Generator use policy

3. To decide where to permit generator use, NPWS considers:
   • the need to provide a range of camping opportunities, including camping in a natural setting without noisy equipment
   • nearby places outside the park where you might camp with a generator
   • whether there are different campsites available for people wanting to use generators and those not wanting to
   • the size and configuration of campsites, including the distance between campers
   • visitor numbers and the cumulative impact of many generators at a campsite
   • existing background noise at campsites, for example, noise from vehicles on roads or from powerboats
   • the likelihood of generator use leading to increased nuisance behaviour
   • the seasonal or permanent presence of noise-sensitive wildlife such as flying-foxes or birds sitting on nests
   • the level of fire hazard from using generators.

4. Powers to manage generators are provided under the National Parks and Wildlife Regulation 2019 (NPW Regulation), which creates offences for undertaking the following activities without consent from NPWS:

   • operate noisy machinery (clause 10(1)(n))
   • operate or use machinery in a manner likely to interfere with or cause a nuisance to any person or animal (clause 15(1)(e)).

   Consent to use a generator can be given directly by the NPWS park manager or through signage. Generator use may be subject to conditions, such as being prohibited for a specific period in a camping area where it was previously permitted. This could be because of environmental impacts (for instance, on roosting birds) or for safety reasons (such as local fire bans). Such prohibition must be implemented by installing signs.

5. NPWS aims to ensure parks are accessible to all, including people with disabilities or other conditions that may impact their ability to access and enjoy parks. If you need to bring and use a generator in a national park to operate a disability aid or for other medical purposes, you may do so.
6. Before entering the park or booking accommodation you should contact the NPWS local office to advise that you are planning to bring and use a generator for disability or medical purposes, and provide information demonstrating your need for such equipment (such as a medical certificate).
7. This will help NPWS to make any arrangements or provide any advice needed to ensure your visit to the park is safe and enjoyable. After reviewing your information NPWS will confirm that you may bring and use a generator for these purposes.
8. If NPWS is not satisfied that the proposed generator use is for disability or medical purposes it may request further information or you may be advised that the generator cannot be used in the park.

Policy adopted 2016
Policy last updated March 2021

Scope and application

This policy applies to all lands acquired or reserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act) except for lands reserved under Part 4A of the Act (unless the Board of Management for those lands has adopted the policy). However, NPWS staff can use the policy as guidance in their dealings with Boards of Management.

Definitions

Disability Aid is as defined under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. A disability aid is defined as equipment (including palliative or therapeutic device) that (a) is used by the person, and (b) provides assistance to alleviate the effect of the disability.

Disability in relation to a person is as defined under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

Park means a reserve gazetted under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, including a national park, nature reserve, historic site, Aboriginal area, state conservation area, karst conservation reserve, regional park or any land acquired by the Minister under Part 11 of the Act.

Generator means a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. Generators are usually powered with an internal combustion engine. As used in this policy, generator includes vehicle engines that are left running to charge batteries or directly power other equipment.

Accountabilities

This section outlines NPWS staff with significant responsibilities for ensuring implementation of the policy.