How threat abatement plans are prepared and implemented
Stages of the planning process
1. The NPWS draws up a draft threat abatement plan. To do this, we consult extensively with scientific experts, government departments, land managers and members of the community.
2. The draft plan is placed on public exhibition. During the public exhibition period, community members can comment on the plan by sending the NPWS a submission.
3. The NPWS finalises the threat abatement plan, taking account of all submissions received during the public exhibition period.
4. The finalised plan is forwarded to the Environment Minister for approval.
Threat abatement plans are reviewed periodically. At any time, anyone can make a submission about a threat abatement plan, and their submission will be considered in the review process.
Putting threat abatement plans into effect
Threat abatement planning is all about cooperation - between the NPWS, other public authorities, organisations and the community.
The NPWS is mainly responsible for implementing threat abatement plans. However, we can't effectively manage some threats alone. Other authorities may agree to help, and they will be identified in the threat abatement plan.
Some human activities may be considered threatening processes. Although these activities may not be forbidden outright, the Threatened Species Conservation Act aims to make sure that their impacts are properly considered in the planning process. Threat abatement plans cannot be ignored by public authorities when they make decisions. And local councils and other public authorities may consider a threat abatement plan when they assess proposed developments or activities.