Marine Parks Regulation 1999



Part 1 Preliminary
1   Name of Regulation
This Regulation is the Marine Parks Regulation 1999.
2   Commencement
This Regulation commences on 1 March 1999.
3   Definitions
In this Regulation:
aquaculture has the same meaning as in section 142 of the Fisheries Management Act 1994.
clean a fish includes to remove or discard part of a fish.
commercial fisher has the same meaning as in the Fisheries Management Act 1994.
domesticated animal includes a pet.
exotic animal, in relation to a marine park, means any living animal that is not indigenous to the marine park.
exotic plant, in relation to a marine park, means any plant (whether or not living) that is not indigenous to the marine park, but does not include food for human consumption.
fish has the same meaning as in section 5 of the Fisheries Management Act 1994.
Note—
Under the Fisheries Management Act 1994, fish means marine, estuarine or freshwater fish or other aquatic animal life at any stage of their life history (whether alive or dead), including oysters and other aquatic molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms, beachworms and other aquatic polychaetes.
general use zone means an area in a marine park that is classified by the zoning plan for the marine park as a general use zone.
habitat means any area occupied, or periodically or occasionally occupied, by animals or plants (or both), and includes any biotic or abiotic component.
habitat protection zone means an area in a marine park that is classified by the zoning plan for the marine park as a habitat protection zone.
harm means:
(a)  in the case of any animal—take, interfere with, injure or otherwise harm the animal, or
(b)  in the case of a plant—gather, cut, pull up, destroy, poison, dig up, remove, injure or otherwise harm the plant (or any part of it).
moor a vessel includes attach the vessel to a mooring by any means.
mooring means any post, stake, pile, float, pontoon or any other object (other than the anchor of a vessel) secured by any direct or indirect means to the waters’ bed for the purpose of attaching a vessel to the bed.
sanctuary zone means an area in a marine park that is classified by the zoning plan for the marine park as a sanctuary zone.
special purpose zone means an area in a marine park that is classified by the zoning plan for the marine park as a special purpose zone.
take an animal includes:
(a)  catch, capture or kill an animal, or
(b)  gather or collect an animal, or
(c)  remove an animal from any rock or other matter.
the Act means the Marine Parks Act 1997.
zoning plan means a zoning plan for a marine park, as set out in Schedule 1.
Note—
Certain words and terms used in this Regulation are defined in the Act and accordingly have the same meaning as in the Act. These include the following:
animal means any animal-life (other than human), whether vertebrate or invertebrate and in any stage of biological development, and includes a dead animal.
plant means any plant-life, whether vascular or non-vascular and in any stage of biological development, and includes fungi, lichens and dead plants.
cl 3: Am 31.7.2002.
3A   Regulation applies subject to other legislation
(1)  This Regulation has effect subject to section 22 of the Act.
Note—
Section 22 of the Act provides that any requirements made by or under Part 3 of the Act are in addition to any requirement in any other Act or statutory instrument, such as requirements under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 and the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
(2)  Nothing in this Regulation is to be construed as authorising the harming of any particular species of plant or fish, or the harming of any plants or fish by a particular method, in contravention of the Fisheries Management Act 1994, the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 or statutory instruments made under those Acts.
(3)  In addition, nothing in this Regulation is to be construed as authorising the carrying out of any activity in contravention of a marine park closure under section 20A of the Act.
cll 3A: Ins 31.7.2002.
3B   Reference to relevant Ministers
(1)  In this Regulation, a reference to the relevant Ministers is a reference to the Minister administering the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and the Minister administering the Fisheries Management Act 1994.
(2)  If a provision of this Regulation requires or authorises the relevant Ministers to take any action or decide any matter, the provision is taken only to require or authorise the relevant Ministers to take the action jointly or decide the matter jointly.
cll 3B: Ins 31.7.2002.
4   Notes
The explanatory note, table of contents and notes in the text of this Regulation do not form part of this Regulation.
Part 2 Marine park zones
Note—
In addition to the provisions set out in this Regulation, Division 2 of Part 3 of the Act also provides for the regulation of development and activities in a marine park. Those provisions apply in respect of development or activities that are subject to Part 4 or 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The provisions require the objects and permissible uses of a zone to be taken into consideration before any development application for the carrying out of development in a marine park is determined under Part 4 of that Act or any activity under Part 5 of that Act is carried out or approved. They also require consultation with or the concurrence of the relevant Ministers.
pt 2, note: Ins 31.7.2002.
Division 1 Zones in marine parks
5   Zoning plans
(1)  Schedule 1 sets out the zoning plan for each marine park specified in that Schedule.
(2)  A zoning plan for a marine park may include any number of sanctuary, habitat protection, general use and special purpose zones.
Note—
Section 16 of the Act provides that the regulations may make provision for or with respect to classifying areas within a marine park for different uses by means of zoning plans set out in the regulations. At the commencement of this Regulation, Schedule 1 will not contain any zoning plans.
Division 2 Sanctuary zone
6   Objects of sanctuary zone
The objects of the sanctuary zone are:
(a)  to provide the highest level of protection for biological diversity, habitat, ecological processes, natural features and cultural features (both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) in the zone, and
(b)  where consistent with paragraph (a), to provide opportunities for the following activities in the zone:
(i)  recreational, educational and other activities that do not involve harming any animal or plant or causing any damage to or interference with natural or cultural features or any habitat,
(ii)  scientific research.
7   Protection of animals, plants and habitat in sanctuary zone
A person must not, while in the sanctuary zone of a marine park:
(a)  harm, or attempt to harm, any animal, or
(b)  harm, or attempt to harm, any plant, or
(c)  damage, take or interfere with, or attempt to damage, take or interfere with, any part of the habitat (including soil, sand, shells or other material occurring naturally within the zone), or
(d)  clean any fish or fishing gear,
except with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
cl 7: Am 31.7.2002.
8   Aquaculture not permitted in sanctuary zone
Aquaculture is not permissible in the sanctuary zone of a marine park.
Note—
Section 12 (2) of the Act provides that an aquaculture lease applying to any area within a marine park must not be extended or renewed (except as provided for by section 12 (3) of the Act), unless the regulations provide that aquaculture is permissible in the relevant area.
8A   Dredging and beach replenishment activities not permitted in sanctuary zone
(1)  A person must not carry out any dredging activity or beach replenishment activity in the sanctuary zone of a marine park.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2)  A person does not commit an offence against this clause if the dredging activity or beach replenishment activity is carried out with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
(3)  Consent is not to be given to the carrying out of a dredging activity or beach replenishment activity in the sanctuary zone of a marine park unless the relevant Ministers are satisfied that the activity is necessary to prevent a serious risk of injury to a person, damage to property or harm to the environment.
(4)  Subclause (3) does prevent the relevant Ministers from consenting to any dredging activity being carried out as part of an organised research activity.
(5)  In this clause:
beach replenishment activity means the excavation of or extraction of sand or other material for the purpose of replenishing a beach.
dredging activity means any activity that involves the excavation of land submerged (whether permanently or intermittently) by water.
cl 8A: Ins 31.7.2002.
9   Vessels to be anchored or moored only at designated sites
(1)  A person must not, while in the sanctuary zone of a marine park, anchor or moor a vessel except in an area, or at a mooring, (if any) designated by the relevant Ministers for that purpose.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2)  Despite subclause (1), a person may anchor or moor a vessel in an area or at a mooring that has not been designated by the relevant Ministers for that purpose in an emergency, where the action is necessary to protect life or property.
cll 9: Am 31.7.2002.
Division 3 Habitat protection zone
10   Objects of habitat protection zone
The objects of the habitat protection zone are:
(a)  to provide a high level of protection for biological diversity, habitat, ecological processes, natural features and cultural features (both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) in the zone, and
(b)  where consistent with paragraph (a), to provide opportunities for recreational and commercial activities (including fishing), scientific research, educational activities and other activities, so long as they are ecologically sustainable, do not have a significant impact on fish populations within the zone and have a negligible impact on other animals, plants and habitat.
