Environmental Impact Management
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Application forms, permits and policies more...
Our vision
The best environmental management is based on great leadership, innovative systems, effective decisions and developing strong partnerships more...
Measuring effectiveness
All proposals for permitted use of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Marine Park) undergo environmental impact assessment. Approximately 700 assessments are made each year, including major projects.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has a transparent and rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process which evaluates the possible risks or effects on the environment of a proposed activity or development more…
There are four main stages in the EIA process:
- Scoping
- Assessment
- Implementation
- Audit.
The advantages of this process are that proposed developments undergo thorough consultation, planning and evaluation of alternatives and involve extensive negotiation.
Disadvantages are that proposals require sufficient information, take considerable time and cost money.
The GBRMPA has a long history of EIA and our approach has adapted over time through feedback from scientists, managers and the community. Your questions or comments on our process are very welcome.
Cost
Assessment fees vary from several hundred dollars to fairly significant amounts - a major project will generally take between six months and three years to complete. Routine tourism and research permits will generally take two to four months.
Relationship with other government departments, industry and the community
The GBRMPA works closely with the Queensland State Government, Commonwealth Departments and a range of industry (tourism, ports, fishing) scientists and community groups. more...
Environmental management projects
The following examples illustrate the range and scope of EIAs within the Marine Park:
Aquaculture
Defence activities
Dredging and spoil disposal
Harbours and marinas
Ship groundings
- Remediation of Piper Reef after the grounding of the Doric Chariot
- Remediation of Sudbury Reef after the grounding of the Bunga Teratai Satu.
Sewage
Pipelines
Pontoons and structures
Further information
Staff publications
A selection of staff papers on a range of issues such as dredging, shipping accidents, Environmental Impact Management, monitoring, ESD, Defence, infrastructure as well as several specific projects available for downloading.
Smith, A., Monkivitch, J., Koloi, P., Hassall, J. and Hamilton, G.2004 Environmental impact assessment in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Contact
EIM team: (07) 4750 0700 - email: info@gbrmpa.gov.au
Tourism and Recreation team: (07) 4750 0775 - email: tourrec@gbrmpa.gov.au
