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Marine Protected Areas
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While the States have primary responsibility for waters within three nautical miles of their coasts, the Australian Government has responsibility for water between the State limit and 200 nautical miles.
The reserves in the South-east Network have been declared under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). They are managed by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts under a delegation from the Australian Government Director of National Parks. The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts has made arrangements with the State agencies to assist in managing the Reserve Network.
The network of Commonwealth Marine Protected Areas in south-eastern Australia will provide for some areas to be strictly protected with no extractive use and limited disturbance whilst others are managed resource use areas. This will include scientific study, recreational enjoyment and income generation through tourism and other sustainable uses such as mining and commercial fishing.
Prior to a formal management plan being developed, interim arrangements will be in place to ensure that the objectives of the reserves are met. It is a legal requirement that users of the reserve abide by the interim management arrangements.
A management plan for the South-east Marine Reserves will be developed in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This plan will provide for the protection and conservation of each reserve by setting out how it will be managed, what activities will be allowed or prohibited and how this will be done. It will also set out goals for the reserves and detail strategies to ensure that the natural, social and cultural values of the area are protected. The interim management arrangements will remain in place until a management plan comes into effect.
The management plan will address key aspects of management over the life of a plan (10 years). The key themes for management plans include:
The development of the management plan will involve two periods of public consultation in which all stakeholders will have the opportunity to have their say about the plan. The first period is expected to begin soon after declaration when the Director of National Parks will ask for public comments on what issues the plan should consider.