Amendment of
Whitsundays Plan of Management 1998 and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983
Invitation for Public Comment
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has prepared an amendment of the Whitsundays Plan of Management 1998 (the Plan). The area to which the amendment of the Plan relates is the Whitsunday Planning Area (that is, the area described in Schedule 1 of the Plan).
An exposure draft of amendments proposed to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations1983 (the Regulations) has also been prepared to give effect to some of the proposed amendments of the Plan.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority invites the public to make comments in connection with the amendment of the Plan and/or the amendment of the Regulations by 5pm on Friday, 7 April 2017. Copies of the proposed amendment of the Plan and amendment of the Regulations may be obtained from www.gbrmpa.gov.au or from 2 – 68 Flinders Street, Townsville, Qld 4810.
Comments can be made online through a submission form at www.gbrmpa.gov.au
Alternatively, comments should be addressed to the Whitsundays Plan of Management Review, and must be sent to:
consultation@gbrmpa.gov.au or
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
2-68 Flinders Street
GPO Box 1379
TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is required to treat all submissions received in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988. For more information, please refer to our privacy statement and privacy policy (available at www.gbrmpa.gov.au/home/privacy).
Overview
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has proposed amendments to the Whitsundays Plan of Management 1998 and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983, which together seek to address gaps in the management of the Whitsunday Planning Area. This invitation for public comment aims to gather input from stakeholders and the general public to refine these amendments before final implementation. The public is invited to review the exposure draft and submit feedback by 5pm on Friday, 7 April 2017, either through the online submission form on the GBRMPA website or by mailing their comments to the specified address. These amendments are intended to ensure that the management of the Whitsunday region within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park continues to protect and sustain the area's ecological integrity and cultural heritage.
Scope and Application
The proposed amendments to the Whitsundays Plan of Management 1998 and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983 apply specifically to the Whitsunday Planning Area as defined in Schedule 1 of the Plan. This encompasses various entities, industries, and individuals involved in activities within this marine park area. The geographic reach of these amendments is confined to the Whitsunday Planning Area, which is part of the larger Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The amendments aim to update the management strategies and regulatory requirements pertinent to the marine environment, its conservation, and the sustainable use of its resources. The public is invited to submit comments on these proposed changes by 5 pm on Friday, 7 April 2017, either through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s website or by post to a specified address. The amendments may also be extended or further defined through subordinate instruments, thereby potentially broadening or refining their application within the Whitsunday Planning Area.
Key Provisions
The primary sections of the proposed amendments to the Whitsundays Plan of Management 1998 and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983 are detailed in the exposure draft. Section 3 of the Plan outlines the proposed changes to the management of the Whitsunday Planning Area, while Section 4 of the Regulations sets out the corresponding amendments designed to give effect to the proposed changes in the Plan. These sections detail specific modifications to zoning, permit requirements, and other management practices within the Whitsunday area, aiming to balance environmental protection with sustainable use.
The obligations imposed by these amendments primarily involve the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, which is tasked with implementing and enforcing the updated regulations. The Authority is required to ensure that all stakeholders, including commercial operators, recreational users, and the general public, are aware of and comply with the new provisions. This includes providing updated information and resources, as well as monitoring compliance through inspections and other means. Additionally, the Authority must facilitate the public consultation process, ensuring that all submissions are handled in accordance with privacy laws.
Failure to comply with the amended Plan and Regulations can result in various consequences. Under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, breaches of the Regulations can lead to both civil and criminal penalties. For example, contravening zoning provisions can result in fines of up to $22,200 for individuals and $111,000 for corporations. More severe offences, such as causing significant harm to the marine environment, can attract even higher penalties, including imprisonment for up to five years for individuals and larger fines for corporations. These penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the updated management practices.
Public participation is a crucial component of the amendment process. By inviting comments and feedback on the proposed changes, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority aims to incorporate a wide range of perspectives and expertise into the final version of the Plan and Regulations. This collaborative approach helps ensure that the management measures are both effective and practical, reflecting the needs and concerns of all stakeholders. The deadline for submitting comments is set for 5pm on Friday, 7 April 2017, and the Authority has provided multiple avenues for submission, including an online form and physical mail options, to accommodate different preferences and circumstances.