Business Activities in Parks
The Parks & Wildlife Commission NT (the Commission) has the power to regulate or prohibit the carrying on of any trade or commerce in a park, reserve or other land committed under a law of the Northern Territory under the care, control and management of the Commission in conjunction with the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act and By-laws.
A concession is granted by way of a Permit for a commercial venture for use of part of an area of land, seabed, or water or air space under the care, control and management of the Commission. The permit is issued for the purpose of providing appropriate facilities and services for the use and enjoyment of visitors, or for any other commercial purpose with regard to Commission estate resources.
The Commission currently has in the vicinity of 70 active concessions.
When a new concession is proposed, it may be from an applicant or initiated by the Commission. For an enquiry received from an individual, tour operator or company an application form will need to be filled in which is a very detailed document and provides the Commission with relevant information relating to the applicant's financial capacity to operate and requires trade references. A $300.00 application fee applies. When the Commission has initiated the concession the process will begin for 'Expressions of Interest'.
Consideration of the application / 'Expressions of Interest' by the relevant Regional Parks Manager, the Chief District Ranger and relevant Aboriginal Boards will be sought seeking support. Unsuccessful applicants will be advised in writing. Successful applicants are notified in writing of the 'intention to grant a permit' and require formal acceptance from the applicant prior to a permit being issued. Once written confirmation from the applicant has been received, the Permit documentation and Operational Agreement is drafted.
If there is a need for the concession to commence prior to the Permit and Operational Agreement being finalised, an interim letter of commencement will be issued which includes conditions and requires agreement in writing by the applicant to accept the conditions.
When the Commission has endorsed the final draft (bound) copies of the Permit and Operational Agreement, the documentation will be sent to the applicant with a covering letter for execution. The Permit and Operational Agreement clearly state the terms and conditions under which the applicant will be required to operate and includes Fees and Royalty Payments required on commencement and during the term of the concession. The applicant will also need to provide proof of Public Liability Insurance cover indemnifying the Commission and the relevant Aboriginal Board (as necessary).
When the applicant returns the signed and sealed (if necessary) copies of the Permit and Operational Agreement the Commission and the relevant Aboriginal Board (if necessary) will then execute the documents and a bound copy of the Permit and Operational Agreement will be sent back to the applicant.
It is Important to Note That:
- The Commission may, at its discretion, choose to assess an application without going public; and
- The Director may, at his discretion, choose to trial a new concession for up to three (3) months without going public or without the approval of the Commission.
