The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS), together with Tasmanian consultancy firm Inspiring Place, are developing a new draft Maria Island National Park and Ile Des Phoques Nature Reserve Management Plan (the management plan).
More than 400 submissions were received during the pre-draft consultation period (Stage 2). These submissions, together with targeted consultation, have informed the development of the draft management plan.
The draft management plan is now undergoing final internal reviews and approvals, including statutory consultations. PWS is consulting with the Australian Government to ensure the management plan satisfies the legislative requirements of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 and Regulations 2000 for management plans for National Heritage Places and World Heritage Areas (Maria Island is recognised as both).
The draft will be released for public comment in 2024.
Project stages
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| Stage 1 - Background research and preparation of discussion papers
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| Stage 2 - Consultation to inform the draft plan
- Release of discussion papers
- Call for input into the development of the draft plan
- Three public meetings - Triabunna, Launceston and Hobart
- Online feedback form
- Consultation with key stakeholders
- Analysis of feedback
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| Stage 3 - Preparation of the pre-draft consultation summary report
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| Stage 4 - Preparation work on the Draft Maria Island National Park and Ile des Phoques Nature Reserve Management Plan
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| Stage 5 - Release of the Draft Maria Island National Park and Ile des Phoques Nature Reserve Management Plan. The pre-draft consultation summary report will also be released at this time.
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| Stage 6 - Consultation on the draft management plan
- Call for representations on the draft plan
- Comment via written submission and online feedback
- Analysis of feedback
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| Stage 7 - Preparation of the Director's Report for the Draft Maria Island National Park and Ile des Phoques Nature Reserve Management Plan (the Director's Report)
- Analysis of submissions
- Preparation of proposed amendments to the draft management plan
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| Stage 8 - Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) review the Director's Report
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| Stage 9 - Preparation of the final Maria Island National Park and Ile des Phoques Nature Reserve Management Plan |
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| Stage 10 - Approval of the final Maria Island National Park and Ile des Phoques Nature Reserve Management Plan
- Minister's approval
- Governor of Tasmania approval
- Australian Government approval |
Key dates
Release of discussion papers - Friday 23 April 2021
Call for input into the development of the draft plans - Friday 23 April 2021
- Public meetings
- Online
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Key stakeholder consultation
Close of comment period - 9.00am, Monday 7 June 2021
Call for representations - Release of draft management plan for public comment - 2024 - date to be confirmed
- The pre-draft consultation summary report will be released at this time
- Invitation for submissions on the draft plan to be made to the Director National Parks and Wildlife
Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) review - To be confirmed
- TPC review of the Director's Report on the Draft Maria Island National Park and Ile des Phoques Nature Reserve Management Plan
Release of the approved management plan - To be confirmed
- Release of the approved Maria Island National Park and Ile des Phoques Nature Reserve Management Plan
Have your say
The pre-draft comment period has now closed. The submissions received have informed the development of the draft management plan.
There will be a further call for public comment on the draft management plan at the time of its release.
Any questions about the project can be directed to the Project Manager at mariaislandplan@parks.tas.gov.au
Reference documents
Background Information about the revision of the Maria Island plans
(5Mb)
Discussion Paper - Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
(1Mb)
Discussion paper - Historic Heritage
(4Mb)
Discussion Paper - Natural Values
(5Mb)
Discussion Paper - Natural Marine Values
(3Mb)
Discussion Paper - Visitor Experience and Impacts
(4Mb)
Maria Island National Park and Ile Des Phoques Nature Reserve Management Plan 1998
(5Mb)
Maria Island National Park Darlington Site Plan 1998 (PDF 5Mb)
Maria Island Marine Reserve Brochure
(1Mb)