Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002:front:0:p109
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 311367–314247

and cyclones) and chemical spills.

As noted elsewhere in this plan, the Director has the function under the EPBC Act of administering, managing and controlling the park. This gives the Director responsibility in relation to incidents in the park.

The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NT FRS) has the role under the Fire and Emergency Act (NT) of responding to fires and emergencies in an 'emergency response area'. At the time of preparing this plan an emergency response area is established for the Jabiru township. The NT FRS may also contribute to extinguishing or controlling fires or dealing with emergencies in other areas of the park if requested by the Director or the police. Jabiru members of the NT FRS respond to hazardous materials spills and road accident rescues along the Arnhem Highway and Kakadu Highway. In relation to bushfires, the Bushfires Act (NT) is also relevant.

Northern Territory Police is the lead agency for search and rescue operations and when a fatality occurs. Under an intergovernmental agreement, in complex rescues the police officer in charge controls the incident in liaison with representatives from each agency involved, including Parks Australia, fire and rescue and emergency services. The police officer in charge has powers to draw on available resources, wherever they are and whoever controls them. The local police also chair the Local Counter Disaster Planning Committee under the Disasters Act (NT), of which Parks Australia is a member, and is responsible for the overall control of counter disaster operations affecting the district in accordance with the local counter disaster plan.

When incidents occur in the park anywhere other than in or near Jabiru, park staff often reach the site before other emergency response agencies. Park staff are also often more familiar with remote areas of the park and may have more experience in responding to some types of incidents. As a consequence, park staff often have an important incident management role and may provide considerable operational support to the lead agency. To help manage incidents, a park emergency contingency plan and incident management procedures have been developed.

Management issues

    * Bininj/Mungguy feel considerable responsibility for the welfare of visitors and this features significantly in their responsibilities for looking after country. Cultural considerations are also a significant factor in making decisions about swimming in the park and access in remote areas in the park.

    * A number of the activities popular in the park involve a level of risk to visitors. Although the park makes information available, some visitors still appear unaware of or indifferent to potential risks.

    * Kakadu is subject to extremes in weather. Visitors need to keep themselves hydrated particularly in August to October each year and