11   Protection of animals, plants and habitat in habitat protection zone
A person must not, while in the habitat protection zone of a marine park:
(a)  harm, or attempt to harm, any animal (other than fish), or
(b)  harm, or attempt to harm, any plant, or
(c)  damage, take or interfere with, or attempt to damage, take or interfere with, any part of the habitat (including soil, sand, shells or other material occurring naturally within the zone),
except with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
cll 11: Am 31.7.2002.
12   Limited fishing activities in habitat protection zone
(1)  Each of the following fishing activities is permitted in the habitat protection zone of a marine park:
(a)  the taking of fish by use of a hook and hand held line,
(b)  the taking of fish by hand,
(c)  the taking of fish by use of a scoop net or landing net,
(d)  the taking of fish by use of a spear or spear gun,
(e)  the taking of fish by any other method permitted by the zoning plan for the marine park.
(2)  A person must not, while in the habitat protection zone of a marine park:
(a)  take or attempt to take any fish unless the person is engaging in a permitted fishing activity (as referred to in subclause (1)), or
(b)  take or attempt to take any fish in contravention of the zoning plan for the marine park.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(3)  A person does not commit an offence against this clause for anything done with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
(3A)  This clause does not apply to aquaculture.
(4)  In this clause:
hand held line means a hand line or rod and line.
landing net has the same meaning as in the Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 1995.
scoop net means a net referred to as a dip or scoop net (prawns) in the Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 1995.
Note—
The Fisheries Management Act 1994 and the regulations under that Act also set out specific requirements relating to the methods of fishing referred to in subclause (1).
cll 12: Am 31.7.2002.
13   Aquaculture
(1)  Aquaculture is permissible in the habitat protection zone of a marine park, but only with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
(2)  This clause is subject to the provisions of the zoning plan for a marine park.
Note—
The Fisheries Management Act 1994 regulates the conduct of aquaculture. In particular, it prohibits a person from undertaking aquaculture except under the authority of a permit issued under that Act and in accordance with the conditions of that permit.
cl 13: Subst 31.7.2002.
Division 4 General use zone
14   Objects of general use zone
The objects of the general use zone are:
(a)  to provide protection for biological diversity, habitat, ecological processes, natural features and cultural features (both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) in the zone, and
(b)  where consistent with paragraph (a), to provide opportunities for recreational and commercial activities (including fishing), scientific research, educational activities and other activities so long as they are ecologically sustainable.
15   Protection of animals, plants and habitat in general use zone
A person must not, while in the general use zone of a marine park:
(a)  harm, or attempt to harm, any animal (other than fish), or
(b)  harm, or attempt to harm, any plant, or
(c)  damage, take or interfere with, or attempt to damage, take or interfere with, any part of the habitat (including soil, sand, shells or other material occurring naturally within the zone),
except with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
cll 15–18: Am 31.7.2002.
16   Limited fishing activities in general use zone
(1)  Fishing is permitted in the general use zone of a marine park, but only in accordance with the zoning plan for the marine park.
(2)  A person must not, while in the general use zone of a marine park, take, or attempt to take, any fish in contravention of the zoning plan for the marine park.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(3)  A person does not commit an offence against this clause for anything done with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
cll 15–18: Am 31.7.2002.
17   Aquaculture
Aquaculture is permissible in the general use zone of a marine park.
Note—
The Fisheries Management Act 1994 regulates the conduct of aquaculture. In particular, it prohibits a person from undertaking aquaculture except under the authority of a permit issued under that Act and in accordance with the conditions of that permit.
cll 15–18: Am 31.7.2002.
Division 5 Special purpose zone
18   Objects of special purpose zone
The objects of the special purpose zone are:
(a)  to provide for the management of biological diversity, habitat, ecological processes and natural and cultural features in the zone, where phenomena, sites or items in the zone warrant special management, or
(b)  to cater for special facilities and features in the zone such as slipways, breakwaters, berthing facilities and shipwrecks, or
(c)  such objects as may be set out in the zoning plan for a marine park.
Note—
At the commencement of this Regulation, this Part does not contain special provisions relating to activities that may be carried out in a special purpose zone. This may be provided for in the zoning plan concerned.
cll 15–18: Am 31.7.2002.
18A   Protection of animals, plants and habitat in special purpose zone
A person must not, while in the special purpose zone of a marine park:
(a)  harm, or attempt to harm, any animal (other than fish), or
(b)  harm, or attempt to harm, any plant, or
(c)  damage, take or interfere with, or attempt to damage, take or interfere with, any part of the habitat (including soil, sand, shells or other material occurring naturally within the zone),
except with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
cll 18A–18C: Ins 31.7.2002.
18B   Limited fishing activities
(1)  A person must not, while in the special purpose zone of a marine park, take or attempt to take any fish in contravention of the zoning plan for the marine park.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2)  A person does not commit an offence against this clause for anything done with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
cll 18A–18C: Ins 31.7.2002.
18C   Aquaculture
Aquaculture is permissible in the special purpose zone of a marine park, but only with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
Note—
The Fisheries Management Act 1994 regulates the conduct of aquaculture. In particular, it prohibits a person from undertaking aquaculture except under the authority of a permit issued under that Act and in accordance with the conditions of that permit.
cll 18A–18C: Ins 31.7.2002.
Part 3 Regulation of activities in marine parks
Division 1 General prohibitions
19   Possession of animals or plants taken illegally or of equipment used to take animals or plants
(1)  A person who is in possession of any animal or plant that has been taken in contravention of a provision of this Regulation is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2)  A person who, while in any part of a marine park, is in possession of any equipment (including fishing gear) that is used, or is designed to be used, for the purposes of taking an animal or plant is guilty of an offence if the taking of the animal or plant in that part of the park, at that time, is prohibited by law.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2A)  A person who, while in any part of a marine park, is in possession of any equipment (including fishing gear) that is used, or designed to be used, for the purpose of taking an animal or plant is guilty of an offence if the use by that person of that equipment for taking an animal or plant from that part of the park, at that time, is prohibited by law.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2B)  For the purposes of this clause, a person who is on board a boat is taken to be in possession of any equipment (including fishing gear) found in the boat.
(2C)  It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under subclause (1) if the person charged satisfies the court that the person could not reasonably have known that the animal or plant had been taken in contravention of a provision of this Regulation.
(3)  It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under subclause (2) or (2A) if the person charged satisfies the court:
(a)  that the equipment concerned was being transported, in accordance with the consent of the relevant Ministers, to any place where the person could lawfully use the equipment to take animals or plants, or
(b)  that the equipment concerned was in a state in which it could not have been used to take animals or plants, or
(c)  that the person could not reasonably have known that the equipment was on board the boat concerned, or
(d)  that the equipment was in the person’s possession for a lawful purpose.
cll 19: Am 31.7.2002.
20   Protection of marine park moorings, buoys, signs and facilities
(1)  A person must not, except with the consent of the relevant Ministers:
(a)  remove, move, damage or interfere with a mooring in a marine park (being a mooring that is provided by or on behalf of the Authority), or
(b)  remove, move, damage or interfere with a zone or boundary marker or sign owned or erected by the Authority in or adjacent to a marine park, or
(c)  place any mooring, buoy or sign in a marine park, or
(d)  damage, deface or interfere with any property or facility in a marine park (being any property or facility that is owned, managed or operated by the Authority), or
(e)  attach a vessel to any marker buoy in a marine park that is owned or managed by the Authority.
