Structures and works
General information
Sections 15 and 34(2) of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 require that a protected area must be managed the way the Act states that class of protected area should be managed or the way stated in any management plan for the area.
However, under section 35 of the Act the chief executive of the department is able to issue an authority for a proposed use of a national park or a national park (recovery) that is inconsistent with the management principles and management plan for the area where the chief executive is satisfied that:
- (i) if the land is in a national park, the cardinal principle for the management of national parks will be observed to the greatest possible extent; and
- (ii) if the land is in a national park (recovery), the management principle under section 19A(a) will be observed to the greatest possible extent; and
- (iii) the use will be in the public interest; and
- (iv) the use is ecologically sustainable; and
- (v) there is no reasonably practicable alternative to the use.
Guidelines and policies
Information sheet: Development works and infrastructure authorities Authorities issued under section 34 of the Nature Conservation Act
Information sheet: Visitor management authorities Authorities issued under section 35 Nature Conservation Act
Information sheet: Authorities creating an interest in a protected area (Sections 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38 of the Nature Conservation Act 1992)
Guideline: Applying for an interest in a protected area (sections 34, 35, 37 and 38 of the Nature Conservation Act 1992)
Operational policy: No reasonably practicable alternative - section 35, Nature Conservation Act
Operational policy: Public interest - Section 35, Nature Conservation Act (under review)
Technical manual: Development and infrastructure - QPWS road works signage (for works on very low volume roads in rural areas)
Pre-design conference service
If you are considering applying for an authority under section 35 seek a meeting with the local QPWS District Manager about the proposal before making formal application.
Permits and approvals
Formal application can be made by sending a letter outlining the proposal to the chief executive, through the Ecoaccess Customer Service Unit of the department, or through a QPWS regional office.
Forms and fees
Fees may apply.
Application form: Authority under section 34, 35 or 38 of the Nature Conservation Act
Application form: Authority under section 37 of the Nature Conservation Act
Last updated: 17 October 2007