Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01389:body:0:p29
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01389
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 82789–85745

areas in the park if an activity or access has the potential to impact on park values or poses a risk to public safety, or if required for management purposes. In these circumstances every effort is made to inform visitors and tour operators as soon as possible.

The EPBC Regulations also include provisions that prohibit or regulate other visitor and recreation activities in the park, including, but not limited to, public gatherings of more than 15 people and the use of vessels.

Issues
    * The natural and cultural values of the park are vulnerable to visitor impacts, including through the accidental introduction of invasive species and pathogens to the park.
    * Access to the park is difficult and can present a number of hazards to visitors.
    * Some visitors to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands may have an expectation that unrestricted access will be available to the park for recreational and cultural purposes.

What we are going to do

Policies

General – Access
    5.1.1           Disturbance to wildlife, particularly the seabird colonies, Cocos buff-banded rail and robber crab, by park visitors will be minimised by maintaining and enforcing strict controls on visitor access and behaviour.

    5.1.2           Subject to the provisions of this section, access to the park by the public is limited to persons:

       (a)    in the company of park staff; or

       (b)    authorised by a permit issued by the Director under the EPBC Regulations

       (c)    carrying on or taking part in authorised commercial activities for which a permit has been issued (see Section 5.2, Commercial tourism and other commercial activities).

    5.1.3           Decisions about permits to access the park will be subject to consideration of the carrying capacity of the park, the risk associated with the activity and the potential impact on park values. Limits may be placed on the numbers of visitors and the frequency of visitation, and approval may not be given to large groups (see also Section 7.1, Assessment of proposals).

    5.1.4           Persons accessing North Keeling Island for recreational purposes will be required to walk only on beaches and designated access routes.

    5.1.5           Other than for research purposes, permits for entry to North Keeling Island will only be issued for observation, study and quiet enjoyment of the island's natural and cultural values.

    5.1.6           If the frequency of visitation to the park increases significantly, or if a long-term research or management program requires visitors to stay overnight for long periods, actions to monitor, assess and, where required, minimise impacts of park visitors will be undertaken.

    5.1.7           Persons holding a permit for scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing or recreational fishing in the park are prohibited from accessing North Keeling Island or the lagoon unless specifically provided for in their permit conditions.

    5.1.8