Licences at Uluru-Kata Tjuta
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a Commonwealth reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) to manage the environment of the region for the benefit of all people, present and future. The Director of National Parks uses a licence system to help regulate exclusive and restricted use commercial activities.
Individuals and other commercial entities (e.g. companies and associations) wishing to conduct commercial activities in the park, including commercial tours, need to have a permit or licence issued by the Director. The Director may issue a licence only if:
- the activity is consistent with:
- the purpose for which the park is declared
- any lease of indigenous people’s land in the park
- the activity is not likely to:
- endanger public safety
- unduly damage the park
- unduly interfere with the preservation or conservation of biodiversity or heritage in the park
- unduly interfere with the protection of other features or facilities in the park • interfere with the privacy of a cultural event held in the reserve by the traditional owners of Aboriginal land in the park
- interfere with the continuing cultural use of the park by the traditional owners of Aboriginal land in the park
- interfere with the privacy of other persons in the park
- the activity benefits the public or persons using the park
- all the licence holder’s tour guides who will lead tours in Uluru-Kata Tjuta have successfully completed the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Knowledge for Tour Guides course.
In making a decision about whether to issue a licence, the Director may take into account whether a person to whom the licence is to be issued has, in the last 10 years, been convicted of or is subjected to proceedings for an environmental offence under the EPBC Act.
Licences will generally be granted for a minimum period of five years and for longer terms where significant investment is required.
Tour operators will be required to hold accreditation through a Tourism Accreditation Australia Ltd (TAAL) recognised program to hold a licence. It is a licence condition to provide evidence of accreditation to the Tourism Services Officer every year.
It is important that tour operators and their staff understand and comply with licence conditions. Breaching licence conditions may lead to the licence being suspended or cancelled.
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Knowledge for Tour Guides Program
All tour guides working in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park must complete the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Knowledge for tour guides program.
This program provides entry-level training on the things a tour guide should know when working in the park, including key areas of visitor safety, understanding the park's natural and cultural values and history, minimising environmental impact, and legal compliance.
Fees
Licence fees will be negotiated with the successful applicant based on the activity, length of tenure and investment. Other fees:
- A non-refundable application fee of $200 to be paid at the time that the application is submitted.
- A licence transfer fee of $200 applies.
Licence fees will be paid according to the type of activity and may be annual or at a frequency agreed with the licensee.
Further information
The Manager of Visitor and Tourism Services for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park can be contacted on 08 8956 1101 or by e-mailing: chris.martin@environment.gov.au.
Web: www.environment.gov.au/parks/uluru/
The EPBC Act and Regulations can be viewed at www.environment.gov.au/epbc/ or purchased from CANPRINT by telephoning 1300 656 863.