Queensland Consolidated Acts

NATURE CONSERVATION ACT 1992 - SECT 70JB

70JB Assessment by independent scientific advisory committee

(1) This section applies to an assessment required under section 70JA (2) (a) .

(2) The assessment must be of the impact, on horse riding trails and adjacent areas, of horse riding use.

(3) The assessment must be conducted by an advisory committee, established under section 132 , comprising members who—

(a) have expertise in relevant disciplines for the assessment; and

Examples of disciplines that may be relevant—

aquatic science, conservation biology, conservation management, environmental impact assessment, social science, soil science, statistical analysis, sustainable recreation, weed management

(b) are independent of government or non-government entities that might reasonably be perceived to be particularly interested in decisions affecting horse riding in forest reserves.

(4) The assessment must be based on monitoring and evaluation conducted over a period long enough to assess the likely impacts of horse riding use.

(5) The assessment must take account of the cumulative impacts of horse riding and other activities conducted in the areas to which the assessment relates.

(6) To the extent the assessment relates to a particular horse riding trail, the assessment need not be based on measurement or monitoring of the trail, or of every part of the trail, but may be based on appropriate information obtained from measuring or monitoring, and evaluating, other trails or parts of the trail with relevant characteristics.

(7) In this section—

"adjacent areas" , in relation to horse riding trails, means areas adjacent to the trails whether or not the areas are part of a forest reserve.