(2)  If a mooring in a marine park that is provided by or on behalf of the Authority displays a sign designating a maximum carrying capacity for the mooring, a person must not attach a vessel to that mooring that exceeds that maximum capacity.
(3)  A person must not attach a vessel to another vessel that is attached to a mooring in a marine park that is provided by or on behalf of the Authority.
Note—
See also clause 28 (1) (b).
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
cll 20: Am 31.7.2002.
21   Exotic animals and plants
(1)  A person must not:
(a)  bring any exotic animal or exotic plant into a marine park, or
(b)  cause or allow any exotic animal to be released into a marine park, or
(c)  cause or allow any exotic plant to be introduced into a marine park.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2)  A person does not commit an offence under subclause (1) (a) by bringing a domesticated animal into a marine park.
22   Domesticated animals
(1)  A person must not:
(a)  bring any domesticated animal into a marine park except with the consent of the relevant Ministers, or
(b)  leave a domesticated animal unattended in a marine park.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2)  For the purposes of this clause, a domesticated animal is unattended whenever it is not under the control of a responsible person.
cll 22–24: Am 31.7.2002.
23   Organised research activities
(1)  A person must not carry out any organised research activity in a marine park except with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2)  For the purposes of this clause, an organised research activity is any research activity that is organised or conducted for purposes other than for the personal interest or enjoyment of the individual who is carrying out the activity.
cll 22–24: Am 31.7.2002.
24   Commercial activities
(1)  A person must not in a marine park:
(a)  sell or hire, attempt to sell or hire, expose for sale, hire or profit or solicit for sale, hire or profit any article, thing or service to any person, or
(b)  conduct, or assist in the conduct of, any amusement, entertainment, instruction, performance or activity for money or other consideration of any kind, or
(c)  take any photograph, video, movie or television film for sale, hire or profit,
except with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2)  A person does not commit an offence under this clause by taking fish in a marine park for the purposes of sale or by assisting in the conduct of that activity.
Note—
Although this clause does not prohibit commercial fishing activities, such activities must be carried out in accordance with the Fisheries Management Act 1994 and the regulations under that Act.
cll 22–24: Am 31.7.2002.
25   Provision of information to Authority regarding commercial fishing operations
(1)  The Authority may, by notice in writing, require any person who carries out any commercial fishing operation in a marine park to provide the Authority, within such reasonable time as may be specified in the notice, with such information in relation to those commercial fishing operations as may be specified in the notice.
(2)  A person must not:
(a)  fail to comply with the requirements of a notice served on the person under this clause, or
(b)  provide any information required by a notice under this clause that the person knows is false or misleading in a material particular.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(3)  In this clause:
commercial fishing operation means any activity involving the taking of any fish for purposes of sale.
26   Organised sporting, educational and recreational activities
A person must not:
(a)  organise or conduct any sporting competition or tournament in a marine park (such as a fishing competition or tournament), or
(b)  organise or conduct any concert, public meeting, function, event, demonstration or similar gathering in a marine park, or
(c)  organise or conduct any training manoeuvre or similar activity or event in a marine park, or
(d)  organise or conduct any educational program involving the taking of animals or plants from a marine park,
except with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
cll 26: Am 31.7.2002.
27   Use of motorised vessels, vehicles and equipment
(1)  The use of motorised vessels, motorised vehicles and motorised equipment is permitted in a marine park, but only in accordance with the zoning plan for the marine park.
(2)  A person must not, except with the consent of the relevant Ministers, use any motorised vessel, motorised vehicle or motorised equipment in a marine park in contravention of the zoning plan for the marine park.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(3)  In this clause:
motorised means powered by a motor, whether or not the motor is in use at the time.
cll 27: Am 31.7.2002.
27A   Fish feeding
(1)  A person must not feed fish in any part of a marine park, except with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2)  Consent is not to be given to the following:
(a)  commercial shark feeding in any part of a marine park,
(b)  fish feeding in the sanctuary zone of a marine park.
(3)  A person does not commit an offence against this clause in respect of berleying in the course of fishing activities permitted by or under the Act in the part of the marine park concerned.
cll 27A: Ins 31.7.2002.
27B   Cleaning of fish or fishing gear
A person must not clean a fish or any fishing gear in any part of a marine park in contravention of the zoning plan for the marine park.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
Note—
Clause 7 (d) of this Regulation prohibits the cleaning of fish or fishing gear in the sanctuary zone of a marine park without the consent of the relevant Ministers.
cll 27B: Ins 31.7.2002.
28   Camping or residing in marine park
(1)  A person must not:
(a)  camp in any part of a marine park other than in an area set aside by the Authority for camping, or
(b)  attach a vessel, for a period of more than 12 hours, to a mooring or other facility in a marine park that is owned or managed by the Authority, or
(c)  reside permanently in a marine park,
except with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2)  In this clause:
camp means reside temporarily (whether or not in a tent, caravan, cabin, vehicle, trailer or other structure).
vessel includes a houseboat or any other structure that is capable of floating.
cl 28: Am 31.7.2002.
Division 2
29–32   (Repealed)
pt 3, div 2 (cll 29–32): Rep 2.3.2001.
Part 4 Miscellaneous
33   Removal of persons from marine park
(1)  A marine park ranger may direct a person to leave a marine park or any part of a marine park if, in the opinion of the marine park ranger, the person:
(a)  is causing annoyance or inconvenience to any other person in the marine park, or
(b)  has committed an offence under the Act or this Regulation or is likely to commit such an offence.
(2)  A person must not fail to comply with such a direction.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(3)  A marine park ranger may remove from a marine park, or any part of a marine park, any person who fails to comply with a direction under this clause and any vehicle, vessel, animal or other property in the possession of the person.
34   Penalty notice offences
For the purposes of section 38 of the Act:
(a)  each offence created by a provision of this Regulation specified in Column 1 of Schedule 2 is prescribed as a penalty notice offence, and
(b)  the prescribed penalty for such an offence is the amount specified in Column 2 of Schedule 2.
cl 34: Am 31.7.2002.
35   (Repealed)
cl 35: Rep 31.7.2002.
36   Delegation
The Authority may delegate the exercise of any of its functions under this Regulation (other than this power of delegation) to any of the following persons:
(a)  a member of the Authority,
(b)  a marine park ranger,
(c)  a public servant,
(d)  a person of a class approved by the relevant Ministers.
37   Giving of consent by relevant Ministers
(1)  The relevant Ministers are not to give consent to the carrying out of any activity in a marine park that, in the opinion of the relevant Ministers, is inconsistent with the objects of the Act.
(2)  The relevant Ministers are not to give consent to the carrying out of any activity in a zone of a marine park that, in the opinion of the relevant Ministers, is inconsistent with the objects of the zone, except in the case of an emergency.
cl 37: Subst 31.7.2002.
37A   Consent to be given in form of permit
(1)  The consent of the relevant Ministers under this Regulation is to be given in the form of a permit.
(2)  A permit under this clause:
(a)  is subject to such conditions as are specified in the permit, and
(b)  remains in force for the period of 1 year or such other period as is specified in the permit, and
(c)  may be cancelled or suspended by the relevant Ministers at any time by notice given to the permit holder.
(3)  The relevant Ministers may from time to time, by notice given to the permit holder, vary the conditions of a permit under this clause.
(4)  A permit may authorise specified persons or a specified class of persons in addition to the person to whom the permit is granted to do the things authorised by the permit. In any such case, the specified persons, or class of persons, are taken to be holders of the permit for the purposes of this Regulation.
(5)  The holder of a permit who contravenes any condition of the permit is guilty of an offence.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
cll 37A: Ins 31.7.2002.
38   General defences
A person does not commit an offence under this Regulation for anything done:
(a)  by a marine park ranger in the exercise of his or her functions as a marine park ranger, or
(b)  under the direction of the Authority.
38A   Defences relating to harm to animals, plants or habitat
(1)  It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under this Regulation relating to the taking of fish in the habitat protection zone, the general use zone or the special purpose zone of the marine park if the person charged satisfies the court that, on becoming aware of the taking of the fish, the person took immediate steps to return the fish to its natural environment with the least possible injury.
