PCE feedback on the proposed National Conservation Policy Statement

The Parliamentary Commissioner has provided feedback to the Department of Conservation regarding their consultation on proposed content for a National Conservation Policy Statement.

These proposals are principally concerned with streamlining the conservation planning system and the process used to grant concessions. The Commissioner broadly supports many of these changes, provided that they do not infringe upon the hierarchy embedded in the Conservation Act 1987: that recreation and tourism are to be accommodated only to the extent that they are not inconsistent with the conservation purposes for which the land is held.

However, the Commissioner raises concerns with the proposal to reduce the role of the Conservation Authority and conservation boards in the development of conservation planning documents. He argues the consultation document is unclear on why it is necessary to remove the layer of independence these institutions offer.