The following is a simplified outline of this Division:

Commonwealth reserves can be declared over areas of land or sea:

(a) that the Commonwealth owns or leases; or (b) that are in a Commonwealth marine area; or (c) outside Australia that the Commonwealth has international obligations to protect.

A Proclamation must assign the reserve to a particular category, that affects how the reserve is managed and used. Some activities can be undertaken in a reserve only if a management plan provides for them. Commonwealth agencies must comply with a management plan. Regulations can be made to control a wide range of activities in reserves. The Minister may approve a management plan prepared by the Director and any Board for a reserve. In agreement with indigenous people, the Minister can set up a Board for a reserve including land leased from indigenous people.

Subdivision B—Declaring and revoking Commonwealth reserves