Public submissions are invited on the Exposure Draft of the Nature Conservation Bill 2013
Community Consultation – 31 October 2013 to 13 December 2013
The Nature Conservation Act 1980 is the principal legislation for the protection of native plants and animals and for the management of national parks and nature reserves in the ACT.  The Act underpins nature conservation across the Territory and allows us to better protect and manage biodiversity. 
The Review of the Nature Conservation Act 1980 by the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate (ESDD), has benefitted from several years’ work and the input of a wide range of community organisations, stakeholders and interest groups. 
A Discussion Paper on the Review of the Nature Conservation Act 1980 was released for public consultation on 3 December 2010. Submissions were accepted on the paper until April 2011 and a public community forum was held. Other consultation processes have also contributed to the development of the Bill, such as consultation undertaken as part of finalising the ACT Nature Conservation Strategy.
The Review of the Nature Conservation Act 1980 is near completion with an Amendment Bill expected to be finalised by mid 2014.
The Exposure Draft of the Nature Conservation Bill 2013 is now open for comment for six weeks and submissions will be accepted until 13 December 2013. 
All public comment received by that date will be considered by ESDD for the final Amendment Bill.
For the Exposure Draft of the Nature Conservation Bill and Explanatory Statement, please go to www.legislation.act.gov.au. For more information call 6205 8560 or email esdd_communications@act.gov.au. Submissions should be sent to esdd_communications@act.gov.au.

All submissions will be published on the ESDD website at the end of the consultation period. If you do not want your submission published or would like it published without your name please indicate the reason why you believe you should not be identified clearly in your submission.