Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018C00019:front:0:p12
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018C00019
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 29409–32440

uses that is subject to successive and combined impacts on the environment (direct harm to marine life, reduced water quality and scenic amenity). This can also lead to adverse impacts on reef‑dependent enterprises. Managing the cumulative impacts presents a challenge requiring a strategic approach with practical decision‑support tools and methods together with supporting policy mechanisms (relating to offsets and net benefits) and stewardship.
Note: The Reef 2050 Plan's Draft Cumulative Impact Management Policy, Draft Net Benefit Policy and Draft Offset Guideline for the Great Barrier Reef provide a systematic and consistent approach to achieve overall net benefit to the Great Barrier Reef.

Division 2A—Nature conservation values

Subdivision 1—Overview of nature conservation values

1.6  Overview
 (1) Nature conservation values of the Planning Area that the Authority considers are, or may be, threatened include the following:
 (a) water quality;
 (b) corals and associated biota;
 (c) habitats and marine animals;
 (d) birds nesting or roosting in, or adjacent to, the Planning Area.
 (2) To reduce or eliminate the threats to nature conservation values in the Planning Area, areas of unique or outstanding value have been assigned high levels of protection and, in some cases, access is limited in some areas.

Subdivision 2—Water Quality

1.7A  Values
 (1) The Authority has identified the following values relating to water quality in the Planning Area.
 (2) Water in the Planning Area has long been a natural resource of significance to Traditional Owners, their spirituality and their physical health. From prehistoric to contemporary times saltwater areas and freshwater sites are regarded for their diversity in use and value. This includes language and place names, songlines, storylines, intimate traditional ecological knowledge, social enjoyment, historic travel and trade routes, access and use of coastal fishing places, fish traps, hunting grounds and traditional estates.
 (3) Good water quality is essential for the optimal functioning and resilience of the ecological systems and the marine life they support.
 (4) The clarity of water has supported the growth of a substantial tourism industry. Reef dependent industries receive direct economic benefits from a healthy reef ecosystem that is dependent upon good water quality.
 (5) Water clarity is important for the enjoyment of, and satisfaction with, the environment. It is also important for safety, particularly diver safety.

1.7B  Issues
 (1) The Authority has identified the following issues relating to water quality in the Planning Area.
 (2) Changes to water quality may affect the cultural and spiritual values held by Traditional Owners, the way they interact with water and how they use the natural resources that depend on it.
 (3) Reduced water quality impacts on the condition of physical, chemical and ecological processes.
 (4) Reduced underwater visibility can adversely impact on tourism operators and visitor experience.
 (5)