Below are the steps that you should follow to conduct public advertising in accordance with your obligations. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) will notify you in writing when public advertising is required.

1. Prepare an information package for public use. Information packages can include:
   • A project introduction/words about the company applying for the permit
   • An overview of works or program to be undertaken, including, if relevant, construction, works and/or operation facts and time lines
     
   • A description of how environmental impact will be managed
   • Maps of the proposed location, showing relevant site management arrangements (zoning, settings etc) and if relevant, a drawing of the proposal
   • How the proposal will impact access by other users
   • Frequently Asked Questions, relevant policies and contact details.
2. Draft a public notice advertisement (following the standard format) to be published in a local Queensland newspaper circulating in the area adjacent to the location of your proposal (e.g. Whitsunday times, Townsville Bulletin, Cairns Post...). Contact the local newspaper to arrange a suitable publishing date (at your expense), preferably on a Saturday.
3. Submit a copy of your information package and advertisement to the GBRMPA for approval, at least 21 days before the intended publishing date. This information package will be made available from both the GBRMPA website and – if applicable - your own company’s website on the same day the advertisement is published in the newspaper. The GBRMPA will generally prepare a news release on the application and public advertising process, concurrently with the advertising.
4. On the agreed date, advertise the proposal and upload your information package on your website. The period for public comment is a minimum of 30 days but it may be extended - for example, if it overlaps with a public holiday period.
5. Following the public comment period, the GBRMPA may issue a news release and/or schedule a meeting to discuss the outcome of the public comment phase.

If the GBRMPA considers that meetings with stakeholders are required they will contact you. Once the public comment period has ended, the GBRMPA will prepare a Summary of Submissions Report which will be published on its GBRMPA website and circulated to you and all those who sent in submissions.