(2)  It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under this Regulation relating to the harm of any animal or plant, or damaging, taking or interfering with any habitat, in a marine park if the person charged satisfies the court that the act or omission constituting the offence was a routine activity in connection with the lawful taking of animals or plants (unless it is an activity of a kind the zoning plan for the marine park concerned declares is not a routine activity for the purposes of this clause).
cll 38A: Ins 31.7.2002.
38B   Offences under Fisheries Management Act 1994
A person cannot be convicted of both an offence under this Regulation and an offence under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 (or the regulations under that Act) in respect of the same act or omission.
cll 38B: Ins 31.7.2002.
39   Exemption for Defence Force activities
(1)  This Regulation does not apply to or in respect of any activity carried out by or under the direction of the Commonwealth Department of Defence (including any arm of the Defence Force of Australia).
(2)  This clause does not prevent the Authority from entering into an arrangement with the Commonwealth with respect to the activities of the Defence Force of Australia in marine parks.
40   Marine Parks Advisory Council members (marine conservation interests)
(1)  For the purposes of section 32 (2) (b) of the Act, the Nature Conservation Council (the NCC) is the peak group or body to represent the interests of marine conservation.
(2)  If a vacancy arises in the office of the member of the Marine Parks Advisory Council appointed on the nomination of the NCC (the NCC member), the relevant Ministers must call on the NCC to nominate (within such period as the relevant Ministers may specify) at least 2 candidates from whom a new NCC member is to be appointed.
(3)  The relevant Ministers are to appoint, as the new NCC member, whichever of the candidates nominated by the NCC the relevant Ministers consider most suitable for appointment as the NCC member.
(4)  If the NCC:
(a)  fails to nominate candidates when called on to do so by the relevant Ministers, or
(b)  fails to nominate a candidate who the relevant Ministers consider suitable for appointment as the NCC member,
the relevant Ministers may call on some other group or body to nominate candidates (an alternative peak group) and, in that event, the alternative peak group is taken to be the peak group or body to represent the interests of marine conservation for the purposes of section 32 (2) (b) of the Act.
(5)  Subclauses (3) and (4) apply in relation to an alternative peak group in the same way as they apply in relation to the NCC.
(6)  The amendments to section 32 of the Act made by the Marine Parks Amendment Act 2000 do not affect the positions held by the members of the Marine Parks Advisory Council immediately before that commencement, and those members continue to hold office (subject to the other provisions of the Act) until the end of the terms for which they were appointed.
cl 40: Subst 2.3.2001.
Schedule 1 Zoning plans for marine parks
(Clause 5)
Part 1 Solitary Islands Marine Park Zoning Plan
Note—
The GPS coordinates used to describe the boundaries of the Solitary Islands Marine Park in Part 2 of Schedule 4 to the Act are in datum AGD 66. The GPS coordinates used to describe the boundaries of the zones of the marine park in this Part are in datum WGS 84, which is the datum more commonly used by marine park users.
Division 1 Preliminary
1   Definitions
(1)  In this Part:
map means a map set out in Division 10.
marine park means the Solitary Islands Marine Park, as described in Part 2 of Schedule 4 to the Act.
Note—
Map 1 provides an overview of the zoning plan for the marine park.
net—see subclause (2).
personal watercraft means a power-driven vessel that:
(a)  has a fully enclosed hull, and
(b)  does not retain water taken on if it capsizes, and
(c)  is designed to be operated by a person standing, sitting astride or kneeling on the vessel but not seated within the vessel.
set line has the same meaning as it has in the Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 1995.
table means a table set out in Division 9.
trap—see subclause (2).
(2)  In this Part, a reference to a net or trap is a reference to that net or trap as described in the Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 1995.
Note—
The Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 1995 contains descriptions of the following nets and traps (which are referred to in this Part):
(a)  nets—spanner crab net, scoop net (prawns), landing net, push or scissors net (prawns), hoop or lift net, submersible lift net (bait), purse seine net,
(b)  traps—fish trap, crab trap, bait trap.
Division 2 Sanctuary Zone
2   Description of sanctuary zone
The sanctuary zone of the marine park is comprised of the following areas:
Sandon River System (Northern Section)
The whole of the tidal waters and tidal lands of Toumbaal Creek, including all its creeks, bays and tributaries upstream of point 2A at 29° 40′ 09.08″S, 153° 19′ 00.08″E and a line drawn generally east of that point to the eastern bank, to the mean high water mark, as shown on map 2.
The whole of the tidal waters and tidal lands of the Sandon River arm of the Sandon River, including all its creeks, bays and tributaries upstream of point 2B at 29° 41′ 08.29″S, 153° 18′ 08.52″E and a line drawn generally north east of that point to the eastern bank, being the junction of the Sandon River and Candole Creek, to the mean high water mark, as shown on map 2.
The whole of the tidal waters and tidal lands incorporating the island/mudflat area in the main section of the Sandon River, to the mean high water mark, east of a line drawn between point 2C at 29° 40′ 37.69″S, 153° 18′ 55.90″E and point 2D at 29° 40′ 43.49″S, 153° 18′ 52.62″E, then following the western side of the estuarine islands to point 2E at 29° 40′ 48.91″S, 153° 18′ 46.05″E, then from a line between point 2E and 2F at 29° 40′ 56.25″S, 153° 18′ 46.64″E, as shown on map 2.
Northern Section
From point 3A at 29° 42′ 55.50″S, 153° 18′ 55.15″E, approximately 1 kilometre (0.5 nautical miles) seaward of Sandon Beach, due east approximately 6 kilometres (3 nautical miles) to the marine park boundary at point 3B at 29° 42′ 55.50″S, 153° 22′ 36.19″E, then generally south approximately 5 kilometres (2.6 nautical miles) following the boundary of the marine park to point 3C, in line with Rocky Point, at 29° 45′ 39.44″S, 153° 21′ 35.32″E then due west approximately 4 kilometres (2.1 nautical miles) to point 3D at 29° 45′ 39.44″S, 153° 18′ 55.15″E approximately 1.7 kilometres (0.9 nautical miles) east of Rocky Point, then due north to point 3A, as described above and shown on map 3.
From the mean high water mark at point 3E on Minnie Water Back Beach (approximately 480m south of the northern tip of the beach) at 29° 47′ 09.17″S, 153° 17′ 37.06″E, due east approximately 6 kilometres (3 nautical miles) to the boundary of the marine park to point 3F at 29° 47′ 09.17″S, 153° 21′ 36.14″E, then generally south approximately 2 kilometres (1.2 nautical miles) following the boundary of the marine park to point 3G at 29° 48′ 22.95″S, 153° 21′ 06.56″E, then due west approximately 6 kilometres (3 nautical miles) to the southern tip of Minnie Water Back Beach at point 3H (29° 48′ 22.95″S, 153° 17′ 12.65″E), then returning north to point 3E, along the mean high water mark, as shown on map 3.
Wooli Wooli River and Diggers Camp (Northern Section)
The whole of the tidal waters and tidal lands of the northern arm of the Wooli Wooli River and central basin, including all its creeks, bays and tributaries upstream from a line drawn between point 4A at 29° 50′ 22.95″S, 153° 13′ 58.57″E and point 4B at 29° 50′ 26.99″S, 153° 13′ 56.09″E, at the forks, to the mean high water mark, as shown on map 4.
Station Creek
The whole of the tidal waters and tidal lands of Station Creek including all its creeks, bays and tributaries upstream from a line drawn between point 5A at 29° 56′ 51.86″S, 153° 14′ 45.89″E and point 5B at 29° 56′ 52.70″S, 153° 14′ 47.25″E, approximately 1.2 kilometres upstream of the mouth of the creek, to the mean high water mark, as shown on map 5.
Corindi River System and Pipe Clay Lake
The whole of the tidal waters and tidal lands of the Corindi River (lower reaches), north of the main channel from a line drawn between point 6A on the northern bank of the mouth of the river at 29° 58′ 43.81″S, 153° 13′ 57.29″E to point 6B at the south eastern point of the main island at 29° 58′ 50.25″S, 153° 13′ 39.15″E, then following the southern and western part of the island to the northern point at 6C at 29° 58′ 38.11″S, 153° 13′ 38.45″E, then generally north to the eastern point of the small island at 6D at 29° 58′ 30.41″S, 153° 13′ 36.01″E, then following the southern bank of the small island to the western side of the small island to point 6E at 29° 58′ 29.50″S, 153° 13′ 32.70″E, then due west upstream to point 6F on the northern bank of the river at 29° 58′ 28.85″S, 153° 13′ 29.87″E, then following the northern bank of the river to point 6G at 29° 58′ 27.26″S, 153° 13′ 16.53″E, then upstream to point 6H on a second small island at 29° 58′ 35.06″S, 153° 13′ 14.08″E, and continues upstream to point 6I at the junction of the Corindi River and Mullet Creek at 6I at 29° 58′ 40.30″S, 153° 13′ 16.47″E, and includes the whole of the tidal waters and tidal lands of Saltwater Creek, Mullet Creek and other creeks, bays and tributaries north of the area described above, to the mean high water mark, as shown on map 6.
Central Section
