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Managing Reserves

The role of Advisory Committees

Andrew Sourry
Honorary Life Member of NPA
member of Central Coast Branch

Advisory Committees to the NPWS are constituted by the Minister for the Environment to make recommendations to the Advisory Council, the Director- General (NPWS) and regional managers, to improve the care, control and management of the specific national park, nature reserve, historic site, State recreation area or regional park for which they are appointed.

As at 30 June 1999, there were 27 advisory committees in NSW, with over 300 individual community members. On 30 December 1999 all advisory committees were terminated, and as at 6 June 2000 (time of writing) the incoming committees were yet to be announced (for the next 4-year period).

Nominations from individuals are initially dealt with by the NPWS and I understand recommendations are made to the Minister for the Environment. Undoubtedly the local members of the incumbent State government have an input.

On appointment, committee members have been presented in the past with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which sets out the parameters and requirements of the NPWS. I consider that applicants ought to be acquainted with the content of MOUs before acceptance.

Confidentiality is required, and a committee member has a primary obligation to the Minister, irrespective of who nominated the person. Committee members representing organisations may report back to their group where such information would normally be available to the public.

Whilst some NPA members on committees are directly endorsed by NPA, others choose to be appointed on their own initiative. They all play an important role on the committees. It is my opinion that all NPA members ought to support NPA policies, which are determined after considerable discussion and debate at State Council meetings. Branch members have the opportunity to discuss them at Branch level, and they are also able to attend State Council meetings. NPA policies are available from Head Office.

REFs & DPOMs

Advisory committees meet regularly and participate in organised field days, which are an important facet, for instance for viewing areas with management problems or new areas. Other matters dealt with include neighbour relations, review of environmental factors (REFs), off-park management, the Customer Council, zone teams and the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

A very important role is with preparation of draft plans of management (DPOMs).These are initiated from advisory committees, usually with several members participating on a steering committee along with NPWS staff. It is important for NPA members to be involved, particularly if they have contributed to the proposal.

The DPOM is next dealt with by the full meeting of the advisory committee, and then proceeds to the Advisory Council after they have inspected the area with advisory committee members. (See Dr Stephen Lord’s article in the April National Parks Journal , p 3, and also my letter to the editor in the June issue, wherein both of us express disquiet about future envisaged changes to this process.)

I had great pleasure in working with the two last Central Coast Advisory Committees, as well as on steering committees, though I have now retired from committee membership.

I formed the view that the NPWS staff were very cooperative, dedicated, conscientious and efficient. 
Our District Manager Alan Morris, now retired, was highly regarded.

Finally, I would encourage NPA members to apply for membership of a committee. My one regret in retiring is that I should have applied much earlier.

Andrew Sourry
Honorary Life Member of NPA
member of Central Coast Branch


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