Message from the Chairman

Our role of caring for the Marine Park and developing its uses in an ecologically sustainable way is important for Australia, the international community and of course, the Great Barrier Reef.

Our fundamental obligation is to protect the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the World Heritage Area. We do this by striving to ensure all human uses of the Park are ecologically sustainable and that the ecosystem's natural functions, especially resilience, are maintained. The Reef is a phenomenal wonder and presenting its natural values to the world through industry and public uses is an important and positive part of this presentation.

In the three decades since the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was created there have been many changes. The number of visitors to the region has steadily escalated, as has the number of people living and working along the coastal region. We have seen waves of crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, highly destructive cyclones and probably the most concerning, a rise in the frequency and extent of coral bleaching caused by increasing peak summer temperatures.

The Authority aims to achieve its goals through a number of vitally important relationships. Most important is the link to public communities through our local marine advisory committees, Reef Guardian programs and publications. The Queensland Government is a key partner in delivering the operational management of the Marine Park through its environment and fisheries portfolios. The head of the Queensland Premier's Department is a member of the Authority.

The Authority operates cooperatively and is closely linked with other important Australian Government departments and agencies. We are grateful for the support and advice we receive from the industry peak bodies, especially in tourism and fisheries, and the Reef Advisory Committees working on critical issues. We also value the cooperative relationships with the scientific research community, particularly through joint ventures with umbrella consortiums, such as the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre comprised of nine important research and academic members.

The increasing use and development in and adjacent to the Marine Park and World Heritage Area are critical matters. Strong policies need to be put in place to ensure that natural, cultural and social values are adequately maintained. In the case of conflicting uses, or restrictions on incremental change in use, the Authority must recommend limits to the uses of the Park.

Key issues for the Authority are responding to climate change and declining water quality, management of a large and expansive reef-based tourist industry, commercial and recreational fishing pressures, shipping, urban growth, coastal development, and the downstream effects of land use. The cumulative impact of these trends place critical pressure on management approaches.

Our role of caring for the Marine Park and developing its uses in an ecologically sustainable way is important for Australia, the international community and of course, the Great Barrier Reef.

Russell Reichelt
Chairman and Chief Executive