GREAT AUSTRALIAN BIGHT MARINE PARK WHALE SANCTUARY

In reply to the Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (30 April 2013).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation): As the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation I have received this advice:

The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources does not impose fees or charges 'to pass through air'.

The South Australian Government is responsible for the protection of whales, which is provided for by the National Parks and Wildlife (Protected Animals—Marine Mammals) Regulations 2010.

A scenic flight operator has been granted a permit under these regulations which enables it to undertake aircraft-based whale watching in the Great Australian Bight Marine Park Whale Sanctuary.

The fees for these permits are set out in Schedule 2 of the National Parks and Wildlife (Protected Animals—Marine Mammals) Regulations 2010.