The evaluation process established that responding to policy issues generated by the Commonwealth demands significant resources and is limiting the effectiveness of the Division in meeting its obligations in relation to wider, local community needs. The current Program performance indicators do not reflect or account for the level of resources dedicated to Commonwealth issues. The Heritage Conservation Act , its processes and the way in which they are administered are consistent with Government and Departmental policies and priorities and are an appropriate response to community requirements for protection of Northern Territory heritage. The linking of the Program with the Land Administration and Environmental Assessment Programs has been most appropriate in terms of streamlining services to the community. Program performances against statutory activities in the business plan have been satisfactory in that all requirements are met within acceptable time frames and are produced at a rate comparable with bench mark services in the States.
Resource constraints preclude a higher level of output.
Particular comment was made on the lack of services in the Alice Springs Region. These constraints have also affected efficiency in dealing with external impositions, in particular Commonwealth initiatives, and in setting strategic directions, particularly in management of heritage properties. A significant component of resource constraint is the lack of a pool of available expertise with knowledge of heritage issues in the Northern Territory affecting out-sourcing ability and direct services to the community. This applies to those who are directly involved with the Program, but for others who have not been involved, misleading conceptions and lack of knowledge have been identified as needing to be addressed through educational and promotional effort. Examples of successful management and use of heritage places require stronger focus in order to create a more responsive community awareness.