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<DIV STYLE="text-align:Left;"><DIV><DIV STYLE="font-size:12pt"><P><SPAN>In addition to the designated NHAs, there are 630 proposed NHAs (pNHAs), which were published on a non-statutory basis in 1995, but have not since been statutorily proposed or designated. These sites are of significance for wildlife and habitats. Some of the pNHAs are tiny, such as a roosting place for rare bats. Others are large - a woodland or a lake, for example. The pNHAs cover approximately 65,000ha and designation will proceed on a phased basis over the coming years. </SPAN></P><P><SPAN /></P><P><SPAN>Prior to statutory designation, pNHAs are subject to limited protection, in the form of:</SPAN></P><P><SPAN>Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) plans which require conservation of pNHAs and operate for a period of 5 years; </SPAN></P><P><SPAN>Forest Service requirement for NPWS approval before they will pay afforestation grants on pNHA lands; </SPAN></P><P><SPAN>Recognition of the ecological value of pNHAs by Planning and Licencing Authorities.</SPAN></P><P><SPAN> </SPAN></P><P><SPAN>Under the Wildlife Amendment Act (2000) , NHAs are legally protected from damage from the date they are formally proposed for designation.</SPAN></P></DIV></DIV></DIV> |