Consultation and Community Involvement
Advisory Committees
The Authority has established various advisory committees to assist in the management of particular issues in Marine Park locations and operational programmes.
Reef Advisory Committees (RACs)
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has four Reef Advisory Committees (RACs), which provide advice to the Authority on each of its critical issues.
The RACs are competency-based committees comprising a cross-section of stakeholder interests with expertise and experience in relevant areas. Each RAC works closely with staff of the relevant critical issue group. This ensures policy development and strategic direction are developed in consultation with stakeholders.
It is recognised that some members are appointed as a representative of a particular group or sector, but all RAC members are expected to adopt a broad perspective on issues that are addressed, mindful of the objectives of the relevant critical issue group and the GBRMPA’s corporate priorities.
View the Objectives and Terms of Reference for each RAC:
- Conservation, Heritage and Indigenous Partnerships
- Fisheries Issues
- Tourism and Recreation
- Water Quality and Coastal Development.
Local Marine Advisory Committees
There are eleven Local Marine Advisory Committees (LMACs) in operation in regional centres adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef between Cooktown and Gladstone.
LMACs provide advice to the Authority, other government agencies and organisations on marine and coastal issues and specific activities that affect the Marine Park in the local regions.
The current eleven committees are:
- Cape York
- Douglas
- Cairns
- Mission Beach
- Hinchinbrook
- Townsville
- Whitsunday
- Mackay
- Capricorn Coast
- Gladstone
- Burnett
The Committees also provide information to the public in regard to issues affecting the local marine and coastal regions, thus facilitating communication between user groups and the local community.