The north western part extends from the mean high water mark at point 7A at 29° 54′ 31.36″S, 153° 16′ 19.27″E, approximately 1.5 kilometres (0.8 nautical miles) south of Jones Point, due east approximately 1.5 kilometres (0.8 nautical miles) to point 7B at 29° 54′ 31.36″S, 153° 17′ 13.41″E, then due south approximately 3.6 kilometres (1.9 nautical miles) to point 7C at 29° 56′ 26.88″S, 153° 17′ 13.41″E, then due west approximately 2 kilometres (1 nautical mile) to point 7D at 29° 56′ 26.88″S, 153° 16′ 01.14″E (500 metres east of Pebbly Beach northern headland) then generally north for 1 kilometre (0.5 nautical miles) at 500 metres from the mean high water mark to point 7E at 29° 55′ 52.15″S, 153° 15′ 57.90″E, then due west 500 metres to point 7F at 29° 55′ 52.15″S, 153° 15′ 39.25″E at the mean high water mark at the southern tip of Freshwater Beach, then due north along the mean high water mark to point 7A described above, as shown on map 7.
The south eastern part extends from point 7C at 29° 56′ 26.88″S, 153° 17′ 13.41″E, approximately 2.5 kilometres (1.3 nautical miles) due east of Pebbly Beach northern headland, and extends due east approximately 2.7 kilometres (1.4 nautical miles) to point 7G at 29° 56′ 26.88″S, 153° 19′ 01.99″E, then due south approximately 3.5 kilometres (1.9 nautical miles) to point 7H at 29° 58′ 23.07″S, 153° 19′ 01.99″E, then due west approximately 2.7 kilometres (1.4 nautical miles), in line with the northern tip of North Rock, to point 7I at 29° 58′ 23.07″S, 153° 17′ 13.41″E, then due north approximately 3.5 kilometres (1.9 nautical miles) to point 7C, as described above, as shown on map 7.
Jones Beach and Jones Point
From the mean high water mark at the eastern tip of the southern breakwall, generally south to point 7J at 29° 53′ 24.16″S, 153° 16′ 19.50″E, approximately 200 metres from the mean high water mark, then at 200 metres from the mean high water mark along Jones Beach and Jones Point to point 7K on the southern side of Jones Point at 29° 53′ 38.09″S, 153° 16′ 27.46″E, at a bearing of 107°, as shown on map 7.
Flat Top Point
From point 8E, at 30° 07′ 39.67″S, 153° 12′ 21.40″E then following Flat Top Point from the mean high water mark to 200 metres around Flat Top Point to point 8F at 30° 07′ 57.37″S, 153° 12′ 21.40″E, then returning due north to point 8E, as shown on map 8.
Southern Section
From the mean high water mark at the eastern tip of Bare Bluff at point 9A, at 30° 09′ 23.28″S, 153° 12′ 24.16″E, then generally east approximately 1.3 kilometres (0.7 nautical miles) in a line of sight with the northern most point of South West Solitary Island to point 9B at 500 metres from the mean high water mark of South West Solitary Island at 30° 09′ 29.78″S, 153° 13′ 12.62″E, and encompasses South West Solitary Island from the mean high water mark to 500 metres, then due south from point 9C at 30° 09′ 58.66″S, 153° 13′ 43.56″E, in line with the eastern most point of South West Solitary Island, approximately 5.3 kilometres (2.8 nautical miles) to point 9D at 30° 12′ 51.62″S, 153° 13′ 43.56″E, then due west approximately 5.6 kilometres (3 nautical miles), in line with Green Bluff to point 9E at 30° 12′ 51.61″S, 153° 10′ 12.47″E, at approximately 500 metres from the mean high water mark, then follows the mean high water mark at approximately 500 metres north around Green Bluff to point 9F at 30° 12′ 24.32″S, 153° 09′ 52.84″E, then extends generally north following the mean high water mark at 200 metres along Moonee Beach to point 9G at 30° 11′ 53.57″S, 153° 10′ 08.68″E, then due west to point 9H at 30° 11′ 53.57″S, 153° 10′ 01.20″E, at the mean high water mark, approximately 1.5 kilometres north of the northern side of Moonee Creek.
The sanctuary zone then extends from point 9H at 30° 11′ 53.57″S, 153° 10′ 01.20″E, generally north approximately 2.5 kilometres along the mean high water mark on Moonee Beach to point 9I at 30° 10′ 48.96″S, 153° 10′ 53.98″E, approximately 500 metres south of the northern tip of Moonee Beach, then follows Look at Me Now Headland at approximately 500 metres from the mean high water mark north to point 9J at 30° 10′ 19.77″S, 153° 11′ 38.96″E, at 200 metres from the mean high water mark at Dammerels Headland, then follows the shoreline north at 200 metres from the mean high water mark to point 9K at 30° 09′ 53.33″S, 153° 11′ 48.13″E at 200 metres from the mean high water mark at the northern tip of Fiddamans Beach, then due west to the northern tip of Fiddamans Beach to point 9L at the mean high water mark at 30° 09′ 53.33″S, 153° 11′ 41.56″E, then follows the mean high water mark north along Diggers Point, Back Sandy Beach and southern side of Bare Bluff to return to point 9A, as shown on map 9.
North Solitary Island
From the mean high water mark at point 11A at 29° 55′ 23.45″S, 153° 23′ 20.51″E, on the eastern side of Anemone Bay, due north approximately 50 metres to point 11B at 29° 55′ 21.82″S, 153° 23′ 20.51″E, then due west approximately 500 metres to point 11C at 29° 55′ 21.82″S, 153° 22′ 59.64″E, then in a direct line south east approximately 1.3 kilometres to point 11D at 29° 55′ 58.70″S, 153° 23′ 23.44″E, then due east approximately 200 metres to the most south westerly point of North Solitary Island at point 11E at 29° 55′ 58.70″S, 153° 23′ 31.76″E, then returning along the mean high water mark on the western side of the island to point 11A, as shown on map 11.
North West Rock
From the mean high water mark to 100 metres seaward around North West Rock, as shown on map 11.
North West Solitary Island
From the mean high water mark at point 12A at 30° 00′ 58.05″S, 153° 16′ 17.76″E, on the most northerly point of North West Solitary Island, generally north west approximately 500 metres to point 12B at 30° 00′ 45.48″S, 153° 16′ 05.59″E, then in a direct line generally south approximately 1 kilometre to point 12C at 30° 01′ 19.37″S, 153° 16′ 02.90″E, and then generally north east approximately 370 metres to the mean high water mark at the southern end of North West Solitary Island at point 12D at 30° 01′ 10.29″S, 153° 16′ 14.88″E, and returning along the mean high water mark on the western side of the island to point 12A, as shown on map 12.
South West Solitary Island (Groper Islet)
From the mean high water mark to 500 metres seaward around South West Solitary Island (Groper Islet), as shown on map 13.
South Solitary Island
From the mean high water mark at point 14A at 30° 12′ 26.71″S, 153° 15′ 59.59″E, on the most south westerly point of the main island, due west approximately 200 metres to point 14B at 30° 12′ 26.71″S, 153° 15′ 52.11″E, then in a direct line generally north west 500 metres to point 14C at 30° 12′ 13.13″S, 153° 15′ 48.81″E, 200 metres from the most south westerly point of “Birdie”, then due east to point 14D at 30° 12′ 13.13″S, 153° 15′ 52.55″E, 100 metres from the mean high water mark at “Birdie”, then follows “Birdie” at 100 metres from the mean high water mark, around “Birdie” to point 14E at 30° 12′ 15.61″S, 153° 16′ 02.60″E, and returning along the mean high water mark on the northern and western sides of the island to point 14A, as shown on map 14.
Split Solitary Island
From the mean high water mark at point 15A at 30° 14′ 23.71″S, 153° 10′ 47.76″E, to 200 metres seaward to point 15B at 30° 14′ 18.07″S, 153° 10′ 43.81″E, then follows Split Solitary Island at 200 metres from the mean high water mark south west of the split through the island to point 15C at 30° 14′ 33.61″S, 153° 10′ 55.43″E, at 200 metres seaward of the mean high water mark, then to point 15D at the mean high water mark at 30° 14′ 28.11″S, 153° 10′ 51.45″E, and returning along the mean high water mark on the southern and western sides of the island to point 15A, as shown on maps 10 and 15.
3   Fish cleaning
(1)  A person must not clean any fish or any fishing gear while in the sanctuary zone of the marine park except at a fish cleaning facility (if any) designated by the relevant Ministers for that purpose.
(2)  This clause does not prohibit the cleaning of fish or fishing gear while on a vessel with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
Division 3 Habitat protection zone
4   Description of habitat protection zone
The habitat protection zone of the marine park is comprised of the following area:
From the mean high water mark at the most easterly point of Plover Island at point 1A at 29° 40′ 17.70″S, 153° 19′ 50.71″E, due east approximately 6 kilometres (3 nautical miles) to the marine park boundary at point 1B at 29° 40′ 17.70″S, 153° 23′ 28.61″E, then generally south along the marine park boundary to point 1C at 29° 48′ 55.76″S, 153° 21′ 07.72″E, generally in line with Diggers Camp Rock Platform, then due west to point 1D at 29° 48′ 55.76″S, 153° 18′ 54.42″E, then due south to point 1E at 29° 53′ 18.28″S, 153° 18′ 54.42″E, then due east to point 1F at 29° 53′ 18.28″S, 153° 23′ 55.84″E, then due south to point 1G at 29° 56′ 26.88″S, 153° 23′ 55.84″E, then due west to point 1H at 29° 56′ 26.88″S, 153° 20′ 02.11″E, then in a north westerly direction, following the boundary of the marine park to point 1I at 29° 56′ 10.51″S, 153° 19′ 57.37″, then in a south westerly direction to point 1J as 29° 56′ 26.88″S, 153° 19′ 50.47″E, then due west to point 1K at 29° 56′ 26.88″S, 153° 19′ 01.99″E, then due south to point 1L at 30° 01′ 49.87″S, 153° 19′ 01.99″E, then due west to point 1M at 30° 01′ 49.87″S, 153° 14′ 36.70″E, then due south to point 1N at 30° 09′ 22.29″S, 153° 14′ 36.70″E, then due east to point 1O at 30° 09′ 22.29″S, 153° 15′ 37.60″E, then south east to point 1P at 30° 10′ 17.42″S, 153° 16′ 37.99″E, then due south to point 1Q at 30° 13′ 34.74″S, 153° 16′ 37.99″E, then south west to point 1R at 30° 14′ 27.51″S, 153° 15′ 37.60″E, then due west to point 1S at 30° 14′ 27.51″S, 153° 11′ 37.16″E, then due south to point 1T at 30° 18′ 18.29″S, 153° 11′ 37.16″E, at the southern boundary of the marine park, then due west to point 1U at 30° 18′ 18.29″S, 153° 09′ 16.29″E, at the mean high water mark at the eastern point of Muttonbird Island, then along the coast at the mean high water mark to point 1A, described above, including all rivers, estuaries, bays and lagoons and inlets upstream to their tidal limits and tidal lands, except those waters and tidal lands zoned as either sanctuary zone (as specified in Division 2) or special purpose zone (as specified in Division 5), as shown on map 16.
