Queensland Government Agencies

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS)

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has the responsibility for day-to-day management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park subject to the Authority, as outlined in the Emerald Agreement of 1979.

Each party provides an equal amount of funding toward day-to-day management and works on a three-year rolling program.

The QPWS is also responsible for the following permit issues: commercial collecting; education programs; and moorings.

The QPWS also undertakes surveillance, monitoring and enforcement, and resource management, and is instrumental in the design, construction and maintenance of Marine Park facilities.

Queensland Fisheries Management Authority (QFMA)

Responsible for Queensland’s marine and freshwater fisheries under the Fisheries Act 1994, the Queensland Fisheries Management Authority (QFMA) works closely with the Authority in managing an ecologically sustainable fishing industry.

Both authorities work together on management plans that affect Marine Park fisheries. This collaborative approach includes joint research projects, integrated natural resource management, stock assessment, and planning and preservation measures, such as area closures.

Compliance monitoring, enforcement and educational programs are also undertaken by QFMA in regard to fisheries issues.

Queensland Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries (QDPI&F)

The Queensland Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries (QDPI&F) is involved in the management of the Marine Park through the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) and through the undertaking of research.

The QBFP performs investigations, monitoring and enforcement as well as education and extension roles on behalf of the Authority, to ensure compliance with fisheries legislation, marine legislation and Marine Park legislation.

Additional funding from the Commonwealth Government totalling approximately $230 000 was provided in late 1998 for the increased enforcement and surveillance of the 16 Dugong Protection Areas (DPAs) situated along the Queensland coastline. The QBFP and QPWS are involved in conducting boat patrols and aerial surveillance under the DPA Enforcement Program.

Research programs are also conducted by QDPI—from the effects of prawn trawling to developing a policy on biodiversity. This information can then be used by QDPI and the Authority in the development of management plans and arrangements.

Queensland Department of Transport (QDoT)

The Queensland Department of Transport (QDoT) is a consultative body for the Authority that offers advice on particular issues in relation to the Marine Park, but it does not have any legislative responsibility.

However, QDoT is the lead response agency for oil and chemical spills from shipping in the Great Barrier Reef. QDoT Regional Harbour Masters are appointed as on-scene coordinators of any such response.

Queensland Department of Natural Resources (QDNR)

Land-based activities can have an impact on the Great Barrier Reef. Agricultural, urban and industrial activities can all contribute nutrients, sediments and pollutants to inshore areas of the Reef.

The Authority liaises with the Queensland Department of Natural Resources (QDNR) in regard to land-based activities, but most information exchange occurs through QDNR’s water program.

Water quality monitoring is important to ensure discharges from the Queensland coastal regions are not adversely affecting inshore Reef habitats.

For example, a QDNR study, From Land to River to Reef Lagoon: Land Use Impacts on Water Quality in the Johnstone River Catchment, recognises the need for agricultural industries to address environmental impacts on water quality linked to their activities.