The Great Barrier Reef is recognised as one of the world’s best managed coral reef ecosystems. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority say “it is our great privilege and responsibility to conserve and enhance the resilience of this unique and special place.”
Together with the Traditional Owner groups of the southern Great Barrier Reef, The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) have embarked on a new chapter in marine park management by developing a Southern Plan of Management for the area south of approximately Midge Point to the southern boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (the Marine Park).
- View a map of the Southern Great Barrier Reef region.
- View the Southern Plan of Management Joint Statement with Traditional Owners.
This Plan of Management aims to safeguard all values of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park while allowing for multiple uses in a sustainable manner, reducing conflicts among users and increasing the resilience of the Reef in light of climate change impacts. Through the planning process, GBRMPA will identify actions and strategies everyone can take to conserve, restore and enhance the values of the Great Barrier Reef.
Collaboration is crucial for a successful Plan of Management. Traditional Owners, industry, government and of course the wider community all have an important role to play. Community input will help GBRMPA understand the region’s values and threats, and so that these values can be managed holistically.
The Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (through the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) is collaborating with the Reef Authority so that the Plan is complementary with management of the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park (State) and island national parks.
The Plan will align with the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan, which is Australia’s over-arching strategy for managing threats to the Reef, including climate change, poor water quality, coastal development and direct human use.
Have your say
GBRMPA invite you to play an essential role in shaping the future management of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
GBRMPA need your input and expertise to identify values that are under threat, consider unique and special places, and learn about what you value most in the Marine Park.
We want to know:
- how you use the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and what it means to you?
- what are your unique and special places and values?
- in light of climate change, water quality impacts and population growth, what strategies should be considered to protect restore and enhance values of the Marine Park into the future?
Join GBRMPA in this collaborative effort to conserve and enhance the resilience of Great Barrier Reef for future generations. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a meaningful difference.
The Southern Plan of Management public consultation period will be open for three months from 19 March 2024 and closes on 19 June 2024.
How to get involved
Written comments
Written comments can be provided via letter and email, and all forms will be considered a proper submission on the development of a new Plan of Management.
Email:
Postal address:
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Attn.: Assistant Director – Spatial Planning
PO Box 1379
Townsville Queensland 4810
Community drop-in sessions
Attend one of the community drop-in sessions during the public consultation phase to discuss the Southern Plan of Management. Details: Dates and locations to be advised.
Online submission/survey
An online survey can be completed. This survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
HAVE YOUR SAYThe Southern Plan of Management drafting process
The Southern Plan of Management drafting process is expected to take two to three years to complete. The first round of public consultation began on 19 March 2024 and will end 19 June 2024.
