The Cairns Area is well known for its spectacular reefs and abundant wildlife including dugongs, whales, dolphins, turtles and seabirds. The Cairns Area is one of the most highly visited regions of the Great Barrier Reef receiving approximately 47 per cent of total tourism visitation.*

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority originally released the Cairns Area Plan of Management in June 1998 to provide strategies for protecting the values of the area and to manage the high level of use of the offshore areas of Cairns, Port Douglas, the Ribbon Reefs, Lizard Island and the Frankland Islands. Amendments were made to the Plan in 1999, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2008.

*Based on 2004 Environmental Management Charge (EMC) data

Tourism operators

Visit Onboard: the tourism operator's handbook to the Great Barrier Reef

Recreational visitors

Visit A guide to visiting the Cairns Area for recreational users

Information for Planners and Managers

• How to prepare and amend a Plan of Management
• Visit the website of the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments (FRLI). This website contains the compilations of previous Plans of Management, Explanatory Statements and other related documents.
  

Related Documents

• Cairns Area Plan of Management 
• Cairns Area Plan of Management Overview Map
  
• Cairns Area Plan of Management Insert – a summary of 2008 amendments
• Cairns Area Plan of Management Historical Site Plans
  

Related Links