literally ‘many heads’, name given to rock outcrop later renamed the Olgas
kuniya
woma python
kurpany
the name of the ‘devil dingo’ sent to Uluru in the Mala Tjukurpa story
Kunmanara
substitute name used when the name of a living person is the same as, or sounds like, the name of someone recently deceased
liru
poisonous snake
lungkata
blue-tongue lizard
mai
Non-meat bush foods
mala
rufous hare-wallaby
malpa
companion, company or friend
maruku
belonging to Aboriginal (black) people, name of regional arts organisation based at Mutitjulu
minymaku
belonging to women, women’s Law
minyma pampa
senior Aboriginal woman
mitika
burrowing bettong
Mutitjulu
the name of a waterhole on the south side of Uluru and the name of the community in the Park
nganamara
mallee fowl
Nguraritja
traditional owners and relevant Aboriginal people
ninu
bilby
Nyangatjatjara
literally ‘with this one’, the name of a regional Aboriginal organisation
panpanpalala
crested bellbird
pila
flat to undulating sandy plains habitat
Piranpa
literally ‘white’ but now used to mean non-Aboriginal people
Pitjantjatjara
a widely spoken Aboriginal dialect belonging to the language group linguists call the Western Desert language
Pulari
name of a women’s sacred site near the base of Uluru
puli
rocky habitats, rock
puti
flat areas of usually heavier soils dominated by mulga scrubland
tali
the sand dune or sand dune systems and accompanying vegetation
tjilpi
senior Aboriginal man
tjintjira
claypan
tjukula
waterhole
Tjukurpa
the Pitjantjatjara word for Law: history, knowledge, religion and morality that forms the basis of Anangu values and how Anangu conduct their lives and look after their country, plan, story, message
Tjukurpa katutja ngarantja
Tjukurpa above all else or Tjukurpa our primary responsibility
Uluru
name of the rock later named Ayers Rock. It is also the name of some of its custodians and is taken from the name of a waterhole on the summit
walpa
wind
walytja
one of the family, a relation, someone you care for and who cares for you
wanampi
water snakes, creatures of Tjukurpa
watiku
belonging to men, mens Law
wayuta
common brushtail possum
Yankunytjatjara
an Aboriginal dialect belonging to the language group linguists call the Western Desert language
Note. ‘moneyline’
a local term used to describe budgets and flow of funds
APPENDIX E
DEFINITION OF WORDS USED IN THIS PLAN OF MANAGEMENT
In this Plan of Management the following definitions apply unless the contrary intention appeals:
• ‘Aboriginal Land’ means land held by a land trust for an estate in fee simple under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.
• ‘the Act’ means the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975 and from the commencement of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 means that Act and includes the Regulations.
• ‘Board’ means the Uluru - Kata Tjuta Board of Management, established under Part IIA of the Act as the ‘Uluru Katatjuta Board of Management’.
• ‘Director’ means the Director of National Parks and Wildlife under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975, and from the commencement of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 means the Director of National Parks as defined under that Act.
• “Environment Australia” means the Department of Environment and Heritage of the Commonwealth.
• ‘Land Rights Act’ means the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.
• ‘Land Trust’ means the Uluru - Katatjuta Aboriginal Land Trust.
• ‘Lease’ means the Lease of the Park between the Land Trust and the Director
• ‘Mutitjulu Community’ means the body corporate of Mutitjulu Community Inc. or the Mutitjulu settlement, as the case may be.
• ‘the Park’ means Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, established under the Act.
• ‘Parks Australia’ means the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service established under section 33 of the Act and from the commencement of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 means that part of the Department of the Environment and Heritage assisting the Director known as Parks Australia.
• ‘Regulations’ means the National Parks and Wildlife Regulations in force under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975 and from the commencement of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conser va tion Act 1999 means Regulations made under that Act.
• ‘relevant Aboriginals’ means all the traditional Aboriginal owners of the Park and the Aboriginals entitled to use or occupy the Park and Aboriginal people permitted by them to reside in the Park.
• ‘traditional owners or Aboriginal traditional owners’ means traditional Aboriginal owners as defined in the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.
‘Uluru - Katatjuta Aboriginal Land Trust’ means the Uluru - Katatjuta Aboriginal Land Trust established under section 4 of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 to hold the land comprised in the Park for an estate in fee simple.
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Looking after Things Properly
Ara nyangatja panya wirura atunymankutnyjakutjara. National Park-anya ngururpa ngaranyi ka Anangu tjuta, Piranpa munu Board of Management, parangaranyi Park-angka. Punu ngaranyi munu punu paluru mapulkaringanyi munu pulkaringkula uninytjararinganyi. Ngayuku pitjanka ngayulu utira, nintini walkangku Mutitjulu Community-nya, Cultural Centre-nya munu minga tjuta - pitjanyiya paranyakunytjaku. Punu tjuta piltiringkula ilunyi wirura atunymankuntjawiyangka. Anangu munu Piranpaku pulka mulapa ngaranyi tjungu warkaringkunytjaku - tjungungku pulkara wirura atunymankunytjaku kutjupa kutjupa nyanga Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park-angka ngarantja tjuta.