Table 6 Comparison to two existing Regional Plans applying to sections of the Great Barrier Reef and adjacent lands. Far North Queensland (2009) (previously completed plan) Central Queensland (2013) (new generation plan) Purpose/vision A stronger, more liveable and sustainable community where the region’s outstanding biodiversity and stunning landscape features are valued and protected. To resolve competing State interests relating to the resources and agricultural sectors. Recognition of the Great Barrier Reef and OUV Strongly recognised and OUV is explicitly stated. Underpins many policies and desired regional outcomes. Recognised under ‘Other State Interests’, but states its strategic direction cannot be facilitated through a statutory regional plan. Regional policies, principles relevant to the Great Barrier Reef Ecological sustainability key underlying principle. None. Water quality Policy on protection of waterways, wetlands and water quality. Interconnection of water quality from land area to the health of the Great Barrier Reef specifically recognised. Outside of plan scope. Coastal development Wetlands and other significant habitats within the Great Barrier Reef catchment mapped and designated Areas of High Ecological Significance with a suite of development controls. Accompanying Biodiversity Conservation Guideline gives detail on how to integrate into local planning schemes. Not mentioned or addressed. Although regional plans will have differences that reflect their specific context and priorities, they have the potential to address other significant objectives and provide the strategic economic and environmental direction important for those coastal areas adjacent to, and flowing into the Reef. Given the international standing of the Great Barrier Reef and the Queensland Government’s significant role in its management, it is appropriate that regional plans (as the only statutory planning measure operating at this scale) play a clear role. The Great Barrier Reef Coastal Zone Strategic Assessment (Queensland Government 2014b) committed to complete regional plans for areas where gaps exist and update existing plans to ensure they respond to the latest information and pressures (Recommendation 8). It is too early to assess the effects of recent changes in Queensland land use planning legislation on outcomes for the GBRWHA. Local planning schemes and regional plans are gradually being amended to be consistent with the over-arching Queensland State Planning Policy (Queensland Government 2014d). This is a significant change through all levels of planning in Queensland, and an important opportunity for a consistent approach to both coastal development and water quality to be rigorously addressed in the hierarchy of plans. Although the
Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Department for Environment and Heritage Protection Provides for protection and management of the coastal zone of Queensland. Water Act 2000 Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Department of Natural Resources and Mines Permitted activity in watercourse, lake or spring flowing into the Great Barrier Reef relating to impacting on vegetation, banks and freshwater ecology. Environmental Protection Act 1994 Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Department for Environment and Heritage Protection Through Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 gives legislative recognition to water quality policies. Regulates environmentally relevant activities such as dredging and waste discharges. Vegetation Management Act 1999 Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Department of Environment and Heritage Protection Regulates land clearing in Queensland, including the Great Barrier Reef Catchment. Water Act 2000 Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Regulates interfering with water, such as water extraction of rivers which flow into the Great Barrier Reef. Wet Tropics World Heritage Protection and Management Act 1993 Minister for Environment and Heritage Department of Environment and Heritage Protection and management of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, which lies immediately adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef. Fisheries Act 1994 Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Regulates recreational and commercial fishing within Queensland, including the Great Barrier Reef. Maritime Safety Act 2002 Australian Maritime Safety Authority Maritime Safety Queensland, National Regulator Provides for the establishment of Maritime Safety Queensland. Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act 1995 Australian Maritime Safety Authority Maritime Safety Queensland, National Regulator Protect Queensland’s marine and coastal environment (Great Barrier Reef Coastal Park) by minimising deliberate and negligent discharges of ship-sourced pollutants into coastal waters.
Regional Great Barrier Reef Plans of Management Queensland Government Regional Plans Queensland Government Regional Plans Great Barrier Reef Plans of Management Whitsunday and Mackay Island Visitor Management Strategies Catchment Best Practice Management Plan for Cane and Cattle Grazing State Development Area Plans Priority Planning Areas State Development Area Plans Priority Planning Areas Local Great Barrier Reef Plans of Management State Development Area Plans Priority Planning Areas Local Government Planning Schemes State Development Area Plans Priority Planning Areas Local Government Planning Schemes Great Barrier Reef Plans of Management QPWS Management Plans (e.g. Gloucester Island National Park) Queensland Ports Strategy (Port master plan)