Technical Information Sheet #17

Published 2002

This page contains background and history of the Representative Areas Program.

• View current Zoning information.

Remote Natural Areas and No Structure Sub-zones in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

The following information outlines the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s (GBRMPA) approach to Remote Natural Areas (RNAs) and No Structure Sub-zones (NSS) in the Draft Zoning Plan for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (the Marine Park).

Background

The purpose of the RNA is to ensure that some remote areas of the Marine Park remain in a state that is largely unaltered by works and facilities, and to encourage recognition of the value of these areas for low levels of nature-based tourism and private recreation.  Currently, the RNA is used only in the Far Northern Section Zoning Plan.

Within the RNA, as it is currently applied, motorised watersports are prohibited.   The GBRMP Regulations also prevent the issuing of permits for:

• Carrying out works involving the dumping of spoil, reclamation, beach protection works or harbour works (other than works relating to the construction and operation of navigational aids)
• Anchoring or mooring a cruise ship, except in a Cruise Ship Anchorage Area
• Constructing or operating a structure other than a vessel mooring or a navigational aid.

The NSS has only been used in the Cairns Section Zoning Plan.  The NSS is similar to the RNA in that its purpose is to ensure that some areas of the Marine Park are free from structures and permanently moored facilities (with the exception of those structures and permanently moored facilities that were located within the NSS at the commencement of the Cairns Section Zoning Plan). 

Proposed Management Framework

Due to the similar objectives of the RNA and NSS, the GBRMPA is proposing to retain only the RNA in the Draft Zoning Plan.  The provisions of the RNA will be revised to allow the GBRMPA to consider permits for anchoring or mooring a cruise ship and site-dedicated tourism, subject to the appropriate permit assessment process.  The objectives of the NSS in particular locations in the Cairns Section will continue to be achieved through the GBRMP Regulations.

The GBRMPA also intends to review its policies on works, structures, motorised watersports, cruise shipping and site-dedicated tourism following the zoning plan review.

Link

• Link to Remote Natural Areas Map.