Commonwealth Government Agencies

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is part of the environment, water, heritage and the arts portfolio. It works in the policy framework of the Australian Government and provides its annual report through the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, to the Australian Parliament.

Legislation, acts and policies outline the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts obligations for the protection of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area.

Cooperative management of the Marine Park is effected through most of the groups within the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

The Authority also works with the Australian Heritage Commission, a Commonwealth statutory body.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is responsible for the management of shipping activities throughout the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

It participates in Marine Park management as the regulatory authority for ship-sourced pollutants, ship routing, ship safety and marine pollution response, such as in the case of an oil spill. Much of the framework for these issues is detailed in International Conventions, such as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78) and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

AMSA also assists the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in the development of zoning plans (which specify where ships are allowed to go) and compliance with shipping regulations (such as those related to pollution). AMSA also takes Great Barrier Reef shipping issues to international forums such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Native Title Representative Bodies (NTRBs)

There are five Native Title Representative Bodies relevant to the Great Barrier Reef region. Listed from north to south, these are:

Native Title Representative Bodies and Traditional Owners work with the Authority in developing and maintaining ongoing sea country partnerships and in areas like planning and permits.

These bodies help identify cultural and heritage values and facilitate the sharing of knowledge to help with the effective management of the Marine Park and World Heritage Area.

Visit Native Title Representative Bodies website for more information.

Australian Customs Service

Coastwatch has been operational under the Australian Customs Service since 1 August 1988 to provide aerial surveillance of Australian coastal areas.

Coastwatch conducts patrols on behalf of government agencies, including Customs, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, the Australian Fisheries Service, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Surveillance of Australian waters helps deter illegal activities, such as the importation of illegal drugs and other prohibited goods, and the unlawful movement of people and cargo across Australian borders.