Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002:front:0:p151
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 433546–436406

sensitive. These guidelines include setting limits on the number of visitors or tour operators that can access or camp in these areas. Some areas have been set aside for the use of independent travellers. During the life of the fifth plan, a number of sites were not available for use by commercial tours and others had restricted access. A small number of local tour operators have negotiated benefit-sharing agreements with Bininj/Mungguy through the NLC, under which tour groups gain access to areas that are generally not open to the public.

Tour guide training and business accreditation continue to be an important element of managing commercial tourism in the park. In 2006 compulsory training was introduced for tour guides to gain certification to operate in Kakadu. The training is based on core competencies related to the interpretation of cultural and natural values, minimising visitor impact and understanding permit conditions, and is delivered flexibly via online learning or face-to-face. Industry-based accreditation has also been introduced as a requirement for tour operators with a tourism licence for unique and exclusive commercial activities. Other tour operators are encouraged to undertake voluntary accreditation through provision of incentives such as extended tenure for permits.

Under ss.354 and 354A of the EPBC Act commercial operations can only be carried on in accordance with a management plan. Commercial tour operators in Kakadu must also comply with relevant Northern Territory legislation – e.g. licensing of fishing tour operators and registration of tour vehicles. Fees for commercial tour permits required by this plan are set out in the EPBC Regulations. Under the fifth plan, permits for standard land-based tours were issued on an annual basis. Permit and licence conditions were substantially revised during the life of the fifth plan in consultation with the Kakadu Tourism Consultative Committee.

For commercial tourism in particular, the decision on whether a permit, sublease or licence is most appropriate for any proposed new activity application will be based on the following principles:

    * A commercial tourism activity will require a permit if it is a routine or standard activity in areas of the park that are generally open to the public without a limit on numbers.

    * If a tourism activity is limited by type, location or number of operators or involves exclusive use of a site, or the nature of activity has potential environmental impacts, then the activity will operate under a tourism licence. Licences are usually issued with a minimum five-year term.

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    * If long-term use of a building or area of land is required then it is likely that a licence to occupy or sublease will be required.

Policies and actions relating to activities being undertaken by the Director to manage