Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002:front:0:p110
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 313979–317044

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 be aware of the risks that storms and floods can bring during the monsoon season.

    * The potential for interaction between visitors and residents and crocodiles is increasing as the crocodile population expands, and park visitors continually need to be reminded of the associated risks.

    * Cahill's Crossing on the East Alligator River is extremely hazardous: there is a risk of being washed off the causeway at certain times and/or of crocodile attack.

    * Responding to incidents can be costly. While the Director has not sought reimbursement or contributions towards costs from persons involved in incidents prior to the implementation of this plan (e.g. for search and rescue operations), this may be considered during the life of the plan.
    * In a remote national park covering a large geographic area, response times to incidents can be lengthy due to difficult terrain, communications and mobilisation of experienced and equipped staff. Mobile phone coverage in the park is limited and needs to be improved.
    * Visitors are provided with a range of information on appropriate behaviour; however, some visitors inadvertently breach regulations through lack of awareness. Ongoing compliance needs to be supported by a range of communication tools and an improved understanding of the common risks.
    * Feral animals can pose a risk to residents and visitors (see Section 5.3: Managing park-wide threats affecting park values).
    * Given the location and size of the park and the high number of migratory species and park visitors, there is a need to be able to respond to potential large-scale incidents such as infectious diseases that may be transmitted by humans, wildlife or feral animal populations, for example bird flu. In these instances, park staff would cooperate with relevant Northern Territory and Australian Government agencies and follow agreed protocols. (See Section 5.3: Managing park-wide threats affecting park values).

Policies

     9.1.1              The Director will comply with all relevant workplace health and safety legislation, including ensuring all staff are trained to deal with incident response.

     9.1.2              The Director will continue to participate in the Local Counter Disaster Planning Committee and liaise with the Northern Territory Police, Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service, and other relevant agencies and stakeholders about incident response procedures, including responsibilities, personnel, training and resources.

     9.1.3              Access to sites subject to seasonal closure within the park will be assessed and considered safe before being opened to visitors and residents.

     9.1.4              Crocodiles will be managed in accordance with the crocodile management strategy for the park