Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018C00019:front:0:p24
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018C00019
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 63081–66126

a place of social commune and economic significance. This includes social enjoyment, social gatherings and community ceremonies during times of mourning. Their protocols for customary practices can include:
 (a) greeting people, which is commonly known as a Traditional Owner welcome to country, or seeking permission to undertake activities; and
 (b) respect for land and sea country, community and elders; and
 (c) gender‑specific men's and women's business, knowledge and places; and
 (d) historical trade with neighbouring and far‑away communities and with Europeans during the early days of contact in Australia.
 (2) The health of the Great Barrier Reef has significant influence on the wellbeing and benefits to individuals, families, businesses and communities within and adjacent to the Planning Area. These include:
 (a) employment and income for Reef‑dependent industries and communities; and
 (b) scientific research; and
 (c) understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of, personal connection with, health benefits from, access to and traditional use of the Great Barrier Reef.
 (3) Scientific research has made a substantial contribution to the way the Great Barrier Reef is understood, managed and used. Monitoring also plays a key role in tracking trends and effects on values.
 (4) There is continued global interest in protection of the Great Barrier Reef.
 (5) The Whitsunday region contributed to shaping Queensland society through:
 (a) early interactions between Traditional Owners and explorers; and
 (b) journeys of early explorers; and
 (c) the experiences of hardship and survival, such as those of shipwreck survivors; and
 (d) the innovations and enterprise of early tourism operators.
 (6) The Planning Area receives the most concentrated level of tourism across the Great Barrier Reef and is a significant contributor to the Australian economy. The Whitsunday tourism industry presents the World Heritage Area to these visitors.

1.17B  Issues
 (1) The Authority has identified the following issues relating to scientific, social and economic values in the Planning Area.
 (2) Community benefits can be difficult to balance and allocate as they are often unique to an individual's experience and background.
 (3) Further quantification of the broader and ongoing community benefits is required.
 (4) Drivers such as economic growth, population growth and new technologies may influence the use of the Planning Area and adjacent land, potentially restricting patterns of use, access and enjoyment of the area.
 (5) Congestion of tourism activities through the activation of latent permits during peak periods and non‑compliance with legislation can contribute to impacts on scenic amenity and overall environmental values.
 (6) Further understanding and assessment are required of the consequential and cumulative impacts on community benefits as a result of activities within and adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef.
 (7) Noise and light pollution from sources on land and in the water can impact on community benefit