The following is a simplified outline of this Subdivision:

The Governor-General can proclaim Commonwealth reserves over areas of land or sea:

(a) that the Commonwealth owns; or (b) that the Commonwealth or the Director leases; or (c) that are in a Commonwealth marine area; or (d) 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. Proclamations can be made to alter and revoke reserves. The Director must consult publicly before some Proclamations are made.