The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is the Australian Government agency responsible for management of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Marine Park). Among other things, the GBRMPA works towards the Marine Park's long-term protection and ecological sustainability, as well as understanding and enjoyment for all Australians and the international community, through the care and development of the Marine Park.

The GBRMPA is an Australian Government statutory authority and reports to the Australian Government Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts.

In order to engage the community and relevant experts in the management of the Marine Park, the GBRMPA has four Reef Advisory Committees and 11 Local Marine Advisory Committees.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, Corporate Plan, Australian Government policies, Portfolio Budget Statement, Outlook Report and government priorities guide the work program for the GBRMPA.

The GBRMPA has offices located in Townsville (main office), Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton to enhance community engagement in the areas adjacent to the Marine Park.  In addition a small office in Canberra provides ministerial and parliamentary liaison to the Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts portfolio and other Australian Government agencies.

Field management of the Marine Park is conducted in cooperation with Queensland Government agencies and other Australian Government agencies on behalf of the GBRMPA.

Services provided

The GBRMPA provides assistance and services to members of the public and stakeholder groups in the following areas:

• Assessment and issue of permits to undertake commercial activities in the Marine Park
• Advice and assistance, both nationally and internationally, on marine environmental management
• Provision of information and educational resources related to the Great Barrier Reef
• Operation of Reef HQ Aquarium, the education centre for the Marine Park.

Marine Park Authority Board (MPA)

The MPA membership consists of a full-time Chairman/Chief Executive Officer and up to four part-time members appointed by the Governor General. The current members are:

• Dr Russell Reichelt
  
• Mr Daniel Gschwind
  
• Mr Ken Smith
  
• Mr Russell Beer
• Ms Melissa George

Full profiles of the Authority members are available online.

Structure

The GBRMPA is structured into four main branches:

• Corporate Services
• Communication and Policy Coordination
• Environment and Sustainability
• Marine Park Management

Organisational structure chart [316KB]

Advisory Group Structure [202KB]

Performance Framework [106KB]