The 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).
The pre-draft consultation period closed on 7 June 2021 (Stage 2) with more than 400 submissions received.
The PWS is working through a significant number of matters with respect to the Draft Maria Island National Park and Ile des Phoques Nature Reserve Management Plan to ensure it meets the social, environmental and management expectations over the life of the plan. The PWS is currently consulting with the Commonwealth Government to ensure the Management Plan will meet the legislative requirements for a National Heritage Place and World Heritage Area (Maria Island is a listed under both), outlined in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 and Regulations 2000.
Due to the comprehensive nature of the management plan, the site plan will no longer be developed to avoid unnecessary repetition.
In light of the number of matters to work through, the PWS has reviewed the timeline to exhibit the document and is working toward releasing the Draft Plan for public comment in mid 2023.
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 plans
- Release of discussion papers
- Call for input into the development of the draft plans
- 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 survey
- Three public meetings - Triabunna, Launceston and Hobart
- 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 - Mid 2023
- the pre-draft consultation summary report will also be released at this time
- Public meetings - Triabunna, Launceston and Hobart
- Online feedback
Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) review - Late 2023
- 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 - Mid 2024
- 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 are now being considered and the draft management plan prepared.
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)