Marine Parks Act 2004
The Marine Parks Act 2004 (the Act) provides for the conservation of Queensland’s marine environment by implementing a comprehensive range of management strategies including the declaration of marine parks and the establishment of zones and designated areas, including highly protected areas within marine parks. These management arrangements are formalised through the gazettal of zoning plans and in some instances the development of management plans.
The Act aims to achieve a coordinated and integrated approach with other environmental conservation legislation, and recognises the cultural, economic, environmental and social relationships between marine parks and their adjacent lands and waters.
Australia’s international responsibilities and intergovernmental agreements are important considerations in park management. Marine parks extend across areas adjacent to the Queensland coast which are under the control of both the Commonwealth and State governments. Both governments have agreed that, as far as practicable, in managing marine parks, state legislation will be consistent with the relevant Commonwealth legislation. This is critical in the Great Barrier Reef region where complementary measures support the management of this significant area.
Marine parks are multiple-use areas providing for a range of activities and visitor opportunities, for example fishing, tourism, education, research and some structures. The zoning plans prescribed under the Act spell out the types of uses and management measures.
Three marine parks have been declared under the Act with corresponding zoning plans established—Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park, Great Sandy Marine Park and the Moreton Bay Marine Park. Along with the Commonwealth Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, 99% of the east coast of Queensland currently sits within a marine park.
Each marine park has a zoning plan which is reviewed every 10 years to ensure that the management arrangements in place are the most appropriate to conserve the marine environment while allowing for sustainable use. The zoning plan for the Great Sandy Marine Park is currently being reviewed.
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