About Us

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is the principal adviser to the Australian Government on the control, care and development of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The GBRMPA is responsible for the management of the of the Marine Park and undertakes a variety of activities including:

• Developing and implementing zoning and management plans
• Environmental impact assessment and permitting of use
• Research, monitoring and interpreting data
• Providing information, educational services and marine environmental management advice.

The Authority has offices located in Townsville (main office), Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton to enhance community engagement in the areas adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. In addition a small office in Canberra provides Ministerial and Parliamentary Liaison to the environment, water, heritage and the arts portfolio and other Australian Government agencies.

Day-to-Day Management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is conducted in cooperation with Queensland agencies and other Australian Government agencies on behalf of the GBRMPA.

Services provided

The Authority provides assistance and services to members of the public and stakeholder groups in the following areas:

• Assessment and issue of permits to undertake commercial activities in the Marine Park
• Advice and assistance, both nationally and internationally, on marine environmental management
• Provision of information and educational resources related to the Reef
• Operation of Reef HQ Aquarium, the education centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which aims to enhance community understanding and appreciation of the Great Barrier Reef.

Authority Membership

The Authority Membership consists of a full-time Chairman/Chief Executive Officer and up to four part-time members appointed by the Governor General. The current members are:

• Dr Russell Reichelt (Chairman and Chief Executive)
• Ms Fay Barker OAM (community representative)
• Mr Ken Smith (Queensland Government representative)

Structure

 The GBRMPA is structured to focus on the major issues relating to the Great Barrier Reef. The five groups are:

• Fisheries
• Tourism and Recreation
• Water Quality and Coastal Development
• Conservation, Heritage and Indigenous Partnerships
• Climate Change.

The Authority also comprises nine service groups including Program Delivery (including Permits and Marine Park Management areas), Science, Technology and Information Group (providing a variety of Information Services), Communication and Education, Outlook Report Taskforce, Community Partnerships, Legal Services, Parliamentary and Ministerial Liaison and Corporate Services.

Organisational Charts

• Organisational Chart [ Acrobat Format 345.99KB]
• Senior Management Team [ Acrobat Format 105KB]
• Advisory Group Structure [ Acrobat Format 105KB]
  
• Performance Framework [ Acrobat Format 105KB]