Update on Cairns Area Plan of Management Amendments

In 2007, the community was asked to provide comment on proposed amendments to the Cairns Area Plan of Management and the No Structures Policy at Upolu Cay. In total, 26 submissions were received.

The legal drafting of amendments to the Cairns Area Plan of Management is complete and the plan has been approved by the Marine Park Authority Board.

Next steps

Regulations are required to bring the plan into effect. These are now being finalised and will need to be approved by the Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts. We expect these final steps to be completed by the end of 2008. We thank you for your continued patience on this matter.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority was also considering changing the No Structures Policy at Upolu Cay to allow glass bottom boats to be permanently moored within the Marine National Park (Green) Zone. A decision regarding this proposal has been made.

To find out more about the outcome in relation to Upolu Cay go to Upolu Cay proposed changes.

To find out how the amendment process works go to Amending a Plan of Management.

Updated July 2008