The administration of the regulatory framework applying to the Marine

ANAO Report No.3 2015–16 Regulation of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Permits and Approvals 34 • any significant works, such as dredging and spoil dumping; and • educational and research programs. 35

1.12 GBRMPA and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service QPWS

36 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.

1.13 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 37 and some facilitiesworksstructures.

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

4296 permits excluding permit transfers containing 6337 individual permissions see Figure 1.2. 35 Most visitors to the Marine Park do not require a permit for recreational activities. 36 QPWS is part of the Queensland Government Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing. 37 GBRMPA recognises tourism operators as high standard operators when they are independently certified. Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification Program is a recognised independent certification scheme. ANAO Report No.3 2015–16 Regulation of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Permits and Approvals 35 Figure 1.2: Permits and permissions granted by GBRMPA Source: ANAO analysis of GBRMPA information.

1.15 As at August 2014, 1334 Marine Park permits containing 2408 individual

permissions were current as illustrated in Figure 1.3 on the following page— 85.8 per cent of which related to tourism operations 1488, operating a facility or mooring 311 and research activities 267.

1.16 The monitoring of permit holders’ compliance with permit conditions is

to be undertaken through a combination of: • desk-based compliance monitoring and targeted inspections by the EAP Section; and • vessel, aerial and land-based patrolssurveillance by GBRMPA and its partner agencies under the Joint Field Management Program. 38 38 The Joint Field Management Program has been established by the Australian and Queensland governments to undertake conservation activities and monitor activity in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and land catchment. The program comprises officers from GBRMPA and QPWS, supported by partner agencies, including Border Protection Command, Queensland Boating and Fishing Patrol and the Queensland Police Service. 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Financial Year Permits Permissions