5   Taking of certain plants permitted
(1)  A person may take living plants of a species listed in table A in the habitat protection zone of the marine park.
(2)  A person may take seaweed from a beach in the habitat protection zone of the marine park.
(3)  This clause does not apply in respect of:
(a)  Diggers Camp Rock Platform, between point 4C at 29° 48′ 56.30″S, 153° 17′ 25.64″E and point 4D at 29° 49′ 07.78″S, 153° 17′ 28.38″E, as shown on map 4, and
(b)  Moonee Beach.
(4)  This clause applies despite clause 11 (Protection of animals, plants and habitat in habitat protection zone) of this Regulation.
Note—
Clause 11 of this Regulation makes it an offence to harm a plant or damage, take or interfere with any part of the habitat in a habitat protection zone except with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
6   Permitted fishing activities
Note—
Clause 12 (1) of this Regulation makes it an offence to take or attempt to take fish in a habitat protection zone unless the person is engaging in a permitted fishing activity referred to in that subclause. A permitted fishing activity includes the taking of fish by a method that is permitted by the zoning plan for a marine park.
(1)  Clause 12 (1) of this Regulation (relating to permitted fishing activities) applies to the habitat protection zone of the marine park subject to the provisions of this Part. Accordingly, that subclause is not to be construed as authorising any fishing activity that would contravene a provision of this Part.
Note—
For example, clause 7 of this Part lists the species of fish that may be taken in the habitat protection zone, and Division 6 sets out general restrictions on fishing in the marine park that extend to the habitat protection zone.
(2)  For the purposes of clause 12 (1) (e) of this Regulation, the following fishing activities are permitted in the habitat protection zone of the marine park (in addition to those set out in clause 12 (1)):
(a)  the taking of fish by use of a submersible lift net (bait), but only if the fish are taken for use as bait by the fisher (and not for the purposes of sale),
(b)  the taking of fish by use of a bait trap, but only if the fish are taken for use as bait by the fisher (and not for the purposes of sale),
(c)  the taking of fish of a kind that may lawfully be taken in the habitat protection zone by the method known as beach hauling, but only at the following beaches:
(i)  Arrawarra Beach,
(ii)  Park Beach,
(iii)  Sandy Beach,
(iv)  Station Creek Beach (south of the access track to Station Creek Beach from Station Creek Road, approximately 1.8km from the southern end of the beach),
(v)  Woolgoolga Front Beach,
Note—
See also clause 23 of this Part.
(d)  the taking of any fish of a kind that may lawfully be taken in the habitat protection zone by use of one of the following nets, if the use of the net to take that fish is lawful under the Fisheries Management Act 1994:
(i)  push or scissors net (prawns),
(ii)  hoop or lift net,
(iii)  spanner crab net,
(e)  the taking of any fish of a kind that may lawfully be taken in the habitat protection zone by use of a trap, if use of the trap to take that fish is lawful under the Fisheries Management Act 1994.
Note—
Table B lists the kinds of fish that may lawfully be taken in a habitat protection zone.
(3)  Subclause (2) is also subject to the other provisions of this Part. Accordingly, that subclause is not to be construed as authorising any fishing activity that would contravene another provision of this Part.
7   Species protection
(1)  A person must not take or attempt to take any fish in the habitat protection zone of the marine park except:
(a)  fish of a species listed in table B, or
(b)  fish taken for use as bait by any method that is otherwise permitted under this Regulation.
(2)  Nothing in this clause permits a person to take or attempt to take a fish of a species:
(a)  the taking of which is prohibited under the Fisheries Management Act 1994, or
(b)  listed in table C.
(3)  This clause does not apply in respect of:
(a)  Diggers Camp Rock Platform, between point 4C at 29° 48′ 56.30″S, 153° 17′ 25.64″E and point 4D at 29° 49′ 07.78″S, 153° 17′ 28.38″E, as shown on map 4, and
(b)  Moonee Beach.
8   Species protection—Diggers Camp and Moonee Beach
(1)  A person must not take or attempt to take any fish in the area to which this clause applies except fish of the following species:
(a)  finfish (Class Osteichthyes)—all species,
(b)  sharks and rays (Class Chondrichthyes)—all species,
(c)  eastern rock lobster (Jasus verreauxi),
(d)  slipper lobster (Scyllarus spp.),
(e)  painted rock lobster (Panulirus spp.).
(2)  This clause applies to the following area:
(a)  Diggers Camp Rock Platform, between point 4C at 29° 48′ 56.30″S, 153° 17′ 25.64″E and point 4D at 29° 49′ 07.78″S, 153° 17′ 28.38″E, as shown on map 4, and
(b)  Moonee Beach.
(3)  Nothing in this clause permits a person to take or attempt to take a fish of a species:
(a)  the taking of which is prohibited under the Fisheries Management Act 1994, or
(b)  listed in table C.
9   Fish trapping prohibited in certain areas
A person must not, while in the following parts of the habitat protection zone of the marine park, take or attempt to take fish by use of a fish trap:
(a)  the area bound by the coordinates 29° 41′ 37.83″S, 153° 20′ 28.18″E and 29° 41′ 37.83″S, 153° 22′ 09.37″E and 29° 42′ 55.50″S, 153° 22′ 09.37″E and 29° 42′ 55.50″S, 153° 20′ 28.18″E, being the area that encompasses Sandon Shoals, as shown on map 1,
(b)  the area bound by the coordinates 29° 59′ 54.30″S, 153° 14′ 48.71″E and 29° 59′ 54.30″S, 153° 16′ 37.18″E and 30° 01′ 29.44″S, 153° 16′ 37.18″E and 30° 01′ 29.44″S, 153° 14′ 48.71″E, being the area that encompasses Chopper Rock, Surgeons Reef and North West Solitary Island, as shown on map 1,
(c)  within 500 metres of the mean high water mark of North Solitary Island, North West Rock, North West Solitary Island, South West Solitary Island, South Solitary Island or Split Solitary Island.
10   Crab trapping prohibited in Wooli Wooli River crab protection area
(1)  A person must not, while in the Wooli Wooli River crab protection area, take or attempt to take crabs by use of a trap.
(2)  In this clause:
Wooli Wooli River crab protection area means that part of the habitat protection zone starting from one kilometre downstream of “the forks”, from point 4E at 29° 50′ 24.24″S, 153° 14′ 36.40″E, then upstream to include the entire upper reaches of the Wooli Wooli River to the tidal limit, as shown on map 4.
11   Fish cleaning at Minnie Water Lagoon
(1)  A person must not clean any fish or any fishing gear while in Minnie Water Lagoon except at a fish cleaning facility (if any) designated by the relevant Ministers for that purpose.
(2)  This clause does not prohibit:
(a)  the cleaning of fish while on a vessel if the fish (including any parts that are removed or discarded) are retained on the vessel, or
(b)  the cleaning of fishing gear while on a vessel.
(3)  In this clause:
Minnie Water Lagoon means the tidal waters and tidal lands between 29° 46′ 20.61″S, 153° 17′ 55.57″E and 29° 46′ 37.36″S, 153° 18′07.60″E, extending seawards to include the exposed rocky reef.
12   Aquaculture
Despite clause 13 (Aquaculture) of this Regulation, aquaculture is not permissible in the habitat protection zone of the marine park.
Division 4 General Use Zone
13   Description of general use zone
The general use zone of the marine park is comprised of all parts of the marine park that are not included in the sanctuary zone, the habitat protection zone or the special purpose zone.
14   Taking of seaweed permitted
(1)  A person may take seaweed from a beach (if any) in the general use zone of the marine park.
(2)  This clause applies despite clause 15 ((Protection of animals, plants and habitat in general use zone) of this Regulation.
Note—
Clause 15 of this Regulation makes it an offence to harm a plant or damage, take or interfere with any part of the habitat in the general use zone except with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
15   Fishing permitted
(1)  A person may take fish in the general use zone of the marine park if the taking of the fish, and the method used to take the fish, is lawful under the Fisheries Management Act 1994.
(2)  This clause is subject to the other provisions of this Part. Accordingly, this clause is not to be construed as authorising any fishing activity that would contravene another provision of this Part.
Note—
Division 6 sets out some general restrictions on fishing in the marine park. Those provisions apply to the general use zone.
Division 5 Special purpose zone
16   Description of special purpose zones
The special purpose zones of the marine park are comprised of the following areas:
Special purpose zone 1 (Sandon River Oyster Aquaculture)
Special purpose zone 1 (Sandon River Oyster Aquaculture) is comprised of all oyster leases located in the Sandon River as identified in the NSW Fisheries aquaculture database at the commencement of this Part, as shown on map 2.
Special purpose zone 2 (Wooli Wooli River Oyster Aquaculture)
Special purpose zone 2 (Wooli Wooli River Oyster Aquaculture) is comprised of all oyster leases located in the Wooli Wooli River as identified in the NSW Fisheries aquaculture database at the commencement of this Part, as shown on map 4.
Special purpose zone 3 (Pipe Clay Lake Habitat Rehabilitation)
Special purpose zone 3 (Pipe Clay Lake Habitat Rehabilitation) comprises the whole of the tidal waters from the mouth of Pipe Clay Lake, upstream, including all of its creeks, bays and tributaries, as shown on map 6.
Special purpose zone 4 (Arrawarra Headland)
