Before you download
Some documents are available as PDF files. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view the PDF file.
If you are unable to access a publication, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 implements recommendations of the 2006 review of the Great Barrier Reef Mairne Park Act 1975.
The Bill will put in place a modern, regulatory framework that provides for the long-term protection and ecologically sustainable management of the Great Barrier Reef into the future. The Bill, explanatory memorandum and other key documents are available on the Parliament of Australia website .
The Bill will:
- Establish a modern framework for management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, including through legislative recognition of the World Heritage values of the Great Barrier Reef and application of the precautionary principle and ecological sustainability.
- Remove regulatory "red tape" and complexity through improved integration and alignment with other relevant legislation.
- Put in place robust and streamlined environmental impact assessment and permitting processes. This includes establishing the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as the basis for environmental impact assessment for proposed actions likely to have a significant impact on the environment of the Marine Park.
- Enhance capability for investigation and evidence collection.
- Provide a wider range of enforcement options, allowing for a more tailored and targeted approach to enforcement.
- Enhance deterrence and encourage responsible use of the Marine Park.
- Establish new emergency management powers allowing the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (the Authority) to respond to incidents presenting a serious risk to the environment of the Marine Park.
- Reinstate a requirement for one member of the Authority to be an Indigenous person with expertise in Indigenous issues relevant to the Great Barrier Reef.
The Bill is likely to be debated in the Spring 2008 sittings of Parliament (August-December). Changes related to administration of the Act will commence as soon as they are passed by Parliament. Changes related to environmental impact assessment, and enforcement and compliance, will commence in the second half of 2009, once necessary administrative arrangements are established and people informed of the changes.
See also
]
