Representative Areas Program Implementation (2004)

The statutory review period for the Zoning Plan in both Houses of Parliament was completed in March 2004. At this time, the Minister determined that the new Zoning Plan would come into effect on 1 July 2004. At the same time, the Australian Government agreed, in principle, to a structural adjustment package for those who could demonstrate they were adversely affected by the new Zoning Plan.

To ensure Marine Park users understood the changes that would come into effect from 1 July 2004, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority undertook an extensive public education and awareness-raising program. This involved community information sessions, a television, radio and print media campaign, and the publication of a range of printed information on zoning (18 detailed maps, four general maps and a booklet outlining the new zoning requirements). A comprehensive website was also established so users could access copies of any of the maps, or to download details for individual zones.

In November 2004, the Queensland Government mirrored the new zoning in most of the adjoining State waters, so there was complementary zoning for virtually all the State and Federal waters within the entire Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Key publications

• Definition of a hook diagram
• Important update about zoning (Brochure, 2004)
  
• Zoning maps
• Great Barrier Reef Zoning Plan 2003
• Report on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003 (Report, 2005)  [PDF 3.3MB]
  

Other resources

• View all publications relating to Representative Areas Program
• Search Staff Papers about Representative Areas Program