Special purpose zone 4 (Arrawarra Headland) is comprised of the area from the mean high water mark at the northern side of Arrawarra Headland at point 8A at 30° 03′ 34.14″S, 153° 12′ 06.66″E, seaward to point 8B at 30° 03′ 29.03″S, 153° 12′ 02.05″E, approximately 200 metres from the mean high water mark, then follows Arrawarra Headland at 200 metres from the mean high water to point 8C at 30° 03′ 40.30″S, 153° 12′ 14.85″E on the southern side of Arrawarra Headland, then to point 8D at the mean high water mark at Arrawarra Headland at 30° 03′ 34.38″S, 153° 12′ 11.81″E, as shown on map 8.
17   Zone objects
(1)  The object of special purpose zone 1 (Sandon River Oyster Aquaculture) and special purpose zone 2 (Wooli Wooli River Oyster Aquaculture) is to provide for the management of aquaculture.
(2)  The object of special purpose zone 3 (Pipe Clay Lake Habitat Rehabilitation) is to provide for rehabilitation, traditional use and research.
(3)  The object of special purpose zone 4 (Arrawarra Headland) is to provide for traditional use and research.
18   Fishing in special purpose zones 1 and 2
A person must not, while in special purpose zone 1 (Sandon River Oyster Aquaculture) or special purpose zone 2 (Wooli Wooli River Oyster Aquaculture):
(a)  take or attempt to take any fish by any method that cannot lawfully be used to take fish in the habitat protection zone of the marine park, or
(b)  take or attempt to take any fish that cannot lawfully be taken in the habitat protection zone of the marine park.
Note—
For the relevant restrictions, see clause 12 of this Regulation, clauses 6 and 7 of this Part and table B.
19   Fishing in special purpose zones 3 and 4
A person must not, while in special purpose zone 3 (Pipe Clay Lake Habitat Rehabilitation) or special purpose zone 4 (Arrawarra Headland), take or attempt to take any fish except with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
20   Aquaculture
Despite clause 18C (Aquaculture) of this Regulation, aquaculture is not permissible in special purpose zone 3 (Pipe Clay Lake Habitat Rehabilitation) or special purpose zone 4 (Arrawarra Headland).
Division 6 General prohibitions—fishing
21   Species protection (whole park)
A person must not, while in any part of the marine park, harm or attempt to harm any fish of a species:
(a)  the harming of which is prohibited under the Fisheries Management Act 1994, or
(b)  listed in table C.
Note—
Fish protected under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 include grey nurse shark (Charcharius taurus), great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), black cod (Epinephelus daemelii), eastern blue devil fish (Paraplesiops bleekeri), elegant wrasse (Anampses elegans), estuary cod (Epinephelus coioides) and giant Queensland groper (Epinephelus lanceolatus).
22   Setlining, purse seine netting and drift-lining
A person must not, while in any part of the marine park, take or attempt to take fish, as follows:
(a)  by use of a set line,
(b)  by use of a purse seine net,
(c)  by use of a drift line.
23   Beach hauling prohibited at certain times
(1)  A person must not, while in any part of the marine park, take or attempt to take fish by the method known as beach hauling:
(a)  at night, or
(b)  on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday.
(2)  Despite subclause (1), a shot may be held on a Sunday night, but the net must not be cast during the night.
(3)  In this clause:
night means the period between sunset and sunrise.
24   Fish trapping
A commercial fisher must not set more than 10 fish traps within the boundaries of the marine park at any one time.
25   Spearfishing not permitted in estuaries
(1)  A person must not take or attempt to take fish from an estuary in the marine park by use or a spear or spear gun.
(2)  In this clause:
estuary means the waters of any lake, river, creek or lagoon that are ordinarily subject to tidal influence.
26   Wire traces not permitted near South Solitary Island and North Solitary Island
(1)  A person must not, while in any part of the marine park that is within 500 metres of the mean high water mark of South Solitary Island or North Solitary Island, take or attempt to take fish, while demersal fishing, using any fishing gear that has attached to it a wire trace.
(2)  This clause does not apply in respect of the use of a wire trace for trolling purposes from a vessel that is underway.
Note—
The purpose of this clause is to protect the grey nurse shark. The use of a wire trace makes it easier to catch and land sharks, and difficult to release them without injury.
27   Taking fish for aquarium collection prohibited
(1)  A person must not, while in any part of the marine park, take or attempt to take any fish for aquarium collection purposes.
(2)  A person does not commit an offence in respect of a contravention of subclause (1) if:
(a)  the fish the subject of the charge were taken while in the habitat protection zone or general use zone, and
(b)  the activity was not carried out for a commercial purpose, and
(c)  the activity was carried out with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
Division 7 Domesticated animals
28   Areas in which domesticated animals prohibited
(1)  A person may bring a domesticated animal into the marine park, except as provided by subclause (2).
(2)  A person must not bring a domesticated animal into the following areas:
(a)  Sandon Beach,
(b)  Minnie Water Back Beach,
(c)  North Wooli Beach (adjacent to Yuraygir National Park),
(d)  Jones Beach,
(e)  Freshwater Beach,
(f)  Pebbly Beach,
(g)  Station Creek Beach,
(h)  Woolgoolga Beach—south of Woolgoolga Lake,
(i)  Sandy Beach,
(j)  Back Sandy Beach (Fiddamans Beach),
(k)  Emerald Beach—south of Fiddamans Creek,
(l)  Shelly Beach (Serenity Beach),
(m)  Diggers Beach,
(n)  Park Beach—north of Coffs Creek.
(3)  Despite subclause (2), a person may bring a domesticated animal into any part of the marine park:
(a)  if the animal is an assistance animal (within the meaning of the Companion Animals Act 1998) being used by a person with a disability (within the meaning of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 of the Commonwealth), or
(b)  if the animal remains confined to a vessel, or
(c)  with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
(4)  This clause applies despite clause 22 (Domesticated animals) of this Regulation.
Note—
Clause 22 of this Regulation makes it an offence to bring a domesticated animal into a marine park except with the consent of the relevant Ministers.
(5)  This clause is subject to the following:
(a)  the provisions of the Companion Animals Act 1998,
(b)  any notice relating to the use of animals erected by a council under section 632 of the Local Government Act 1993.
Note—
Sections 14 and 30 of the Companion Animals Act 1998 prohibit cats and dogs in certain public places.
Note—
Section 632 of the Local Government Act 1993 gives a council power to prohibit the bringing of domestic animals into public areas. The council is required to erect notices in the area concerned indicating that domestic animals are prohibited in the area.
Division 8 Use of vessels and vehicles
29   Use of personal watercraft in estuaries prohibited
(1)  A person must not use a motorised vessel that is a personal watercraft in any estuary in the marine park.
(2)  Despite subclause (1), a person may use a personal watercraft in an estuary if the use is solely for the purpose of travelling, at a speed not exceeding 4 knots, between the ocean and the lowest boat ramp on the Sandon River, Wooli Wooli River or Corindi River.
(3)  For the purposes of this clause, a boat ramp is the lowest boat ramp on a river if it is the farthest downstream of all boat ramps on the river.
Note—
Clause 27 of this Regulation makes it an offence to use any motorised vessel in a marine park in contravention of the zoning plan for the marine park.
30   Areas in which use of vehicles prohibited
(1)  A person must not use a motorised vehicle on any of the following beaches in such a manner as to exceed a speed of 25 kilometres per hour, when within 100 metres of pedestrians, or 50 kilometres per hour at other times:
(a)  Sandon Beach
(b)  Minnie Water Beach,
(c)  Wooli Beach,
(d)  Station Creek Beach,
(e)  Woolgoolga Back Beach,
(f)  Hearns Lake Beach,
(g)  Charlesworth Bay.
(2)  A person must not use a motorised vehicle on the following beaches, except for the purpose of launching a boat:
(a)  Diggers Camp Beach,
(b)  Pebbly Beach (within 200 metres from Station Creek Headland),
(c)  Arrawarra Beach,
(d)  Woolgoolga Beach,
(e)  Sandy Beach,
(f)  Emerald Beach.
(3)  This clause does not apply in respect of an authorised vehicle, a police vehicle or an emergency vehicle.
(4)  This clause is subject to any notice relating to the use of vehicles erected by:
(a)  a park authority under clause 4 of the National Parks and Wildlife (Land Management) Regulation 1995, or
(b)  a council under section 632 of the Local Government Act 1993.
Note—
Section 632 of the Local Government Act 1993 gives a council power to prohibit the use of vehicles in public places. The council is required to erect notices in the area concerned indicating that the use of vehicles in the area is prohibited.
(5)  In this clause:
authorised vehicle means a vehicle being used by an officer, employee or other authorised person acting on behalf of any of the following:
(a)  the Authority,
(b)  the National Parks and Wildlife Service,
(c)  NSW Fisheries,
(d)  Pristine Waters Council,
(e)  Coffs Harbour City Council,
(f)  any other government agency,
(g)  a surf life saving club.
emergency vehicle has the meaning given by the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 1998.
police vehicle has the meaning given by the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 1998.
Note—
Clause 27 of this Regulation makes it an offence to use any motorised vehicle in a marine park in contravention of the zoning plan for the marine park.
Division 9 Tables
Table A—Plants that may be taken in habitat protection zone
Common name
Class/Family
Species
Sea lettuce
 
