The Rockliff Liberal Government is doing what matters by ensuring Tasmanian’s natural assets are maintained, appropriately utilised, and protected to benefit all Tasmanians and future generations.
Minister for Parks, Nick Duigan said that’s why we are committed to best practice management of the state’s reserve lands.
The Government has released the consultation paper on proposed amendments to the National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002.
The Proposed amendments relate to the Reserve Activity Assessment (RAA) process which aims to provide greater transparency and improved effectiveness of what is an important approval mechanism.
The RAA process used by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) is equivalent to an environmental impact assessment process.
Minister for Parks, Nic Duigan has invited the public to provide feedback on the Consultation paper as of the of the RAA review.
“Our Government agreed to amend the Act in 2021 and the development of this proposal delivers on that commitment,” Minister Duigan said.
“The PWS has adopted this term to clearly identify assessment processes for proposals on the reserves managed by the PWS under the Act.
“Following improvements of the RAA process over the past several years, the next stage of reform will build on these improvements and ensure greater transparency along with independent decision making.
To achieve this, the Tasmanian Government intends to deliver a dedicated statutory environmental impact assessment process within the Act.”
The Consultation Paper addresses key issues including the criteria for a proposal to enter the statutory pathway, establishment of an independent assessment panel, transparency of process and decision making, recovery of costs for RAA assessments and provision for appeals.
Submissions from key stakeholders along with the Consultation Paper being released to the public will also be welcomed.
Public consultation is open until 8 March 2024, with a draft bill anticipated to be released in later 2024.
