The Parks and Wildlife Commission NT (PWCNT) will accept the findings and recommendations handed down by Coroner Greg Cavanagh today.

The Commission took immediate steps to implement a six point plan in anticipation of Mr Cavanagh’s recommendations around public safety following the inquest into the death of Zoe Woolmer at Watarrka National Park on 15 June 2014.

Mr Andrew Bridges, Chief Executive Officer of the Commission said “listening to the evidence given at the hearing provided valuable information and has allowed the Commission to review and improve its processes and procedures to help minimise the chance of an incident like this ever happening again.”

PWCNT submitted a six point plan to the Coroner which outlined a process for improving the regulation including an increase in monitoring of compliance with tour operator permit conditions.

The Commission will also review and amend its tour operator permit conditions in line with the Coroner’s recommendations.

Mr Bridges also stated that he was pleased the efforts of the Rangers that attended the incident were noted. They acted professionally and compassionately in dealing with a very difficult and challenging situation.

The Commission offers its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Zoe Woolmer, and hopes that the family finds some comfort in the fact that the Commission will do all that it can to prevent a similar incident occurring in the future.

The six step plan is attached.

Ends

Media note – Mr Bridges will not be making further comment at this time