Proposal to prepare the Great Barrier Reef’s Southern Plan of Management
Pursuant to subsection 39ZB(1) of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) hereby:
1) states that it proposes to prepare a plan of management for the southern area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, being the area falling within the boundary described in Schedule 1 to this notice (Schedule 1 is a map of the area) and in the dataset titled “Proposed Southern Plan of Management boundary” dated 01 July 2023 available at https://geohub-gbrmpa.hub.arcgis.com/; and
2) invites public comment on or before 19 June 2024 in relation to matters to be included in the plan; and
3) specifies that comments must be sent:
- by post to: the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Attn.: Assistant Director – Spatial Planning, PO Box 1379, Townsville Queensland 4810; or
- by email to: SouthernPOM@gbrmpa.gov.au; or
- via online survey: https://www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/access/locations/southern-plan-management
The Reef Authority is preparing the Southern Plan of Management jointly with the Traditional Owners of the southern Great Barrier Reef.
Possible change of management (investment warning)
The proposed plan of management for the southern area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park may change the way in which the area is managed. This may include, but is not limited to, changes that may impact upon current and future Marine Parks permit holders.
Privacy statement
Please refer to the Reef Authority’s privacy statement at https://www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/access/locations/southern-plan-management for information on how the Reef Authority collects and manages personal information received from public comments.
Schedule 1 – Proposed Planning Area for the Southern Plan of Management
The proposed Planning Area for the Southern Plan of Management corresponds with the majority of the Mackay/Capricorn Management Area except for the north-west boundary as per the map below. In addition to the map below the spatial boundary can also be viewed via the Reef Authority’s Reef Geohub [https://geohub-gbrmpa.hub.arcgis.com/].
Overview
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 was enacted to establish and manage the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, with a primary focus on protecting its ecological significance and supporting sustainable use. The Act was introduced to address the need for comprehensive management and conservation of one of the world's most significant marine ecosystems. Pursuant to this Act, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) proposes to prepare a plan of management for the southern area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This initiative seeks to enhance the protection and sustainable use of this critical area by collaborating with the Traditional Owners of the southern Great Barrier Reef. The public is invited to provide comments on matters to be included in the plan by 19 June 2024, ensuring a transparent and inclusive process. The proposed plan may introduce changes to the current management practices, potentially impacting existing Marine Parks permit holders. Feedback can be submitted via post, email, or an online survey, with details available on the Reef Authority's website.
Scope and Application
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, as amended by C2024G00178, outlines the proposal for the preparation of the Southern Plan of Management for the southern area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This Act applies specifically to the area within the boundary described in Schedule 1, which includes a map and a dataset available on the Reef Authority’s website. The proposed management plan is intended to be developed in collaboration with the Traditional Owners of the southern Great Barrier Reef, ensuring their input and recognition in the planning process. The scope of the Act encompasses all entities and individuals who may be affected by the management changes, including current and future permit holders within the specified area. The jurisdiction of this Act extends across the Commonwealth, specifically within the boundaries of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, affecting the governance and management of marine activities in the designated southern region. Any changes proposed in the management plan may impact investment and operations of existing permits. The public is invited to provide comments on the proposed plan, with specific instructions for submission by post, email, or online survey by a specified deadline. The Reef Authority has also provided a privacy statement detailing how personal information submitted will be collected and managed.
Key Provisions
Pursuant to subsection 39ZB(1) of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) has announced its intention to prepare a plan of management for the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This plan will cover the area delineated in Schedule 1 of this notice, which includes a map of the proposed boundary. Additionally, the Reef Authority has invited public comment on the proposed plan until 19 June 2024. Comments can be submitted by mail to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Attn: Assistant Director – Spatial Planning, PO Box 1379, Townsville Queensland 4810; via email to SouthernPOM@gbrmpa.gov.au; or through an online survey available at https://www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/access/locations/southern-plan-management. It is noteworthy that the Reef Authority is collaborating with the Traditional Owners of the southern Great Barrier Reef in preparing this plan.
The proposed management plan may introduce changes in the way the southern area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is managed. Such changes could impact the current and future holders of Marine Parks permits. Consequently, the Reef Authority has issued an investment warning to all stakeholders, advising them of potential alterations in the management of the area. This provision is intended to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the potential implications of the proposed changes.
The Reef Authority has outlined specific obligations for the parties or entities governed by this legislation. These include a requirement to submit public comments on the proposed plan by 19 June 2024 and to provide comments via the specified channels (mail, email, or online survey). Furthermore, the Reef Authority has a duty to prepare the management plan in collaboration with the Traditional Owners of the southern Great Barrier Reef.
In the event of non-compliance with the provisions of this legislation, there may be civil or criminal consequences. However, the specific offences, penalties, or consequences are not detailed in the provided text. It is advisable to consult the full text of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 or seek legal advice to obtain information on potential penalties or consequences for non-compliance.