The Great Barrier Reef extends along the east coast of Queensland from

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.