Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002:front:0:p78
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 223720–226778

animal and plant species for targeted application to relevant habitat, and ensure that fire management at those sites is maintained within that range.

     5.3.25          Provide training programmes for park staff, Bininj/Mungguy and community members involved in fire management – including the use of equipment such as incendiaries, GIS and database management and monitoring techniques.

     5.3.26          Collaborate with relevant organisations to develop and implement a fire education and communication programme for residents, contractors, tour operators and park visitors to emphasise the essential part fire plays in the ecology of Kakadu as well as the wise use of fire at campgrounds, impacts of wildfire, and fire control methods and responsibilities.

     5.3.27          Structure fire management programs to engage resident Bininj/Mungguy and attract their active support for preventing and reporting unplanned ignition.

Climate change

Outcome

    * Threats to park values are minimised to enhance the resilience of the park

Performance indicators

    * Extent to which strategies for the implementation of management programs and management actions recognise and take into account climate change

    * Indicators for managing weeds, feral animals and fire

Background

'We have a lot of floodplain and need to be careful for the wildlife. Salt water will come upstream and mix with freshwater and kill the trees. It might affect the fish like barramundi in the billabongs.'
Sampson Henry, Limilngan clan

In recent years global climate change has emerged as a key issue for biodiversity and environmental management. In 2006 the Director commissioned a study of the potential implications of climate change for managing Commonwealth reserves, including Kakadu (Hyder 2008). The results of this investigation have contributed to an improved understanding of and preparedness for changing conditions in the park.

Climate change projections suggest the park will be exposed to a range of challenges. Predictions for 2030 indicate a warming of 1.3°C, a considerable increase in the number of days above 35°C, sea-level rise of over 17 centimetres, an increase in extreme weather events such as cyclones, and elevated CO2 levels. Rainfall amounts are not predicted to change considerably, though timing and frequency may. Increased frequency and intensity of fire arising from a drier and hotter climate has particular implications for fire-sensitive vegetation communities. Some invasive species may be favoured by changes in climate, increasing the threats they already pose to native species and their habitats. Elevated CO2 levels may lead to thickening of some vegetation, and there is some evidence this is already happening.

Other implications for the park are the impact increased temperatures may have on some plant and animal species, particularly endemic species or species with a restricted range. Warmer temperatures and increased CO2 levels may have both a positive and a negative influence on invasive species, so new