Ulva lactuca
Bait weed
 
Enteromorpha intestinalis
Table B—Fish that may be taken in habitat protection zone
Common name
Class/Family
Species
Finfish
Class Osteichthyes
All species
Sharks and rays
Class Chondrichthyes
All species
Eastern rock lobster
 
Jasus verreauxi
Slipper lobster
 
Scyllarus spp.
Painted rock lobster
 
Panulirus spp.
Prawns
Family Penaeidae
All species
Squid
Family Sepiidae
All species
Pipis
Family Donacidae
All species
Beach worms
Family Onuphidae
All species
Eels
Family Anguillidae
All species
Mangrove worms
 
Teredo spp.
Mud crabs
 
Scylla serrata
Blue swimmer crabs
 
Portunus pelagicus
Spanner crabs
 
Ranina ranina
Marine yabbies (nippers)
 
Callianassa spp.
Oysters
 
Saccostrea spp. and Crassostera spp.
Turban shell (Googoombull)
Family Turbinadae
Turbo spp.
Abalone
 
Haliotis rubra
Periwinkles
 
Austrocochlea spp.
Table C—Protected fish
Common name
Class/Family/Order
Species
Corals
Class Anthozoa
 
 
Soft corals and gorgonians
Subclass Octocorallia
 
 
Hard corals
Order Scleractinia
 
 
Black corals
Order Antipatharia
 
 
Sea anemones
Order Actinaria
 
 
Zoanthids
Order Zoanthidea
 
 
Corallimorphs
Order Corallimorpharia
 
All pipefishes and seahorses
Family Syngnathidae
 
Giant clam
Family Tridacnidae
 
Broad-banded anemone fish
 
Amphiprion latezonatus
Division 10 Maps
Map 1: Solitary Islands Marine Park (Overview)
Map 2: Sandon River System (Northern Section)
Map 3: Northern Section
Map 4: Wooli Wooli River and Diggers Camp (Northern Section)
Map 5: Station Creek
Map 6: Corindi River System and Pipe Clay Lake
Map 7: Central Section (including Jones Beach and Jones Point)
Map 8: Arrawarra Headland, Flat Top Point, other headlands and coastal lagoons (Central Section)
Map 9: Southern Section
Map 10: Southern Section including Coffs Creek, Pine Brush Creek and Jordans Creek
Map 11: North Solitary Island and North West Rock
Map 12: North West Solitary Island
Map 13: South West Solitary Island (Groper Islet)
Map 14: South Solitary Island
Map 15: Split Solitary Island
Map 16: Habitat Protection Zone
Division 11 Miscellaneous
31   Transitional
(1)  Despite any other provision of this Regulation, the relevant Ministers may, for the purpose of assisting in the transition consequent on the commencement of the provisions of this Part, consent to any person or class of persons carrying out any activity in the marine park.
(2)  Clause 37A of this Regulation (relating to permits) applies in respect of the consent of the relevant Ministers, subject to subclause (3).
(3)  A permit granted pursuant to a consent given by the relevant Ministers under this clause is to specify the period in which it remains in force. The period is not to exceed 12 months after the commencement of this Part.
(4)  For avoidance of doubt, subclause (3) does not apply in respect of a permit granted pursuant to a consent given by the relevant Ministers under another provision of this Regulation.
(5)  It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against this Regulation if the person charged proves that the act or omission constituting the offence was authorised by, and was done or omitted in accordance with, a permit granted pursuant to a consent given by the relevant Ministers under this clause.
sch 1: Am 31.7.2002.
Schedule 2 Penalty notice offences
(Clauses 34 and 35)
sch 2, hdg: Am 31.7.2002.
Column 1
Column 2
Offence
Penalty
Clause 7 (a)
$500
Clause 7 (b)
$500
Clause 7 (c)
$500
Clause 7 (d)
$500
Clause 9
$500
Clause 11 (a)
$500
Clause 11 (b)
$500
Clause 11 (c)
$500
Clause 12 (2) (a)
$500
Clause 12 (2) (b)
$500
Clause 15 (a)
$500
Clause 15 (b)
$500
Clause 15 (c)
$500
Clause 16 (2)
$500
Clause 18A (a)
$500
Clause 18A (b)
$500
Clause 18A (c)
$500
Clause 18B (1)
$500
Clause 19 (1)
$500
Clause 19 (2)
$500
Clause 19 (2A)
$500
Clause 20 (a)
$300
Clause 20 (b)
$300
Clause 20 (c)
$300
Clause 20 (d)
$300
Clause 20 (e)
$300
Clause 20 (2)
$300
Clause 20 (3)
$300
Clause 21 (1) (a)
$300
Clause 21 (1) (b)
$500
Clause 21 (1) (c)
$500
Clause 22 (1) (a)
$200
Clause 22 (1) (b)
$200
Clause 23 (1)
$300
Clause 24 (1) (a)
$300
Clause 24 (1) (b)
$300
Clause 24 (1) (c)
$300
Clause 25 (2) (a)
$200
Clause 25 (2) (b)
$300
Clause 26 (a)
$200
Clause 26 (b)
$200
Clause 26 (c)
$200
Clause 26 (d)
$200
Clause 27 (2)
$200
Clause 27A (1)
$500
Clause 27B
$500
Clause 28 (1) (a)
$200
Clause 28 (1) (b)
$200
Clause 28 (1) (c)
$500
Clause 32 (1)
$500
Clause 32 (2)
$500
Clause 33 (2)
$200
Clause 37A (5)
$300
sch 2: Am 31.7.2002.