The regulatory framework applying to the Marine Park is established

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.