Appendix B - Legislative Requirements (including Macquarie Island)
Applicants wishing to conduct research in the Antarctic or subantarctic, need to be aware of, and comply with, all national and state legislative requirements, including those below.
National environmental legislative requirements for the Antarctic and subantarctic Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Certain activities, which include entry to Antarctic protected areas and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands, use of helicopters, disturbance or interference with seabirds and marine mammals, sampling, import and export of specimens, introduction of non-indigenous species, use of weapons, etc. may be offences under national laws, unless the activities have been:
- assessed to identify the impact it is likely to have on the environment; and/or
- authorised in a permit(s).
Detailed information on environmental impact assessment and permit requirements are available within the Environment Section of the Australian Antarctic Division website. This site provides relevant downloadable forms and has links to other related websites.
Please ensure that you are aware of all these environmental legislative requirements and that requirements have been satisfied before you depart for the Antarctic or subantarctic.
State environmental legislative requirements for Macquarie Island Nature Reserve
Macquarie Island is part of the state of Tasmania. In accordance with Section 37 of the National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002, Macquarie Island Nature Reserve (including its surrounding waters to three nautical miles) is declared a Restricted Area to which the public has no general right of access. Pursuant to Regulation 11 of the National Parks and Reserved Land Regulations 1999, a person must not enter or remain in the reserve unless the person is granted authority by the Director, or the person is accompanied by an authorised person. Special Management Areas are declared from year to year to further protect vulnerable species, vegetation communities or sites extremely vulnerable to human disturbance.
Permits for scientific research on Macquarie Island must be obtained, and are issued by the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE). The application form and guidelines are available at the DPIPWE website.
Occupational Health & Safety
Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991
The Australian Antarctic Division takes its safety responsibilities seriously; therefore to participate in the program you will be required to undertake activities in accordance with the safety standards. Guidance on what is required will be provided. Some activities will require specific training. The Australian Government is currently reviewing the Act and new legislation will come into force from 1 January 2012.
