The reef comprises a broad range of biodiversity and heritage values,

ANAO Report No.3 2015–16 Regulation of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Permits and Approvals 12 Cultural Organization’s UNESCO’s review of the reef’s World Heritage status have also focused greater attention on the reef’s long-term sustainability.

3. Over recent years, the Australian and Queensland governments have

established programs such as the Reef Rescue program and taken policy decisions for example, in relation to port developments and dredge spoil dumping to address the drivers and activities that have the potential to adversely impact on the reef. In response to UNESCO’s review, the Australian and Queensland governments also issued the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan in March 2015 that provides an overarching strategy for the management of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area through to 2050. Marine Park regulatory framework

4. The regulatory framework applying to the Marine Park is established

primarily under the GBRMP Act, which identifies the Marine Park’s boundaries, prohibited activities, activities allowable with permission, fee charging arrangements and enforcement powers. Subsidiary legislative instruments include: the GBRMP Zoning Plan 2003; Plans of Management; and GBRMP Regulations 1983. The administration of the regulatory framework applying to the Marine Park is primarily the responsibility of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

5. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority GBRMPA was

established in 1975 under the GBRMP Act to ensure the long-term protection, ecologically sustainable use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef for all Australians and the international community through the care and development of the Marine Park. 7 One means by which GBRMPA helps to manage the ecological sustainable use of the Marine Park is by granting permits for particular activities and monitoringenforcing permit holders’ compliance with permit conditions. 8 7 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Budget Statements, Portfolio Budget Statements 2015–16: Budget Related Paper No. 1.7 – Environment Portfolio, p. 212. 8 For the purposes of this audit, the term ‘permits’ has been used to describe the permissions regime outlined in the GBRMP Regulations. ANAO Report No.3 2015–16 Regulation of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Permits and Approvals 13

6. Incorporated bodies and individuals intending to undertake particular

activities within the Marine Park are required to obtain permission from GBRMPA prior to their commencement, including for: • most commercial activities, such as tourist programs; • the installation and operation of structures, such as jetties, marinas, pontoons, and moorings; • any significant works, such as dredging and spoil dumping; and • educational and research programs. 9

7. GBRMPA and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service QPWS

10 operate a joint application and permit assessment process for most permit requests that cover both the Marine Park and Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park. The permit application forms that are submitted by prospective permit holders are generally subjected to a desk-top assessment by GBRMPA’s Environmental Assessment and Protection EAP Section, with input to be provided by QPWS, specialist GBRMPA staff and other third-parties, as required.

8. The approvals granted by GBRMPA and QPWS where applicable

allow permit holders to undertake regulated activities in both the Commonwealth and state marine parks, subject to the conditions attached to approved permits. While permit approvals for new applicants are generally issued for one year, multi-year permits are available for incorporated bodies and individuals seeking the replacement of an expiring permit for example, up to six years for most tourism operations. Permits have been granted for longer periods—up to 15 years—in the case of tourism operators recognised as high standard tourism operators and some facilitiesworksstructures.

9. Over the 10 years from 2004–05 to 2013–14, GBRMPA issued

4296 permits excluding permit transfers containing 6337 individual permissions. 11 As at August 2014, 1334 Marine Park permits containing 2408 individual permissions were current—85.8 per cent of which related to 9 Most visitors to the Marine Park do not require a permit for recreational activities. 10 QPWS is part of the Queensland Government Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing NPSR. 11 Each permit may contain one or more individual permissions to undertake specified activities.