Environment and community
The exceptional natural beauty of Lord Howe Island, characterised by a diversity of distinct landscapes and a wide variety of rare flora and fauna, has long been appreciated by the local community.
Its unique qualities received worldwide recognition when it was included in the World Heritage list in December 1982.
The Environment and Community Services section of the Lord Howe Island Board is responsible for the protection, enhancement, and promotion of the Island’s natural environment, cultural heritage, and World Heritage values. It is responsible for:
- The development and implementation of strategic plans, including the Strategic Plan for Management of the Lord Howe Island Group World Heritage Property, the Permanent Park Preserve Plan of Management, the Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan; and the Community-based Cultural Heritage Study.
- Operational programs, including weed and feral animal control, walking track and visitor facility management, licensing of tour operators, environmental rehabilitation and interpretation, and flora and fauna research priorities and management.
- Planning, implementation and management of major ecological projects, which may be funded through external grant funding, including the rodent and weed eradication projects.
- Other environmental responsibilities, including management of all statutory land administration and environmental planning; and oversight of the development assessment and planning process through an external planning consultant.
