Proposed changes to vehicle access permits for commercial fishing and aquaculture

Invitation to comment

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), as part of the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), is reviewing vehicle access permits for commercial fishing and aquaculture permit holders. We are seeking your comments on the proposed amendments.

Some commercial fishers in New South Wales require access through NSW national parks to conduct licensed commercial fishing and aquaculture activities (see Who requires a DECC vehicle access permit?). Vehicle access is provided through NPWS parks by a range of road types, including public roads and locked NPWS managed tracks. Authorised commercial fishing activities may include ocean beach, bait collecting, aquaculture and estuary general fishing.

This permit application package is applicable to commercial fishers or aquaculture permit holders licensed under the Fisheries Management Act 1994. It does not cover the regulation of commercial fishing or aquaculture, which is carried out by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) under the Fisheries Management Act, nor does it cover recreational, charter or Indigenous fishing permits.

Why the permit system is being reviewed

The aim of the review is to simplify and standardise the application process for fishers. Additionally, it will ensure consistency between those commercial fishers and aquaculture permit holders who obtain access to NPWS parks through publicly accessible roads and tracks and those who obtain access through locked gates.

It is designed to provide state-wide consistency for:

  • the fees payable
  • the format of access permits
  • requirements for personal details
  • public liability insurance requirements
  • application timeframes.

Please find attached the draft application package for vehicle access into NPWS parks: Draft general information for commercial fishing and aquaculture vehicle access permits (08289draftcdavap.pdf, 107KB).

Who requires a DECC vehicle access permit?

Permits are required by commercial fishers and aquaculture permit holders who use NPWS parks to undertake commercial fishing activities, aquaculture or activities ancillary to commercial fishing. Permits are not required by those commercial fishers who operate exclusively outside NPWS parks and only use public roads that traverse a NPWS park to access this other land. Please contact your local NPWS office if you are unsure whether or not you require an access permit.

Some of the benefits of the new permit system are:

  • financial year renewal to coincide with DPI Fisheries licence renewals
  • more than one vehicle covered by a permit, provided the vehicle is being used as part of the authorised activity of the permit holder
  • a NPWS ‘Country Parks Pass’ for all vehicles covered by the application
  • a standard application fee of $200 for all vehicle access permit applications (this covers the first vehicle). Additional vehicles included in permit applications will incur a $50 per vehicle fee (i.e. one vehicle will incur a fee of $200, two vehicles a fee of $250, and so on)
  • flexibility to negotiate alternative access arrangements between commercial fishers and NPWS
  • multiple NPWS parks covered under one permit application without any additional permit application charge. Additional key deposits may be required for access to multiple reserves
  • where applicable, a refundable $50 key deposit for access through locked gates.

Transitional arrangements for licence renewals (between now and implementation)

Those fishers who require renewal of their access after the expiry of their current permit and prior to the commencement date of the new permit scheduled for 1 October 2008 will be granted an extension, provided they have all of the necessary licences and insurance until 1 October 2008.

Comment on the proposed changes

The draft application package for vehicle access into NPWS Parks will be on exhibition from 4 June 2008 until 14 July 2008.  During this period, you may comment on the draft application package by sending a submission to the Northern Branch Parks and Wildlife Office or via email. Your submission must include a return address. You should send it by post or email to the following addresses:

Professional Fishing Access Permit Review
National Parks and Wildlife Service
PO Box 1236
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

Or with the subject heading 'Commercial fishing access package' to:

coffs.pacs@environment.nsw.gov.au

All submissions must be received by 14 July 2008. Any submissions on this package, including your personal details, will be a matter of public record and will be stored in the NPWS records system.

However, if you do not wish for your personal details to be disclosed to members of the public once the plan has been adopted, you may indicate this in your submission. Your personal details will remain confidential to the NPWS and not be publicly accessible.

All submissions will be considered by NPWS and a final permit system will be implemented in October 2008.

Page last updated: 26 February 2011