28 November 2011 - Brisbane

This is the first meeting summary from the Marine Park Authority and refers to the 219th meeting of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (the 'Authority') held in Brisbane on 28 November 2011.

Public release of information – MPA summary

The Marine Park Authority agreed to produce a meeting summary, authorised by the Chairman for public release. The summary will have regard for any privacy requirements, but include decisions that are required to be made public under the Australian Government's Information Publication Scheme (IPS).

In line with government policy, the GBRMPA has already commenced publishing on its website those documents meeting the criteria for public release. The Australian Government's Information Publication Scheme (IPS) requires operational information to be published. Operational information is defined as "... information held by the agency to perform or exercise the agency's functions or powers in making decisions or recommendations affecting members of the public."

World Heritage Assessment

The Authority noted the positive response by the Australian Government to the decision of the 35th World Heritage Committee meeting. The GBRMPA has agreed with Minister Burke to undertake a strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef region in line with the Australian and Queensland governments decisions to address the issues raised by the World Heritage Committee. The terms of reference for this assessment will be available for public comment and then agreed between the Authority and the Minister.

The Authority views this assessment as an opportunity to review the management arrangements in place to protect the Great Barrier Reef and intends to work closely with the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities and the Queensland Government.

Report from the Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee

The Authority has established four committees of experts in the fields of Indigenous use of the Marine Park, coastal and water quality issues, environmental management, and tourism. The chair of the Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee and member of the Authority, Ms Melissa George, briefed the members on the progress with TUMRA's (Traditional Use Marine Resource Agreements).

Appointment of Local Marine Advisory Committee (LMAC) members

Members of the LMACs are volunteers, with meetings held after normal working hours. As a result, the turnover of membership is continual. Streamlining the appointment process for membership of the LMACs would allow the GBRMPA, management agencies and the community to effectively canvass unrepresented interest groups in a more timely fashion.

Decision MPA 2011-219-11 (28/11/2011): The Authority delegated responsibility of appointment and dismissal of Local Marine Advisory Committee (LMAC) memberships to the Chairman of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA); and endorsed a reporting arrangement on LMAC membership to the Marine Park Authority (the Authority) biannually.

Next meeting

The next meeting is scheduled to be held in March 2012.

Members of the Authority

• Dr Russell Reichelt FTSE [Chairman]
• Mr John Bradley
• Miss Melissa George
• Mr Daniel Gschwind
• Mr Tony Mooney AM
  

About the GBRMPA Board Report: Commencing after meeting 219 November 2011, a summary document is prepared after each meeting of the Marine Park Authority as a public record. Enquiries should be referred to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.