EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE ARTS GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT)
1987 No. 247
The prime purpose of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations (Amendment) is to extend the application of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations to the Central Section of the Marine Park. The Central Section Zoning Plan came into effect on 1 October 1987.
In addition, administration of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 and the existing Regulations over an extended period has lead to the Regulations being amended, consistent with the Act, in order to:
(a) define and clarify certain terms and procedures with regard to consideration, granting, refusal and revocation of permits and for the enforcement of permit conditions;
(b) amend regulations relating to protected species to enable the Authority to grant permission for the taking of specimens for approved scientific research or educational purposes.
(c) amend the definition of “commercial net”, which is based upon the definition used in the relevant Fisheries Regulations of the State of Queensland, to bring it into line with the revised definition for that State;
(d) make provision for the advertising of a general location on a reef within which it is proposed to declare a Reef Appreciation Area or Reef Research Area and thus providing for the declaration of the boundaries of the Area generally in accordance with public comment;
(e) provide for the Authority to grant permission for spearfishing using underwater breathing apparatus for the purpose of carrying out approved scientific research;
(f) provide that where an offence involves the use of a vessel or aircraft each person responsible for the vessel or aircraft, including the master, pilot and owner or co-owner, is punishable for the offence; and
(g) to provide protection for terrestrial plants found on Commonwealth owned islands which form part of the Marine Park, and for large estuary cod.
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